City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: JANUARY 23, 2024 FROM: OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER WARDS: 6 AND 7
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT UP TO $1,000,000 IN GRANT FUNDS AND AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A STANDARD AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF PLANNING AND RESEARCH/CALIFORNIA VOLUNTEERS PROGRAM FOR THE ROUND 3 “CONNECTING NEIGHBORS TO NEIGHBORS” PROGRAM TO FUND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND SMART GROWTH PROJECTS IN THE GREATER ARLANZA NEIGHBORHOOD – SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION ISSUE:
Approval of a Resolution to apply for, and acceptance of, up to $1,000,000 in Grant funds and authorization to enter into a Standard Agreement with the State of California Office of Planning and Research/California Volunteers Program for the Connecting Neighbors to Neighbors Program Grant to benefit community building and neighborhood sustainability efforts in the Arlanza neighborhood.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council:
Authorize a Resolution (Exhibit – A) to apply for, and for the acceptance of, up to $1,000,000 in Grant funds and authorization to enter into a Standard Agreement with the State of California Office of Planning and Research/California Volunteers Program to implement Connecting Neighbors to Neighbors Program funding; If awarded, approve a receipt of funding from the Round 3 Connecting Neighbors to Neighbors Program in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000; With at least five affirmative votes, and upon grant award, authorize the Chief Financial Officer or designee, to record an increase in revenue in an amount of $1,000,000, or the actual grant award, and appropriate expenditures in the same amount in the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund, Connecting Neighbors Program Grant revenue and expenditure accounts; and Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute any and all documents related to the application and administration of the Connecting Neighbors to Neighbors Program Grant including any applications, Standard Agreements, extensions, etc., making minor corrections as necessary.
BACKGROUND:
In December of 2023 the State of California Office of Planning and Research/California Volunteers Program offered the Round 3 “Connecting Neighbors to Neighbors” program grant which is a maximum of $1,000,000 for 24 months to conduct empowerment and planning work in the areas of sustainability, climate change, and community health. The City along with partners Riverside Community Health Foundation and Healthy Leaders Thriving Cities/Love Riverside, are proposing a program that will offer several Resident Leadership Academies revolving around sustainability issues, resident action “days of service” to complete projects for Arlanza residents, and the completion of a neighborhood sustainability plan that would position the neighborhood for future grant funding.
DISCUSSION:
The Grant bid documents require that the City have an authorizing Resolution in place if funding is awarded. The Neighbor-to-Neighbor program seeks to build on evidence-based practices to create strong networks in and across neighborhoods that support one another as well as jointly tackle shared community challenges. The Connecting Neighbors to Neighbors program is built on a framework that puts the neighborhood in the lead to drive activity and connections. This project would be operative for a twenty-four month performance period beginning in March of 2024. No matching funds are required for this grant.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This item contributes to Strategic Priority 3 – Economic Opportunity and Goal No. 3.2, Work with key partners in implementing workforce development programs and initiatives that connect local workers with high quality employment opportunities and provide access to education and training in Riverside.
The item aligns with each of the five Cross-Cutting Threads as follows
1. Community Trust – Applying for this grant and building a neighborhood based sustainability program will serve the public interest, benefit the City’s diverse populations, and result in greater public good.
2. Equity – By program design, the funding will be used to benefit underserved populations throughout the City, resulting in a more equitable distribution of opportunity.
3. Fiscal Responsibility – The City will ensure the use of grant funding in accordance with the guidelines provided by California Volunteers and maximize outcomes.
4. Innovation – This grant provides the City with the ability to create an innovative sustainability program.
5. Sustainability & Resiliency – This grant will provide funding for a sustainability efforts in the Arlanza, offering a template for other areas of the City.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If awarded, the total fiscal impact of this action is up to $1,000,000. No City matching funds are required. Upon grant award and City Council approval, an increase in revenue and an appropriation of expenditures in the amount of grant award will be recorded as outlined in the table below.
Fund
Program
Account
Amount
Revenue
Grants & Restricted Programs
Connecting Neighbors to Neighbors Program
TBD
$1,000,000
Expenditures
Grants & Restricted Programs
Connecting Neighbors to Neighbors Program
TBD
$1,000,000
Prepared by: Jeff McLaughlin, Grants Administrator
Certified as to
availability of funds: Kristie Thomas, Finance Director/Assistant Chief Financial Officer Approved by: Rafael Guzman, Assistant City Manager Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
Exhibits: A - Resolution
Connecting Neighbors to Neighbors Round 3 ● Page 2