DATE: FEBRUARY 21, 2023
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS
FROM: DAVID JACOBS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
BY: ADAM SPAULDING, ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE PLANNER
TITLE: CALIFORNIA GREEN BUSINESS NETWORK GRANT AWARD
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a resolution authorizing acceptance of grant funding and establishment of an appropriation of $30,000 and corresponding revenue budget to implement the “Green Business Program” throughout the City administered by the California Green Business Network on behalf of the City of Salinas.
BACKGROUND:
The California Green Business Network (CAGBN) has been working throughout the State to help educate and deliver “green” solutions to both large and small businesses. The City submitted an application for grant funding to support the hiring of an individual to help perform outreach and education throughout the City of Salinas. The CAGBN Board has approved the application and has allocated $30,000 for the hiring of a new team member to begin outreach and education initiatives throughout the City.
The focus of this outreach will be on electrification opportunities, reduction of single use plastics, pollution prevention, organic waste handling and edible food recovery. CAGBN will be involved in outreach and education throughout the City and deal with business of all types and sizes. They will leverage their knowledge and connections to identify opportunities for businesses in the community to move to a more sustainable future. The CAGBN also has created a promotional system to encourage businesses to participate in the programming, including certification stickers for display in the business’s window and promotional opportunities online. Their impact to help educate owners and change business practices will be a benefit for many departments in the City.
The CAGBN, under guidance from CalEPA, was tasked with identifying five new communities to expand its Green Business Program. Salinas was identified as a possible match and submitted an application to secure funding to support that expansion. After reviewing the application from the City, the CAGBN Board concluded that Salinas would be a great fit for the program.
While the CAGBN will work with all businesses in the City, there will be a strong focus in priority equity communities, who have been historically underserved and have lacked access to these and similar resources.
In accepting the grant award, and with the assistance of the CAGBN team, the City would be helping to conduct needed and complementary outreach/education to business owners throughout the City. The additional resources offered will be beneficial not only for electrification, but will also be utilized to focus attention on organic food recovery and disposal, single use plastics ban, recycling and other green initiatives throughout the City.
The CAGBN has a history of delivering success to the jurisdictions where they provide service. Their parallel and coordinated efforts will help to further many different initiatives from various departments throughout the City.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Guidelines Section 15378.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
Acceptance and use of the CAGBN “New Community Grant” supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the reduction of litter and conversion and use of green renewable technologies. These efforts support the City of Salinas 2022-2025 Strategic Plan Goals and Strategies including Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability.
DEPARTMENT COORDINATION:
This agenda item will be coordinated primarily by the Department of Public Works, but further input or promotional initiatives can be made at a later date.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
Acceptance of awarded CAGBN “New Community Grant” has no immediate impact to the City’s General Fund. The funding provided in this initial grant will cover the cost for the first year. If successful, the program can be extended beyond the initial year and contributions can be supplied by support fees for AB 939 in the Waste budget.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
CAGBN Application
City of Salinas Letter of Authorization
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