CITY COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST
Department(s):
Environmental Services
CEQA:
Not a Project, File No.
PP17-006, Grant
Application with no
commitment or
obligation to enter into an
agreement at the time of
application.
Coordination:
DOT, CAO, CMO –
Budget Office
Dept. Approval:
/s/ Kerrie Romanow
Council District(s):
3, 5, and 7
CMO Approval:
5/27/2022
SUBJECT: TRANSFORMATIVE CLIMATE COMMUNITIES PLANNING GRANT
APPLICATION
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a resolution authorizing the Environmental Services Department, working with the Department of Transportation, to apply for and accept a Transformative Climate Communities Planning Grant for $300,000, or any other amount awarded, and delegating the authority to the City Manager, or her designee, including Sarah Zárate to negotiate and execute all related documents, if awarded.
BASIS FOR RECOMMENDATION:
The Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Program is part of the state’s Climate Budget and funds measures to build climate adaptation and resilience through planning. This opportunity uniquely aligns with both the City of San José’s (City) equity and climate smart goals. This action is the first of a two-step process.
First, through this authorization, the City will apply for a planning grant. Then, if awarded, the planning grant will fund necessary work for the City to apply for an implementation grant.
The TCC program focuses investment on communities most burdened by environmental, socioeconomic, and health inequities, as identified by the state’s CalEnviroScreen tool. Under the grant requirements, to maximize impact of the planning activities, the grant area must not be greater than five square miles. At least 51 percent of the project area must be in a disadvantaged community under the CalEnviroScreen tool. The grant also requires collaboration with community groups. Through a collaboration with the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services Department and community-based organizations, Veggielution, LUNA, and ICAN, along with utilization the CalEnviroScreen tool, the City has identified an eligible project area. See attachment map titled TCC Potential Project Area.
If awarded this planning grant will be used to engage in activities that will prepare the City to apply for a TCC Implementation Grant or other similar grants. The planning grant activities will include partnership development, community engagement, community needs assessments, building capacity, identifying potential partners, and identifying projects that align with TCC strategies.
The planning process must involve community input and include at least three of the following strategies:
1. Equitable Housing and Neighborhood Development
2. Land Acquisitions for Affordable Housing
3. Transit Access and Mobility
4. Solar Installation, Energy Efficiency, and Appliance Electrification
5. Water Efficiency
6. Recycling and Waste Management
7. Urban Greening and Green Infrastructure
8. Health and Well-Being
9. Indoor Air Quality
10. Community Microgrids
11. Brownfield Redevelopment
COUNCIL AGENDA: 6/7/22
FILE: 22-831
ITEM: 2.17
In addition, the proposed planning activities will address how the projects that will be designed can incorporate the six Transformative Elements identified by the TCC:
1. Data Collection and Indicator Tracking
2. Community Engagement
3. Displacement Avoidance
4. Workforce Development and Economic Opportunities
5. Climate Adaptation and Resilience
6. Leverage Funding
At the end of this planning grant process, the City will have a detailed proposal ready to submit for implementation grants that will include Transformative Elements.
Climate Smart San José: The recommendation in this memorandum aligns with one or more Climate Smart San José energy, water, or mobility goals.
Commission Recommendation/Input: There is no commission recommendation or input.
COST AND FUNDING SOURCE:
Other than staff time, there is no cost associated with this grant application. If awarded, the Environmental Services Department’s Climate Smart San José program would receive $300,000 from California’s Strategic Growth Council. The planning grant does not require City grant matching fund, but staff anticipates some matching component for a future implementation grant. Staff will return to City Council for that authorization if it exceeds the City Manager’s authority.
FOR QUESTIONS CONTACT: Julie Benabente, Deputy Director, ESD (408) 975-2537 Attachment: TCC Potential Project Area Map