Community Development Agency
www.santa-ana.org/community-development
Item # 10
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
November 19, 2024
TOPIC: Bureau of Justice Assistance FY24 – Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grant Funds
AGENDA TITLE
Approve Appropriation Adjustment to Recognize the Bureau of Justice Assistance FY24 – Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grant Funds (Non-General Fund)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve appropriation adjustment to recognize a disbursement of $963,000 in funds from the Department of Justice – Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance in revenue account (no. 12718002-52000, Federal Grant-Direct) and appropriate the same amount to expenditure account (no. 12718700-69135, Payment to Subagent) to implement the Santa Ana Alternative Response Program. (Requires five affirmative votes)
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
DISCUSSION
In 2021, Congress announced the restoration of federal earmarks rebranded as “Community Project Funding” or “Congressionally Directed Spending.” Community Project Funding was designed to allow legislators to allocate funding to specific projects in their jurisdiction. Funds can be used for spending at the request of a member who must submit a certification letter explaining the purpose of the funds.
On March 14, 2023, the City of Santa Ana submitted an application to Congressman Lou Correa for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2024 Community Project Funding. The proposed application requested Community Project Funding to implement the Santa Ana Alternative Response Program which will provide additional resources to address non-emergency quality-of-life issues in the city.
The City was notified of an award allocation of $963,000 for the Santa Ana Alternative Response Program by the Department of Justice – Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance and on August 19, 2024 the City received notification of an award of the same amount.
The purpose of the Santa Ana Alternative Response Program is to provide enhanced street-outreach based outreach and engagement; transitioning non-emergency calls to
Appropriation of BJA FY24 – Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grant Funds November 19, 2024
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subject matter experts who are highly trained in crisis intervention, mental health, addiction, and medical services for unhoused individuals in the City of Santa Ana.
Expected outcomes of this program include the following: increased response times of law enforcement officers for calls for service, a cost-effective resolution for individuals experiencing mental health crises and/or substance abuse disorders, and a reduction of the City’s unsheltered homeless population.
With these one-time funds, staff is recommending approval to administer these funds for the operation of an enhanced homeless street outreach program. Contingent upon approval, staff will enter into an agreement with a service provider to conduct street- outreach based outreach and engagement.
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the appropriation will recognize $963,000 in funds from the Department of Justice – Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance in the revenue account (no. 12718002-52000, Federal Grant-Direct) and appropriate the same amount into the Bureau of Justice Assistance Byrne Discretionary Community Project (BJA BDCP) Grant expenditure account (no. 12718700-69135, Payment to Subagent) for projected expenditures as follows:
Fiscal
Year
Accounting
Unit-Account
Fund Description Accounting Unit,
Account Description
Amount
FY 24-25 12718700-69135 Byrne Discretionary
Community Project
BJA BDCP Grant,
Payment to subagent
$ 275,142
FY 25-26 12718700-69135 Byrne Discretionary
Community Project
BJA BDCP Grant,
Payment to subagent
$550,284
FY 26-27 12718700-69135 Byrne Discretionary
Community Project
BJA BDCP Grant,
Payment to subagent
$137,574
Total $963,000
Any remaining balances not expended at the end of the fiscal year will be presented to City Council for approval of carryovers to FY 25-26.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Award Package FAW-182005
2. Congress Certification Letter dated March 24, 2023
Submitted By: Michael L. Garcia, Executive Director of Community Development Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager