Legislative Advocacy
Services Overview
State & Federal Legislative Platform
March 31, 2026
Our State & Federal Lobbying Partners
Akin Gump Strauss
Hauer & Feld LLP
• Representative: Susan Lent
• Contract Start: 2019
• Scope: Federal advocacy
(direct advocacy with
government decision-
makers, forming &
coordinating professional
teams,
drafting/analyzing/monitori
ng legislation, coalition
management, grassroots
lobbying, policy strategy).
Gonsalves & Sons
• Representative: Paul
Gonsalves
• Contract Start: 2023
• Scope: State legislative
advocacy (funding &
policy initiatives, liaison
with state agencies,
monitoring legislation).
Capitol Advocacy
Partners
• Representative: Mary
Bergstrom
• Contract Start: 2021
• Scope: Federal advocacy
for Police Dept. (Public
Safety & Mental Health
Education & Job Training,
Economic Development
& Housing,
Transportation &
Infrastructure, Federal-
State Coordination).
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
• Global law and lobbying firm with a
dedicated government relations team
• Works across federal agencies,
Congress, and international policy
venues
• Experienced in securing funding,
advancing legislative priorities, and
coalition-building
• Known for strategic planning and
rapid-response advocacy
Capital Advocacy Partners
• Specializes in federal advocacy for local
governments with a focus on public safety,
primarily working with the Vallejo Police
Department.
• Collaborates with lawmakers and agencies
to address Vallejo’s public safety priorities.
• Monitors federal policies and tracks
relevant legislation affecting the City.
• Assists with identifying and applying for
federal grants for police programs.
Joe A. Gonsalves & Sons
• Founded in 1975, specializing in state
government relations.
• Advocates for local governments,
focusing on transportation, housing,
and public safety.
• Strong connections with California
legislators and state agencies.
• Provides strategic advice on state
legislation and funding relevant to
Vallejo.
Legislative Advocacy Procedural History
2016 – Concept Introduced
Staff first introduces the idea of a City Legislative Platform Council directs staff to develop a framework and begin
monitoring legislation
Council clarifies that ultimate advocacy authority remains with the Council
2017 – Framework Proposed
Support / Oppose / Monitor system and priority categories presented
Council discusses capacity for tracking, timely action, and engagement procedures
Framework is not yet adopted, but feedback informs future process
2018–2019 – Practice Begins
Staff begins applying draft framework conceptually
Engagement with legislators, lobbyists, and professional associations begins
Builds experience and process before formal adoption
Feb 2019 – First Formal Adoption
Council adopts official Legislative Priorities & Advocacy Procedures (Resolution 17-034 N.C.)
Categories codified: General Government, Housing,
Transportation, Economic Development, and more
Annual updates directed and distribution to stakeholders established
May 2023 – Reaffirmation & Update
Council updates platform to reflect current goals and
legislative trends
Maintains alignment with evolving Council priorities and advocacy strategy
2016
Concept
Introduced
2017
Framework
Proposed
2018-2019
Practice
Begins
2019
First Formal
Adoption
2023
Reaffirmation
& Update
Legislative Platform Overview
General Government
•Protect local control and government operations
•Support funding for essential services and
infrastructure
Housing & Neighborhoods
•Increase affordable, transitional, and supportive
housing
•Protect existing housing opportunities
Transportation & Infrastructure
•Secure funding for roads, transit, and infrastructure
projects
•Encourage efficient delivery and partnerships
Economic Development
•Support redevelopment, business incentives, and
workforce programs
•Promote strategic development of Mare Island and
underserved areas
Environment & Water Resources
•Promote renewable energy, water infrastructure,
and climate resilience
•Support broadband and digital inclusion
Public Safety & Emergency Response
•Support crime prevention, mental health services,
and disaster preparedness
•Preserve local public safety authority
Note: Full Legislative Platform provided to Council for reference.
Staff Process
Monitor & Track → 2. Evaluate & Position → 3. Take Action → 4. Report & Inform → 5. Council Oversight
NEXT STEPS/THANK YOU
Sidney Wilson – Legislative Advocacy Overview
City Manager’s Office
[email protected]
555 Santa Clara Street Vallejo, CA 94590
www.CityofVallejo.net
Update on the:
Unhoused Strategic
Plan & White Slough
City Manager’s Office – Unhoused Team
March 31, 2026
Presentation Overview
• Unhoused Strategic Plan Update
• Lived Experience Stipends
• White Slough Update
Unhoused Strategic Plan
Unhoused Strategic Plan Background
• 2024 – Staff began drafting Unhoused Strategic Plan
• Council provided feedback that a consultant should be considered to work on the plan
• December 2024 – Unhoused Strategic Plan Consultant RFP released • Consultant selected through RFP panel & agreement negotiated • December 2025 – consultant agreement brought before Council; Council did not approve agreement
• Quarter 1 2026 – staff began reviewing the previous draft and making edits / adding updated information
• Draft plan is not yet fully complete
In Process Unhoused Strategic Plan Update
Plan contains five sections
1. Plan Development
2. Vallejo’s Unhoused Statistics
3. Overview of current programs and projects
4. Strategies for Reducing and Addressing Homelessness
• Strategy 1: Improving Responses to Encampments Citywide • Strategy 2: Increase Local & Regional partnerships
• Strategy 3: Monitor and Measure Outcomes / Adjust Strategies
5. Resources
Lived Experience Stipends
Lived Experience Stipends
Lived Experience Stipends
Program
• Program to compensate individuals
with lived experience for their input &
expertise on potential future
programs & policies
• Establishes types of meetings / events
for reimbursement (must be pre-
approved):
• RFP/RFQ panels
• Policy review / development
meetings
• Focus Groups
• Listening sessions
• Other meetings deemed
appropriate
Compensation Procedure
• $25 per hour for approved meetings
(calculated to the closest half hour)
• Compensation forms will be
submitted, reviewed, and verified for
attendance processed through
Finance Dept. for payment
• Compensation will be via check to
meet City’s current payment
procedures
• Staff will work with individuals
on best way to receive checks
• Staff are reviewing alternative
payment forms to expand payment
options
White Slough
White Slough Parcel Map
White Slough Background
• Location: wetland area between Redwood Street & Highway 37 and Sonoma Blvd. & Sacramento St.
• Made up of Public Parcels (VFWD & Caltrans) & Several Private Parcels (with multiple owners)
• Area of most concern – referred to as “the spit” – peninsula portion made up of 2 privately owned parcels (Property #1 & Property #2 on previous slide) • Council requested that staff come back with estimated cost to conduct clean- up of the private parcels
• Previous actions taken to address the area:
• Public Property Clean-up – City supported clean-up with Caltrans & VFWD
• City Attorney’s Office has filed nuisance abatement cases on the four privately owned properties with encampment activities
Clean-up Estimated Costs
• Cost estimate: $208K
• PW equipment, PW staff,
subcontractor, estimate for
tows, dump fees, 20%
contingency
• Estimate does not include: staff time
from CMO, CAO, Code or VPD to
support these efforts
• Estimate does not include: costs for
outside agencies to support
[Replace with Image]
Next Steps & Potential Challenges
• Towing
• Approx. 140 items need to be removed & will likely create capacity challenges for tow companies
• City looking into alternative options (additional tow companies and/or temporary additional storage location for towed items) * would be an additional cost outside of previous estimate
• Seeking outside funding sources to help cover costs
• Working with local, state & federal partners to identify short- & long-term strategies
• Access to property & order of abatement being sought by CAO • Even with court order City will not have right to inhibit access to the properties – may be challenging to prevent reoccupation of the properties • Approximate Timeline:
• 2 months to receive court order to abate properties
• 3 weeks to conducts clean-up
Council Direction
Requested Council Direction
• Input and direction on next steps on developing the Unhoused Strategic Plan
• Approve allocating up to $1,000 towards Lived Experience Stipends • Direction on next steps for addressing White Slough
THANK YOU
Nalungo Conley – Assistant City Manager
City Manager’s Office
[email protected]
Natalie Peterson, Assistant to the City Manager
[email protected]
City of Vallejo
555 Santa Clara Street Vallejo, CA 94590
www.cityofvallejo.net
2025 General Plan
Annual Progress
Report (APR)
Planning and Development Services Department
March 31, 2026
“Propel Vallejo” General Plan 2040
• Defines a vision for future change
and guides the location and character
of development
• Includes goals, policies, and
programs to enhance Vallejo’s
economy, conserve resources,
improve public services and safety,
and foster community well-being
Adopted August 2017
Annual Progress Report (APR)
• Required for every municipality and county in California • Must be submitted annually to Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) and California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) by April 1
• Provides the Planning Commission, City Council, LCI, and HCD with a progress report on implementation of the General Plan as well as the jurisdiction’s share of the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA)
Planning Commission Acceptance
• City of Vallejo Planning Commission reviewed and accepted 2025 APR on March 2, 2026
• Commissioners expressed interest in promoting mixed-use development (commercial uses together with residential units), particularly infill development along Vallejo’s commercial corridors.
General Plan Implementation
Highlights
Housing Element Adoption and Zoning Implementation
• City Council adopted 6th Cycle (2023-
2031) Housing Element in December
2024
• Included General Plan Land Use Map,
Zoning Map, and Zoning Ordinance
amendments to ensure the City can
accommodate its RHNA, consistent
with Housing Element Programs A
1.1.6 and A 1.1.7
• Advances General Plan Goal CP-2 –
Diverse Housing Opportunities
Solar Streetlight Retrofit in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods • In February 2025, the City Council
approved purchase of solar streetlight
equipment used to retrofit damaged
streetlights along Curtola Parkway
between Lemon and Napa Streets.
• Funding provided through federal Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
• Advances General Plan Goals:
• CP-1 – Healthy Community
• NBE-4 – High-Quality Infrastructure
and Services
• NBE-2 – A Place Where People Want
to Be.
Newly installed streetlights
Regional Transportation Coordination
• In March 2025, the City Council authorized
membership and legislative advocacy contributions to
the Solano Transportation Authority (STA)for FY
2025-26 through 2027-28.
• STA is Solano County’s regional transportation
agency, coordinating planning, funding, and advocacy
for roadway safety, transit connectivity, and mobility; • Participation ensures access to state/federal funding and countywide transportation coordination
• Advances General Plan Goals:
• MTC-1 – Multimodal Transportation System
• NBE-4 – High-Quality Infrastructure and Services
KB Home Residential Subdivision
• In November 2025, the Planning
Commission approved development of
130 single-family residences on
approximately 17 acres located at 201
Rollingwood Drive
• Advances General Plan Goals:
• CP-2 – Diverse Housing Opportunities
• NBE-3 – Complete Neighborhoods
• NBE-4 – High-Quality Infrastructure
and Services
Approved subdivision map
Housing Production
2025 Vallejo Housing Unit Production
Income
Level:
RHNA Unit
Allocation:
Projection
Period: 2023: 2024: 2025:
Total Units
to Date:
Remaining
Units:
Very Low 690 4 6 10 7 27 663
Low 369 0 12 10 33 55 314
Moderate 495 0 9 7 10 26 469
Above
Moderate 1,346 144 94 41 143 422 924
Total Units: 2,900 148 121 68 193 530 2,370
Housing Element
Program Implementation
Highlights
Program F 1.1.3 – Renter Protection & Housing Stability • $1.4M One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) 3 funds for Downtown Specific Plan Update, reprogramed to support program implementation
• Funding supports citywide engagement + feasibility analysis for anti- displacement policies
• Work will inform potential ordinances: rent stabilization, just cause for eviction, anti-harassment, tenants right to counsel
• RFP issued (Oct 2025); 7 proposals received (Dec 2025); consultant contract execution anticipated April 2026; completion anticipated by Q4, 2026 Program B 2.1 – Inclusionary Housing & Commercial Linkage • City contracted with EPS to prepare Inclusionary Housing & In-Lieu Fee Feasibility Analysis
• Prelim Feasibility/Nexus studies completed June 2025; presented at joint PC/CC study sessions (July & November 2025)
• Analysis found both residential & commercial prototypes not financially feasible, even before affordability requirements or new fees • November 2025 direction: proceed with ordinance drafting and incorporate flexibility to address feasibility concerns
• Draft ordinance anticipated mid-2026
THANK YOU
Staff Contact: Hector Rojas
Long Range Planning Manager
[email protected]
City of Vallejo
555 Santa Clara Street Vallejo, CA 94590
www.vallejo.gov
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Garden Restoration and Onigawara Placement
MARCH 31, 2026
Erik Rzomp, Executive Assistant to Mayor Andrea Sorce
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Tonight’s presentation is to:
• Provide background and context.
• Discuss options for the Japanese Garden.
• Assist in determining the final location for Onigawara placement. • Recommend approval for garden restoration in accordance with design plans.
• Get direction from council.
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Background - Vallejo’s Sister Cities
• Trondheim, Norway – as of January 4, 1960
• Akashi, Japan – as of December 9, 1968
• La Spezia, Italy - as of December 30, 1986
• Baguio, Philippines - as of May 25, 1993
• Bagamoyo, Tanzania – as of November 30, 1993
• Jincheon, South Korea- as of November 27, 2001
• Ensenada, Mexico – as of February 8, 2022
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Background
• Akashi, Japan & Vallejo
celebrated the 35th anniversary of
the Sister City relationship in 2003.
• The people of Akashi presented
the people of Vallejo with the gift
of a Japanese garden which
included specially selected plant
specimens and an Onigawara.
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Background
• An Onigawara is a roof tile statue of
an ogre – similar to a gargoyle to
ward off bad luck.
• Ceramic tile is the specialty of
Akashi.
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Background
• Vandalism and neglect over
many years took the garden into
a state of disrepair.
• The Onigawara was broken into
many pieces; the pieces were
recovered by a member of the
VSCA.
• Many of the original plants died.
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Background
• Akashi & Vallejo celebrated the 55th anniversary of the Sister City relationship in 2023 with a visit proposed by Akashi. • The state of the garden was an eyesore to the public, disrespectful to the Akashi visitors and a potential
embarrassment for the City.
• The Akashi delegation cancelled the trip, but a looming potential visit spurred action to restore the garden.
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Background
• Between 2022-2025 with the cooperation of community
volunteers, Sister City Association members, Sister City Commissioners and public works staff the garden was cleaned, weeded and the irrigation system repaired.
• The old concrete book repository was removed.
• The garden’s appearance has improved, but it is a nowhere near the original condition.
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Background
• Current state of the garden with the deodar and a maple remaining.
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Background
Current state of
the garden
viewed from
above.
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Background
• Artist Jean Cherie recast the Onigawara to be placed on the remaining original parts.
• The Vallejo Sister City Association funded the restoration work.
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Proposed
Artist’s rendering .
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Proposed
• The restored Onigawara be placed outside on a pedestal to be constructed by Public Works.
• The original garden area be repopulated with plants selected to resemble a Japanese garden.
• The Japanese garden theme to be extended to the empty garden plot on the upper level near the entrance of the JFK Library. • Resin plaques with plant names to be placed to replace stolen brass plaques.
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Plan
Drawing of
proposed plan
drafted by Public
Works
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Plan
Enlarged to show
detail
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Plan
Enlarged to show
detail
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Proposed
Yoshino cherry trees and Weeping Japanese cherry trees.
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Proposed
Laceleaf maple
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Proposed
Dwarf azaleas
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Costs
• Plants to be purchased by Vallejo Sister City Association as a gift.
• Public Works estimate:
• Labor and equipment - $1211.02
• Materials - $500
• The costs for placing and maintaining the Onigawara will be covered by the Public Works Department's General
Fund budget.
ONIGAWARA - JAPANESE GARDEN
Recommendation
• Approve plans for restoration of Japanese Garden located between City Hall and the JFK Library which includes the installation of the restored Onigawara on a concrete Pedestal and new plants in the Japanese garden located adjacent to City Hall.
THANK YOU
Erik Rzomp
Executive Assistant to the Mayor
[email protected]
City of Vallejo
555 Santa Clara Street Vallejo, CA 94590
www.cityofvallejo.net
PRESENTATION ON THE AIR DISTRICT COMMUNITY
BENEFITS FUND
City Manager’s Office
March 31st , 2026
Recommendation
• Provide feedback on categories as potential funding priorities for the Air District Grant:
– Homelessness and rapid rehousing with support services – Air monitoring and pollution tracking programs
– Workforce developmentprograms that target chronically underemployed youth and young adults in disadvantaged
communities
– Support for the differently abled communities with an emphasis on art therapy and education
– Environmental Justice groups that focus on South Vallejoand other impacted areas of the City with poor air quality indexes Background
• In January 2026, the Bay Area Air
District (BAAQMD) approved program
guidelines for their Community
Benefit Fund
• One of the identified funding “tracks”
is for Benicia and Related
Communities
• There are three funding buckets
available under this fund:
• Catalyst Grant- $10mil-$40mil
(Benicia only)
• Opportunity Grant- $500k-$5mil
• Seed Grants- $100k-$200k
Background Cont’d
• Projects must advance at least two of
the programs core strategies:
• Reducing air pollution and
improving health outcomes
• Building economic resilience
• There is no cap on how many
proposals you can be a co-applicant
on; however, you are limited to one
“Lead” applicant proposal in either
the Opportunity or Seed category
Grant Proposal-City of Vallejo (Lead Application)
• Safe Routes 2 Schools ($1million): Partnership with
STA/VCUSD
• Enhancement of existing program to expand to five (5) elementary schools • Supports Vision Zero priorities for Vallejo Police Department (VPD) • Funds additional VPD safety officers
• Targets parents and caregivers for education on bike and pedestrian safety • Creates safe routes to school maps
• Hold quarterly helmet fitting sessions (no cost)
• Create anti-idling campaign to reduce car emissions with a focus on pick-up and drop-off times
• Fund traffic studies at identified VCUSD schools for circulation and potential modifications to eliminate risks associated with children street crossings Grant Proposal-City of Vallejo (Lead Application) cont’d • Florance Douglas Senior Center Energy Upgrades
($1.5million)
• A comprehensive energy audit and load assessment
• Defining, identifying, and selecting specific areas for energy upgrades (e.g. HVAC, lighting, controls, insulation, plumbing, electric, solar panels inc. commercial battery, and upgrades to the commercial kitchen to move to electric appliances) • Fund preliminary design and spec development to its final construction phase within a standard municipal capital project timeline of 2-3 years • Leverage Air District Funds with award from MCE Community Benefit Fund. This will enhance Phase 1 of that project that includes Permitting & Technical Support, participation in the Clean Energy & Business Resilience Task Force, and Community Event Highlighting Early Outcomes & Business Improvement District Readiness Grant Proposal-City of Vallejo (Lead Application) cont’d • Planning Department Subsidies and Enhancements
($750k)
• Fund RFP to contract for Rental Inspection program that complies with the City’s updated Housing Element for Multi-family and Single rental units • Educational outreach to residential and commercial businesses about the green technology programs that can enhance property values, improve environmental conditions and air quality, reduce utility costs, and promote sustainability (consistent with Housing Element Policy I.1 and G.3 in the City’s updated Housing Element)
• Provide subsidies for EV charging stations
• Provide grants to households earning 80% AMI to purchase electric scooters and/or electric bikes
Grant Proposal-City of Vallejo (Lead Application) cont’d • Planning Department Subsidies and Enhancements
($750k)-Cont’d
• Partnership with Contra Costa County ($500k): Design and implement a program that layers additional Air District funding onto the Bay Area Regional Energy Network Home EASE Program focusing on activities that address gap funding to complete projects to further encourage all-electric building conversions (e.g. Heat pump installations, water heater replacements, window replacements, etc.) Grant Proposal-City of Vallejo (Lead Application) cont’d • Community-Based Environmental Justice Program and
Initiatives ($1.75mil)
The CoV is aware that the funding from the Air District provides an opportunity for many community-based organizations that have been providing environmental justice services, to receive financial support for their activities. These organizations have prioritized identifying the environmental burdens in their community and shaping the solutions to address these issues to improve overall health outcomes. It’s critical that this Air District funding be leveraged support these efforts. Council direction is needed to prioritize the funding categories:
a. Homelessness rapid rehousing with support services
b. Air monitoring and tracking programs with outcomes tied to public health initiatives c. Workforce development programs targeting chronically underemployed youth and young adults d. Support for the differently abled communities with an emphasis on art therapy and education e. Potential partnership with GVRD to enhance facilities in South Vallejo and other impacted areas of Vallejo with poor air quality indexes
Recommendation
• Provide feedback on categories as potential funding priorities for the Air District Grant:
– Homelessness and rapid rehousing with support services – Air monitoring and pollution tracking programs
– Workforce development programs that target chronically underemployed youth and young adults in disadvantaged
communities
– Support for the differently abled communities with an emphasis on art therapy and education
– Environmental Justice groups that focus on South Vallejo and other impacted areas of the City with poor air quality indexes Next Steps
• Issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for
a Project Manager for CBO fund
• Issue a Request for Information (RFI)
targeting Community Based
Organizations highlighting the
approved categories
• Identify a selection panel to review
and select programs/projects
• Complete grant application and
submit by May 29th, 2026 deadline
THANK YOU
Nalungo Conley, Assistant City Manager/Acting
Finance and Treasury Director
City Manager’s Office
[email protected]
City of Vallejo
555 Santa Clara Street Vallejo, CA 94590
www.cityofvallejo.net
RESOLUTION NO. 25-215 N.C.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VALLEJO APPROVING
THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE CONSULTANT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH JOE A. GONSALVES AND SON, TO INCREASE
THE CONTRACT AMOUNT AND TERM AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
WHEREAS, the City of Vallejo entered into a Consultant and Professional Services Agreement on February 21, 2024 with a not-to-exceed amount of $48,000 and an end date of December 31, 2024; a First Amendment on December 16, 2024 which increased the not-to-exceed amount to $160,000 and the end date to December 31, 2025; and
WHEREAS, there are times when the City relies on specialized professional lobbying services; and
WHEREAS, Joe A. Gonsalves & Son has been engaged by the City since 2022; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provided that consultant would provide certain professional services to the City in an amount not to exceed $48,0000 during the Term commencing on January, 1 2023 and ending on December 31, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the parties entered into a First Amendment to the Agreement on December 16, 2024, increasing the not to exceed amount to $ 98,000 and extending the Term to December 31, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to further amend the Agreement to further increase the compensation and extend the term.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby approves the Second Amendment to the Consultant and Professional Services Agreement between the City of Vallejo and Joe A. Gonsalves & Son to increase the total amount of the contract not-to-exceed amount by $60,000 for a total not to exceed amount of $ 158,000.00, extends the term of the contract to December 31, 2026, and authorizes the City Manager to execute same.
Docusign Envelope ID: 74E0D02C-AA07-4401-BAF0-2CD5577CE09E ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VALLEJO at a regular meeting held on December 16, 2025, with the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gordon, Matias and Matulac
NOES: Councilmember Lediju
ABSENT: Mayor Sorce, Vice Mayor Bregenzer and Councilmember Palmares ABSTAIN: None
ANDREA SORCE, MAYOR
ATTEST:
DAWN G. ABRAHAMSON, CITY CLERK
Docusign Envelope ID: 74E0D02C-AA07-4401-BAF0-2CD5577CE09E
1 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Lorene Allio PhD for Fresh Air Vallejo (FAV)
DATE: March 30, 2026
RE: Recommendations on Funding Priorities for BAAQMD Community Benefits Fund (REPAIR Program)
OVERVIEW
Fresh Air Vallejo (FAV) appreciates the City’s leadership in pursuing funding through the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Community Benefits Fund. This is a critical opportunity not only to secure funding, but to ensure that investments directly reduce pollution exposure and improve health outcomes in Vallejo’s most impacted communities.
SOME DATA:
• CalEnviroScreen 4.0 identifies multiple Vallejo census tracts—including those in South Vallejo—as disadvantaged communities among the highest 25% of burdened census tracts in the State of California (often above the +90th percentile for combined exposure/ pollution burden, and individual socioeconomic vulnerability indexes). Focusing on these communities provides an equity lens aligned with the REPAIR program’s purpose.
Image 1. CalEnviroScreen 4.0 2022 Disadvantaged SB535 Census Tracts in Vallejo
2 • Asthma emergency visit rates in disadvantaged communities in Vallejo are significantly elevated and are among the highest in the State of California, particularly among children.
Notably, the South Vallejo zip code has asthma rates for children that are in the top (i.e. worst) 2% for the entire the State of California. Children living near or attending schools in high-traffic corridors experience higher rates of asthma and respiratory illness. Targeted interventions can significantly reduce exposure during critical developmental years
Recommendations
We offer the following recommendations to strengthen the City’s proposed funding priorities in order to:
-Increase Vallejo’s competitiveness for BAAQMD funding; -Align COV more closely with Environmental Justice (EJ) best practices that inform the REPAIR program; and
-Ensure that if the grant is received, that there will be meaningful benefits for Vallejo residents most impacted by pollution.
Key Recommendation 1: Explicit Targeting of Disadvantaged Communities All proposed projects should explicitly prioritize disadvantaged census tracts and communities experiencing the highest cumulative pollution burden. In Vallejo, this includes South Vallejo, which is widely recognized as the most impacted area in the city area due to proximity to major transportation corridors, industrial uses, and legacy pollution sources.
Recommendation:
Adopt clear criteria requiring that all funded projects demonstrate direct and measurable benefits to disadvantaged census tracts, with South Vallejo identified as a priority geography.
Key Recommendation 2: Strengthen Air Quality Impact and Targeted Place-Based Investments
Projects should clearly demonstrate direct air pollution reduction or exposure mitigation,
3 with investments geographically targeted to impacted neighborhoods.
Examples:
• Clean Air and Resilience Centers:
While we recognize the value of creating clean electricity at the Florence Douglas Senior Center, this is not a truly targeted strategy and is unlikely to be funded. The city should instead prioritize the Norman King Community Center in South Vallejo as a Community Resilience and Clean Air Center providing high-level air filtration and cooling in their proposal. This facility is located within a highly impacted community and would provide critical protection during wildfire smoke events, high pollution days, and extreme heat events. Providing a dedicated source of funding for this could improve the quality of life for many residents who have neither weatherized homes nor air conditioning, which creates a significant risk when wildfires and more frequent extreme heat events occur.
• Safe Routes to School:
Safe Routes to School investments should prioritize schools located within disadvantaged communities and high-exposure areas such as Grace Patterson Elementary School. Grace Patterson is uniquely burdened due to its location bordered by Interstate 80, Highway 29, downwind of Mare Island’s current and former industrial activity, and its proximity to the Phillips 66 refinery across the Carquinez Strait. The student population includes uniquely susceptible young children (Transitional-Kindergarten to 6th grade), and a disproportionate number of these children already suffer from asthma, making this an urgent environmental health priority.
Recommendation:
- Include Traffic and emissions reduction strategies
- Air filtration improvements
- Student and family education on air quality and health - Safe walking and biking infrastructure that reduces exposure including sidewalks and tree planting
Key Recommendation 3: Refocus Community-Based Organization (CBO) Funding The current proposal for community funding is too broad and risks diluting impact and should be aligned with the purpose of the REPAIR program.
Recommendation:
Establish clearly defined Environmental Justice CBO funding categories aligned with air quality outcomes and reduction of negative impacts such as:
1. Support for EJ Education (including air quality) and Advocacy
2. Community-Based Air Monitoring and Data Collection
3. Exposure Reduction (e.g., indoor air filtration) that serve the underserved in EJ census tr
4. Youth & Workforce programs serving those in disadvantaged communities and tied to environmental health and climate resilience
Key Recommendation 4: Leverage Existing Community Engagement 4 The City should build upon existing environmental justice engagement and data efforts already underway through programs like EJ4Vallejo which includes Fresh Air Vallejo and their partners the Vallejo chapter of the NAACP, Center for Urban Excellence, Centro Latino, Citizens Air Monitoring Network, and Vallejo Housing Justice Network.
Recommendation:
Formally integrate community partners into outreach, implementation, and evaluation strategies to ensure that investments are sustainable, that residents of disadvantaged communities are included, and so that programs reflect lived experience and community priorities.
Conclusion
By strengthening geographic targeting, prioritizing high-burden communities such as South Vallejo, and aligning investments with measurable air quality and sustained health outcomes, Vallejo can significantly improve the competitiveness of its application while ensuring that resources reach those most impacted.
Fresh Air Vallejo welcomes the opportunity to collaborate further with the City to strengthen this proposal and ensure community-centered, equity-driven outcomes.