TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution approving the acceptance of grant funds from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) in the amount of $250,000;
Authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents with SCAG relating to the grant awarded to the Development Services Department for professional planning services to study land use regulations for North Long Beach in the context of the City’s proposed updated General Plan; and
Increase appropriations in the Development Services Fund (EF 337) in the Development Services Department (DV) by $28,000 to provide matching funds. (Districts 8,9)
DISCUSSION
SCAG recently awarded the City of Long Beach a Sustainability Planning Grant. Under this grant program, the Department of Development Services will receive $250,000 in planning services from a firm to be procured by SCAG with the City’s input. This firm will conduct community engagement and outreach, assess existing conditions, and devise zoning mechanisms that will improve rates of investment, achieve land-use and transportation goals, and improve the overall quality of life in the greater North Long Beach area.
The Department of Development Services, in consultation with the City Manager, applied for $881,310 in grant funds from SCAG in November 2016. SCAG received a high volume of grant requests and the City was able to secure $250,000 in initial funding. In March 2017, staff came to an agreement with SCAG regarding a reduced scope for the project consistent with the awarded funding amount. An unfunded second phase of the project will be pursued if and when future funding becomes available. The complete scope and funding memo are attached as Exhibit A. City Council approval is required now to accept the grant.
The planning efforts funded by this grant are generally focused on areas of the City north of Del Amo Boulevard with a particular emphasis on commercial corridors such as Long Beach Boulevard, Atlantic Boulevard, Artesia Boulevard, Cherry Avenue, Paramount Boulevard and South Street. This grant advances SCAG and the City’s shared goal of promoting sustainable development, community empowerment and linking land-use and transportation to improve health and reduce vehicle emissions.
SCAG requires a City Council Resolution for the acceptance of this grant. Upon adoption of this Resolution, the City Manager and Development Services will enter into a detailed agreement with SCAG, complete the consultant procurement process, and begin the project. In advance of this larger project, Development Services has provided technical support and staffing to the Vice Mayor’s Uptown Planning and Neighborhood Task Force, which is gathering strategic expert information regarding retail, housing, safety, arts and culture, parks, mobility, and other subjects of potential policy intervention for the enhancement of North Long Beach.
This matter was reviewed by Assistant City Attorney Michael J. Mais on April 12, 2017 and by Budget Management Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on April 14, 2017.
SUSTAINABILITY
This grant seeks to build upon existing community resources and strengths in North Long Beach, and expand the retail, service and housing opportunities in the area. This effort will allow residents to drive shorter distances, or walk, take the bus or bicycle, to jobs, amenities, goods and services within their community, reducing trip lengths and associated air quality emissions.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on May 2, 2017, to meet the timing and procedural requirement of SCAG.
FISCAL IMPACT
This action will allow the City to access $250,000 in consultant services funded by SCAG and paid directly to the consultant. The local match requirement of this grant consists of staff time (approximately $109,000), donated student/intern time in partnership with California State University Long Beach (approximately $8,000), and a direct match ($28,000), as well as future environmental review ($100,000). An appropriation increase of $28,000 in the Development Services Fund (EF 337) in the Development Services Department (DV) is requested to expend funds for the direct match. The cost will be offset by a General Plan Surcharge collected to fund these types of efforts. Appropriations for the environmental review will not be needed until Fiscal Year 2018 (FY 18) and have been requested as part of FY 18 budget process. The cost of the environmental review will also be offset by the General Plan Surcharge. There is no direct local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
AMY J. BODEK, AICP
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER