TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to submit a grant application to the State of California Strategic Growth Council through the Urban Greening for Sustainable Communities Program, in an amount totaling $1,500,000, to implement the Long Beach Low Impact Development Academy. (District 7)
DISCUSSION
As the Workforce Investment Board's administering agency, the Workforce Investment Network (Network) administers the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) , American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and other employment and training funds awarded annually and throughout the year. Those funds support job-training programs and business services delivered by five One-Stop Career Centers and selected community-based organizations to assist local residents in updating skills, transitioning from a lay-off, and filling skills gaps with businesses in the local economy.
California's Strategic Growth Council (Council) was created in 2008 to oversee efforts of State agencies that improve air and water quality, protect natural resources, promote public health, assist local entities in the planning and meeting of sustainable community goals, and provide other community benefits. Through the Natural Resources Agency, the Council has released a Solicitation for Proposals (Solicitation) around urban greening projects in local communities.
The Network, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability, proposes to apply for up to $1,500,000 in grant funding through the Solicitation to implement and operate the Long Beach Low Impact Development Academy (Academy). The Academy will engage more than 100 youth and young adults in important sustainability strategies and work experience that tie to education and career paths, while simultaneously connecting restorative activities to the Hilltop Park property in concert with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine. Areas of focus will be on mulching operations, urban farming and forestry, rainwater rescue, and overall sustainability of the property.
This letter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on April 21, 2010 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell, on April 23, 2010.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on May 11, 2010 in order to submit the grant application in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT
The receipt of grants funds is not currently budgeted. If the application is approved, an appropriation increase of the actual grant amount in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Community Development (CD) will be requested. There will be no impact to the General Fund. An estimated 100 temporary jobs would be created through the project training, with secondary, long-term goals around full-time employment for project trainees.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DENNIS J. THYS |
APPROVED: |
DIRECTOR |
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |
BODY
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE URBAN GREENING GRANT PROGRAM, UNDER THE STRATEGIC GROWTH COUNCIL FOR THE LONG BEACH LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY