TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any subsequent amendments, with the California Green Business Network to receive $30,000 in grant funds, to implement the Green Business Certification Program; and
Increase appropriations in the Development Services Fund (EF 337) in the Development Services Department (DV) by $30,000, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On March 6, 2018, the City of Long Beach (City) submitted an application for the California Green Business Network (CAGBN) New Community Grant, which offers funding towards new Green Business Recognition programs joining the network. The CAGBN works with small- to medium-sized businesses to create a vibrant green economy. Led by a coalition of cities and counties, the CAGBN helps make communities healthier and more livable while also conserving resources and saving money.
The City will be a sub-grantee under the CAGBN to carry out its mission of certifying green businesses. CAGBN requires that new programs under this grant certify at least 15 businesses during their first year of operation.
The Long Beach Green Business Program (Program) will be launched in partnership with other City departments, utility providers, and the business community. The Program is supported by Public Works Environmental Services Bureau, Long Beach Water Department, Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau, the Gas and Oil Department, and Southern California Edison. These partners will provide technical support to businesses in meeting program requirements and support outreach efforts to the business community.
Green Business Certification will be provided free of charge to all Long Beach businesses, and the program will strive to connect businesses with any resources and incentive programs available to help businesses go green. Businesses that achieve certification will be promoted on the City’s website and social media channels, listed on the CAGBN database of green businesses, and provided with branded material to showcase their Certified status.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on April 12, 2018.
SUSTAINABILITY
Long Beach’s Sustainable City Action Plan, which was approved by the City Council on February 2, 2010, includes a goal to certify 100 green businesses. The CAGBN funding and program enable the City to achieve this goal by improving Green Certification standards and providing funding that can be used for outreach to the business community, especially disadvantaged areas.
Environmental benefits of the Program include reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reduced waste, water conservation, and reduced pollution. As of 2017, CAGBN programs had certified 3,557 businesses and measured 784 million gallons of water saved, 977,000 tons of GHG reductions, 1.4 million tons of waste diverted, and $41 million in utility savings for businesses. The Program will encourage sustainable business practices in the city and track businesses’ accomplishments in reducing their environmental footprint.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on May 1, 2018, to execute the necessary documents to receive these funds. The City is required to complete a minimum of 15 certifications within the 12-month grant period.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive $30,000 in grant revenues for the period of March 1, 2018 through March 1, 2019. As the grant funds are not currently appropriated, an appropriation increase of $30,000 in the Development Services Fund (EF 337) in the Department of Development Services (DV) is requested as part of the recommended action. The grant requires a $30,000 in-kind match that will be met through staff time provided by the Office of Sustainability and its community partners. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER