TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute any and all necessary documents with the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, to receive a grant award in the amount of $20,000 for a period of one year for the FY 2014 National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention Expansion Project;
Authorize City Manager to execute any and all necessary documents for the implementation and administration of the program; and
Increase appropriations in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Development Services (DV) by $20,000. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On September 30, 2014, the Department of Development Services was awarded a grant in the amount of $20,000 from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, for the FY 2014 National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention Expansion Project. The grant is a one-year grant beginning October 1, 2014, and ending on September 30, 2015. There is no cash or in-kind match required for this grant.
At the direction of President Obama, the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education launched the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention (Forum) to begin a national conversation concerning youth and gang violence prevention, awareness, and to elevate the issue to national significance. To enhance these efforts, the federal government supports Forum funded cities as they align and coordinate existing resources, engage in community outreach, develop and maintain strong collaboratives, and increase the engagement of youth, the faith community, law enforcement, victim services, and other key partners in their efforts to prevent violence. The Forum grant provides funding to assist with planning, implementation and travel to the national summit on youth violence prevention.
On May 13, 2014, the City Council approved the adoption of Safe Long Beach, Violence Prevention Plan (Plan). The Plan is focused on all forms of violence prevention, including youth and gang violence and, as such, is aligned with the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention Expansion Project. The Forum grant will enhance Plan implementation with a focus on youth and gang violence. Designation as a Forum city allows the City of Long Beach to receive national recognition for its efforts to prevent violence and, thereby, become highly competitive for additional federal and state grants.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard Anthony on October 23, 2014, and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on October 22, 2014.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on November 11, 2014, to allow swift implementation of the grant activities.
FISCAL IMPACT
An appropriation increase in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Development Services (DV) for $20,000 in grant funds is requested as part of the recommended action. There is no cash or in-kind match required for this grant. This action will not impact local jobs.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
AMY J. BODEK, AICP
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER