TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any necessary amendments, with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, to partially offset costs for the Beach Streets University event; and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $216,000, offset by grant reimbursement revenue. (Districts 3,4,5)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to execute an agreement with Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) for the receipt of grant funding in the amount of $216,000, to partially offset costs for the Beach Streets University event.
In 2009, the City of Long Beach (City) announced its goal of becoming the most Bicycle Friendly City in America. Since then, bicycling and walking in the City have increased in popularity, with the number of people riding bikes nearly doubling citywide. Beach Streets, the City’s signature Open Streets events, celebrates sustainable and active transportation, local businesses, and communities in a comfortable, family-oriented environment. In addition, Beach Streets events promote first and last mile transit connections since many people arrive at these events using public transit service, such as Long Beach Transit and the Metro Blue Line.
In March 2019, staff pursued funding for Open Streets events through the Metro Fiscal Year 2020 Open Streets Grant Program, which provides Transit-Related Highway (Prop C 25 percent) funds for such events. In May 2019, Metro awarded the City $216,000 for the City’s eighth, full-scale Beach Streets event, Beach Streets University. The event will take place on March 21, 2020, transforming 4.1 miles of eastern Long Beach along Atherton Street adjacent to California State University Long Beach, Bellflower Boulevard, Los Coyotes Diagonal, and Spring Street into a car-free corridor for residents and visitors to walk, bike and shop. The event will be programmed with live music, family-oriented entertainment, and local food vendors.
Beach Streets events encourage active transportation options by providing a safe and protected environment for adults, families and children who may not otherwise consider walking or bicycling. The City has committed to hosting Beach Streets events throughout the City with previous events taking place in Uptown, Downtown and Midtown. Beach Streets University 2020 aims to exceed participation of the 2017 University event, which saw the highest Beach Streets attendance to date at 60,000 attendees.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on February 24, 2020 and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on February 27, 2020.
SUSTAINABILITY
Beach Streets events include a focus on sustainability, efficiency and alternative transportation modalities, which are intended to reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions while also prioritizing and promoting active transportation options, in accordance with Metro’s mobility goals for the Open Streets Program.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 10, 2020, to finalize the Metro grant agreement and receive reimbursement within the 60-day deadline.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the Beach Streets University event is estimated at $270,000. The total event cost is supported by a $216,000 reimbursement Open Streets grant from Metro. The remaining $54,000 represents the City’s grant match and is supported by existing appropriation within the Special Advertising and Promotions Fund Group in the City Manager Department. An appropriation increase in the amount of $216,000 is requested in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department, offset by reimbursement grant revenue. This recommendation is anticipated to have a minimal impact on staff hours beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CRAIG A. BECK
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
ACTING CITY MANAGER