TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any subsequent amendments, with the California Green Business Network to receive $16,397 in grant funds, to continue the Green Business Certification Program; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund Group in the City Manager Department by $16,397, 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 provides funding to 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 Long Beach Green Business Program (Program) was recently awarded $16,397 for existing programs from CAGBN in the 2019-2020 funding round, which will be the third annual grant for the program.
The City will continue as a sub-grantee under the CAGBN to carry out its mission of certifying green businesses. CAGBN requires that existing programs under this grant certify at least 20 businesses during the funding period (May 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021).
The Program will continue in partnership with other City departments, utility providers, and the business community. The Program is supported by the Environmental Services Bureau in Public Work Department, Long Beach Water Department, Economic Development Department, Energy Resources Department, and Southern California Edison. These partners help provide technical support to businesses in meeting program requirements and collaborate in outreach efforts to the business community.
Green Business Certification will continue to be provided free of charge to all Long Beach businesses, and the program will continue to connect businesses with any resources and incentive programs available to help businesses go green. This includes a rebate through CAGBN of up to $500 for any expenses related to certification. Businesses that achieve certification will be promoted on the City’s website and social media channels, listed on the CAGBN database of green businesses, provided with branded material to showcase their Certified status, and recognized at an annual recognition event.
This matter was reviewed by Principal Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on April 29, 2020 and by Budget Management Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on May 3, 2020.
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 staff time and outreach to the business community, especially in disadvantaged areas.
Environmental benefits of the Program include reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reduced waste, water conservation, and reduced pollution. In 2019, CAGBN programs certified 4,000 businesses that measured 742 million gallons of water saved, 422,000 tons of GHG reductions, 291 million kilowatt hours of energy saved, 99,000 tons of waste diverted, and $18 million in utility savings. The Program will encourage sustainable business practices in the city and track reductions in the environmental footprint of businesses.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on May 19, 2020, to execute the necessary documents to receive these grant funds. The City is required to complete a minimum of 20 certifications within the 14-month grant period.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive $16,397 in grant revenues for the period of May 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. As the grant funds are not currently budgeted, an appropriation increase of $16,397 in the General Grants Fund Group in the City Manager Department is requested as part of the recommended action. The grant requires a $16,397 in-kind match that will be met through staff time provided by the Office of Sustainability and its partners. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council proprieties. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
THOMAS B. MODICA
ACTING CITY MANAGER