TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to accept and expend $2,000 in sponsorship funding from Orange County’s Credit Union and $4,000 in sponsorship funding from the Port of Long Beach to support the Neighborhood Leadership Program Classes of 2020 and 2021; and
Increase appropriations in the Community Development Grants Fund Group in the Development Services Department by $6,000, offset by sponsorship revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to accept a $2,000 sponsorship from Orange County’s Credit Union and a $4,000 sponsorship from the Port of Long Beach to fund the Neighborhood Leadership Program (NLP) classes of 2020 and 2021. The NLP provides training for residents working to improve their neighborhoods. The 2020 class marks the fourth year that Orange County’s Credit Union has awarded funding to support the NLP and the sixth year that the Port of Long Beach has awarded funding to support the NLP. The Port of Long Beach funding is provided through The Long Beach Community Investment Company as fiscal partner.
The NLP is a nationally recognized, multi-lingual, multi-cultural training designed to improve neighborhoods through capacity building of residents. The program is free to participants and has been offered by the Department of Development Services Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau since 1992. Over 750 residents have completed this intensive curriculum, which develops leadership and neighborhood improvement skills. The NLP Class of 2020 began on March 5, 2020. Participants will work together to learn grant writing skills and implement six community projects. For most participants, the program marks their first experience with grant proposal writing. Participants learn the value of leveraging resources and developing partnerships to positively impact Long Beach neighborhoods. Participants attended a one-day human relations weekend retreat focusing on human relations to learn effective conflict management skills, build relationships, and shared team-building exercises. The program provides translation support to non-English speaking participants.
The Neighborhood Leadership Program is currently adhering to all directives and guidelines regarding COVID-19. Class sessions are hosted via online meeting platforms and any future events will be conducted in accordance with the City’s Health Orders.
This matter was reviewed by Assistant City Attorney Michael J. Mais on July 1, 2020 and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on June 30, 2020.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on August 4, 2020, to receive the sponsorship funding in support of 2020 and 2021 program activities.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Development Services Department will receive $2,000 in funds from Orange County’s Credit Union and $4,0000 in funds from the Port of Long Beach to help fund the NLP classes of 2020 and 2021. The sponsorships will allow the Department to help fund a graduation event for the 2020 class and a neighborhood leaders alumni reunion and recruitment event in 2021. These sponsorship funds do not require matching funds or in-kind services. An appropriation increase for the aggregate sponsorship amount of $6,000 is requested in the Community Development Grants Fund Group in the Development Services Department. This recommendation brings available funding for the Neighborhood Leadership Program to $36,601, offset by $6,000 from these new sponsorships and $30,601 in existing appropriation from other funding sources including Community Development Block Grant funding, and previous grants from Marathon Petroleum and Laserfiche. The requested action has no staffing impacts 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,
OSCAR W. ORCI
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER