TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute two agreements, and any necessary documents with Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee, in separate amounts of $50,000 and $75,050, and to accept, expend and administer the funds, and any necessary amendments thereto;
Authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement with the Southern California Association of Governments, for the purpose of partnering on the production of Activate Uptown event held on October 1, 2016, and any necessary amendments thereto; and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Public Works Department (PW) by $113,764. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
In 2009, the 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 over that period. Open Streets programs further encourage active transportation options by providing a safe and protected environment for adults, families and children who may not otherwise consider walking or bicycling. In addition, these programs promote first and last mile connections since many people arrive at these events using public transit service, such as Long Beach Transit and Metro Blue Line.
Open Streets events, also known as “ciclovias” (Spanish for “bicycle paths”), are events that close local or arterial public streets to vehicle traffic to allow residents to participate in walking, bicycling, skating, and shopping along the route free of traffic. These events originated in Bogota, Colombia, and have since spread to other cities around the world including Mexico, Paris, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
In September 2015, City staff pursued funding for 2016 Beach Streets and Open Streets events through the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee’s (MSRC) 2015 Local Government Match Program. In November 2015, MSRC awarded the City $50,000 for Beach Streets Downtown and $75,050 for Activate Uptown in North Long Beach. Both funding agreements include a local match requirement. The local match requirement is supported by various City funds, as well as funding from Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).Beach Streets Downtown was held on March 19, 2016, and was partially funded by a contribution in the amount of $78,000 from Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe. The City partnered with SCAG to host Activate Uptown, which was held on October 1, 2016. Serving as an event sponsor, SCAG agreed to contribute 50 percent of the total event cost to fully fund the grant’s local match requirement.
City Council approval is requested to authorize the City Manager to execute contracts, and all necessary amendments, with the MSRC for the receipt of grant funding in amounts of $50,000 and $75,050 to partially offset costs incurred for the Beach Streets Downtown and Activate Uptown ciclovias, respectively. City Council approval is also requested to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with SCAG for the purpose of partnering in the production of the Activate Uptown event.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on December 5, 2016 and by the Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on November 28, 2016.
SUSTAINABILITY
Open 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 MSRC’s air quality goals, as well as Metro’s mobility goals for Open Streets events.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on December 20, 2016 to finalize the MSRC grant agreements and receive reimbursement for program outlays.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the Beach Streets Downtown event was $281,000. In addition to the $50,000 MSRC grant, the event was supported by various funding sources budgeted in the Public Works Department (PW), including $1,000 in General Capital Project funds, $100,000 in funding from AB 2766 Motor Vehicle Subvention Program, $78,000 from the Office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, $2,000 from City Council District 3 one-time discretionary funds, and $50,000 from City Council District 2 one-time discretionary funds.
The total City cost of the Activate Uptown event was $63,764, which is offset by MSRC grant funding. Per the agreement included in this recommendation, SCAG will fully fund the 50 percent local match requirement.
The total cost associated with each event includes event operations, technical assistance, outreach, promotion, and supplies. Both MSRC grant agreements are currently unbudgeted. An increase of $113,764 in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Public Works Department (PW) is requested and is offset by reimbursement grant revenues.
There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
CRAIG A. BECK
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER