TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents and any subsequent amendments, including any amendments to the award amount and term dates, with the California Office of Traffic Safety to accept and expend grant funding in the amount of $326,477 for the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Initiative (Walk and Roll Long Beach) to reduce preventable pedestrian and bicycle injuries and fatalities in Long Beach for a 12-month period estimated to begin October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024, with an option to extend the agreement for an additional 36-month period at the discretion of the City Manager; and
Increase appropriations in the Health Fund Group in Health and Human Services Department by $17,466, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into an agreement with the California Office of Traffic Safety (CA OTS) to accept funding to support the continued implementation of the Health and Human Services Department’s (Health Department) bike and pedestrian safety efforts led by the Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention’s Walk and Roll Long Beach program.
The Health Department will use CA OTS funding to: 1) provide education and outreach activities to raise awareness of bicycle and pedestrian safety as a public health issue, 2) develop a safe streets messaging campaign in an effort to mitigate the impact of preventable injuries and fatalities on pedestrians and bicyclists, 3) partner with local community-based organizations to build their capacity to educate community members that may have language access barriers, 4) work to achieve mobility justice and increase transportation equity, and 5) reduce preventable pedestrian and bicycle injuries and fatalities, and improve bicycle and pedestrian safety practices.
This initiative is in line with the City of Long Beach’s (City) Health and Human Services Strategic Plan to decrease preventable deaths and injuries among children and youth under 18 years old (21.1), to expand activities during Safe Streets Awareness Week to educate drivers on how to safely share the streets with pedestrians and bicyclists (21.1.a), and to offer Health Department resources, training, and professional expertise to community members, schools, and other service partners to build capacity, extend our reach, and advance public health goals (13.1.d).
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Anita Lakhani on August 16, 2023 and by Budget Analysis Officer, Greg Sorensen on August 15, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on September 12, 2023, to meet the CA OTS deadline to accept funding and begin implementation of the approved scope of work.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive funding in the amount of $326,477 over 12 months, estimated to begin on October 1, 2023. Currently, $309,011 is budgeted in the Health Fund Group in the Department of Health and Human Services. An appropriation increase in the amount of $17,466 is requested in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department, offset by grant revenue. Any indirect costs that might not ultimately be eligible for grant funds will be funded by the Health Operating Fund, General Fund, or other eligible funds. There is no City match or in-kind service required. This recommendation has minimal staffing impact 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,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER