TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any necessary documents and amendments, with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, for the Beach Streets Midtown event, and accept, expend and administer grant funding, in the amount of $190,000, to partially offset costs incurred for the event; and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Public Works Department (PW) by $190,000, offset by grant reimbursement revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
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 over that period. Beach Streets, the City’s signature Open Streets event, celebrates sustainable and active transportation, local businesses, and communities in a comfortable, family-oriented environment. In addition, Beach Street events 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.
In May 2016, staff pursued funding for Open Streets events through the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Cycle 2 Open Streets Grant Program, a pass-through from Caltrans under the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program (CMAQ) of the Federal Highway Administration. In September 2016, Metro awarded the City $190,000 for the City’s third, full scale Beach Streets event, Beach Streets Midtown. The event took place on November 12, 2016, on East Anaheim Street from Orange Avenue to Pacific Coast Highway and showcased Cambodia Town and the Zaferia District, as well as Anaheim Corridor businesses. Programs along the Beach Streets Midtown route included skate parks, free yoga classes, bike maintenance, live music, and various food vendors.
City Council approval is requested to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement, and all necessary amendments, with Metro for the receipt of grant funding in the amount of $190,000, to partially offset costs incurred for the Beach Streets Midtown event.
The City is committed to hosting future Beach Streets events, including Beach Streets East on Saturday April 29, 2017, which will connect California State University Long Beach to El Dorado Park via Atherton Boulevard, Bellflower Boulevard, Los Coyotes Diagonal, and Spring Street. 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.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on February 8, 2017 and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa Jose-Murray on February 16, 2017.
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 14, 2017, to finalize the Metro grant agreement and receive reimbursement.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the Beach Streets Midtown event was $254,478. Of this amount, $190,000 will be offset by the Metro Cycle Two Open Streets Grant Program. The remaining $64,478 represents the City’s cost match under this grant and is supported by existing appropriation within the Special Advertising and Promotion Fund (SR 133) in the City Manager Department (CM). An appropriation increase in an amount of $190,000 is requested in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Public Works Department (PW), offset by grant reimbursement revenue. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CRAIG A. BECK
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER