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 Pacific event, and accept, expend and administer grant funding, in the amount of $200,000, to partially offset costs incurred for the event; and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $200,000, offset by grant reimbursement revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to execute an agreement with Metro for the receipt of grant funding in the amount of $200,000, to partially offset costs incurred for the Beach Streets West event.
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 June 2018, staff pursued funding for Open Streets events through the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Cycle Three Open Streets Grant Program, which provides Metro Proposition C 25% Transit-Related Highway (Prop C 25%) funds for such events. In September 2018, Metro awarded the City $200,000 for the City’s seventh, full-scale Beach Streets event, Beach Streets West. The event took place on April 27, 2019, on Pacific Avenue from Third Street to Willow Street and Willow Street from Pacific Avenue to Magnolia Avenue. The event showcased Wrigley Village and Washington communities. The event was programmed with live music, family-oriented entertainment, and local food vendors.
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. The City has committed to hosting Beach Streets events throughout the City with previous events taking place in Uptown, Downtown, Midtown, and in East Long Beach near CSULB. Beach Streets West was the first Open Streets event held in the Willmore, Washington and Wrigley neighborhoods.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on April 16, 2019 and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on April 22, 2019.
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 May 7, 2019, to finalize the Metro grant agreement and receive reimbursement within the 60-day deadline.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the Beach Streets West event is estimated at $250,000. The total project cost is supported by a $200,000 reimbursement Open Streets Cycle Three grant from Metro. The remaining $50,000 represents the City’s cost match under this grant and is supported by existing appropriation within the Special Advertising and Promotion Fund Group in the City Manager Department (20). An appropriation increase in the amount of $200,000 is requested in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department (30), offset by reimbursement grant revenue. This request is anticipated to have a minimal impact on staff hours outside of normal budgeted scope of duties and minimal impact on existing City Council priorities. 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