Title
Approve and authorize the Contracts/Purchasing Officer or designee to execute a Renewal and Amendment 1 to the Agreement with Community Initiatives, a finance partner for the Transformative Climate Communities Grant, extending the agreement term by 18-months for a revised term of July 1, 2023 through December 31, 2026, with no increase to the contract maximum of $291,064.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Approve and authorize the Contracts/Purchasing Officer or designee to execute a Renewal and Amendment 1 to the Agreement with Community Initiatives, a finance partner for the Transformative Climate Communities Grant, extending the agreement term by 18-months for a revised term of July 1, 2023 through December 31, 2026, with no increase to the contract maximum of $291,064.
SUMMARY:
Staff recommends approval of a renewal and amendment to continue the County’s agreement with Community Initiatives, the fiscal and financing partner for the Transformative Climate Communities Grant Program. Community Initiatives supports Regeneración, the County’s primary community partner in Pajaro, in implementing grant-related activities.
The proposed Renewal and Amendment 1 extends the agreement term through December 31, 2026, with no change to the total contract amount of $291,063.97. This extension aligns the agreement term with the revised project timeline and ensures continuity of grant administration and community engagement efforts.
DISCUSSION:
On April 28, 2022, the State of California Strategic Growth Council released a Grant Application Guide under the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Program. The TCC Program provides funding to local jurisdictions to support ambitious climate adaptation and resilience efforts through planning, research, capacity building, restoration, and sustainable infrastructure.
On June 21, 2022, the Board of Supervisors authorized staff to apply for the grant. The Board subsequently approved the Transformative Climate Communities Grant award on February 28, 2023, and the grant agreement was fully executed on July 10, 2023, with an original grant term of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025.
Community Initiatives serves as the fiscal partner supporting Regeneración, which is responsible for identifying stakeholders, conducting community outreach, and facilitating the formation of a Community Climate Coalition. This coalition consists of compensated community leaders who collaborate with residents to co-design three to five climate action and adaptation projects for submission under a future Transformative Climate Communities Implementation Grant. Anticipated project focus areas include:
• Electrification
• Transportation
• Affordable housing
• Food security
• Green spaces
• Environmental health
The proposed Renewal and Amendment 1 extends the agreement by 18 months to support continued community engagement and project development activities without increasing the total contract amount.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
Sustainability Program staff are coordinating with the Long-Term Recovery Plan, Housing Community Development, Office of Emergency Services, and the Health Department to align and leverage efforts supported by this grant.
FINANCING:
Approval of the recommended action will have no budgetary impact on the FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
Climate action planning is essential to the health, safety, and long-term resilience of the County.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
__X__ Well-Being and Quality of Life
__X__ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
__X__ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
Prepared by: Claudia Escalante, Executive Assistant to CAO
Approved by: Debbie Paolinelli, Assistant County Administrative Officer
Attachments:
Proposed Renewal and Amendment 1
Executed Standard Agreement