HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4 - Authorization to submit an application for Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) Grant Program
Department Name: Community Development
Cost Center: 4008
For Agenda of: April 7, 2020
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: NA
FROM: Michael Codron, Community Development Director
Prepared By: Rachel Cohen, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR LOCAL EARLY
ACTION PLANNING (LEAP) GRANTS PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION
Approve a Resolution authorizing an application for Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) Grants
program to the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
DISCUSSION
Background
On January 27, 2020, the California Department of Housing and Community Development
(HCD) released a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for approximately $119,040,000 as
part of the Local Early Action Planning Grants Program (LEAP or Program). LEAP is made
available as a portion of the Local Government Planning Support Grants Program pursuant to
Chapter 3.1 of Health and Safety Code (Sections 50515 to 50515.05) (Chapter 159, Statutes of
2019). LEAP provides funding to jurisdictions for the preparation and adoption of planning
documents, process improvements that accelerate housing production, and facilitate compliance
in implementing the sixth cycle of the regional housing need assessment (RHNA).
LEAP is part of the broader program formerly known as the Local Government Planning Support
Grants Program, which was established as part of the 2019-20 Budget Act. The 2019-20 Budget
Act provides a spectrum of support, incentives, resources and accountability to meet California’s
housing goals. Some specific elements include:
• Planning Support (local and regional planning grants)
• Incentives (Pro-housing preference and infill incentive grants)
• Funding Resources
• Accountability (penalties for noncompliant housing plans)
• Reform (collaborative processes to reform regional housing needs)
The Local Government Planning Support Grants Program provides one-time grant funding to
regions and jurisdictions for technical assistance, preparation and adoption of planning
documents, and process improvements. The over-arching goals of the program are to (1)
accelerate housing production; and (2) facilitate compliance to implement the sixth cycle of the
RHNA.
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The program will provide grants through a non-competitive, over-the-counter process to eligible
local governments that have met specific requirements. The City of San Luis Obispo (City) is
eligible for funding as it has met these specific requirements.
One of the required attachments in the LEAP Application (Attachment A) is to provide a signed
resolution (Attachment B) from the local jurisdiction’s governing body, to authorize the
submittal of the application to HCD.
Policy Context
Seeking alternative funding sources and applying to available grant opportunities is a theme
commonly referenced throughout the City’s Housing Element (HE). HE Goal 6 is Housing
Production, which specifically states “Plan for new housing to meet the full range of community
housing needs.” HE Program 6.20 states, “Continue to financially assist in the development of
housing affordable to extremely-low, very-low, low or moderate income households during the
planning period using State, Federal and local funding sources, with funding priority given to
projects that result in the maximum housing benefits for the lowest household income levels.”
These align with the purpose of the LEAP grant, as it is intended to help local governments with
a variety of housing programs, including updating the Housing Element. The Housing Element
update will implement and facilitate compliance with the sixth cycle RHNA.
This activity is consistent with the Council’s adopted 2019-21 Major City Goal for Housing.
This activity, planning for housing production, is presently allowed under the State and Local
emergency orders associated with COVID-19.
Public Engagement
As this is authorization to apply for grant funding, no public engagement is required. However, if
the City is awarded funds for program(s) to support future housing production, public
engagement may be required.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the recommended action in this
report, because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines Sec. 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: No Budget Year: 2019-2020
Funding Identified: Yes
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Fiscal Analysis:
Funding Sources Current FY Cost
Annualized
On-going Cost
Total Project Cost
General Fund $25,000 to $150,000
State
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total $25,000 to $150,000
HCD has determined available funding allocations for public jurisdictions based on population
size. The City of San Luis Obispo is eligible to receive a minimum of $25,000 but can apply for
a maximum of $150,000. City staff intends on applying for the maximum amount of $150,000
for implementation of the 2019-21 Financial Plan Housing Major City Goal work program,
specifically updating the Housing Element. If awarded, this grant will have a positive fiscal
impact, as it will reduce the fiscal burden on the General Fund to fund the Housing Element
update.
ALTERNATIVES
Continue the recommendation to a later meeting. This alternative is not recommended as the
funding will be available as early as this summer, which would allow City staff to begin
reimbursement of work related to updating the Housing Element.
Attachments:
a - LEAP Grant Application
b - Draft Resolution
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Local Early Action Planning Grant Application
State of California
Governor Gavin Newsom
Alexis Podesta, Secretary
Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency
Doug McCauley, Acting Director
Department of Housing and Community Development
Zachary Olmsted, Deputy Director
Department of Housing and Community Development
Housing Policy Development
2020 West El Camino, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95833
Website: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/grants-funding/active-funding/leap.shtml
Email: EarlyActionPlanning@hcd.ca.gov
January 27, 2020
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LEAP Application Packaging Instructions
The applicant is applying to the Department of Housing and Community Development
(Department) for a grant authorized underneath the Local Early Action Planning Grants (LEAP)
provisions pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 50515 through 50515.05. LEAP
provides funding to jurisdictions for the preparation and adoption of planning documents,
process improvements that accelerate housing production and facilitate compliance in
implementing the sixth cycle of the regional housing need assessment. If you have questions
regarding this application or LEAP, email earlyactionplanning@hcd.ca.gov.
If approved for funding, the LEAP application is incorporated as part of your Standard Agreement
with the Department. In order to be considered for funding, all sections of this application,
including attachments and exhibits if required, must be complete and accurate.
All applicants must submit a complete, signed, original application package and digital copy on
CD or USB flash drive to the Department and postmarked by the specified due date in the NOFA.
Applicants will demonstrate consistency with LEAP requirements by utilizing the following forms
and manner prescribed in this application.
o Pages 3 through 14 constitute the full application (save paper, print only what is needed)
o Attachment 1: Project Timeline and Budget: Including high-level tasks, sub-tasks, begin and
end dates, budgeted amounts, deliverables, and adoption and implementation dates.
o Attachment 2: Nexus to Accelerating Housing Production
o Attachment 3: State and Other Planning Priorities
o Attachment 4: Required Resolution Template
o Government Agency Taxpayer ID Form (available as a download from the LEAP webpage
located at https://www.hcd.ca.gov/grants-funding/active-funding/leap.shtml
o If the applicant is partnering with another local government or other entity, include a copy of
the legally binding agreement; and
o Supporting documentation (e.g., letters of support, scope of work, project timelines, etc.)
Pursuant to Section XII of the LEAP 2020 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), the
application package must be postmarked on or before July 1, 2020, and received by the
Department at the following address:
Department of Housing and Community Development
Division of Housing Policy Development
2020 West El Camino Ave, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95833
LEAP NOFA Application Rev. 1/24/2020 Page 2 of 14
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A.Applicant Information and Certification
Applicant (Jurisdiction)
Applicant’s Agency Type
Applicant’s Mailing Address
City
State California Zip Code
County
Website
Authorized Representative Name
Authorized Representative Title
Phone Fax
Email
Contact Person Name
Contact Person Title
Phone Fax
Email
Proposed Grant Amount $
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 50515.03 through (d) of the Guidelines, all applicants
must meet the following two requirements to be eligible for an award:
1.Does the application demonstrate a nexus to accelerating housing
production as shown in Attachment 1?Yes No
2.Does the application demonstrate that the applicant is consistent
with State Planning or Other Priorities; Attachment 2?Yes No
Is a fully executed resolution included with the application package? Yes No
Does the address on the Government Agency Taxpayer ID Form
exactly match the address listed above? Yes No
Is the applicant partnering with another eligible local government
entity? If Yes, provide a fully executed copy of the legally binding
agreement. Yes No
As the official designated by the governing body, I hereby certify that if approved by HCD for funding
through the Local Early Action Planning Program (LEAP), the assumes the
responsibilities specified in the Notice of Funding Availability and certifies that the information,
statements and other contents contained in this application are true and correct.
Signature: Name:
Date: Title:
LEAP NOFA Application Rev. 1/24/2020 Page 3 of 14
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B.Proposed Activities Checklist
Check all activities the locality is undertaking. Activities must match the project description.
1
Rezoning and encouraging development by updating planning documents and zoning ordinances,
such as general plans, community plans, specific plans, implementation of sustainable communities’
strategies, and local coastal programs
2 Completing environmental clearance to eliminate the need for project-specific review
3
Establishing housing incentive zones or other area based housing incentives beyond State Density
Bonus Law such as a workforce housing opportunity zone pursuant to Article 10.10 (commencing
with Section 65620) of Chapter 3 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code or a housing
sustainability district pursuant to Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 66200) of Division 1 of Title
7 of the Government Code
4 Performing infrastructure planning, including for sewers, water systems, transit, roads, or other
public facilities necessary to support new housing and new residents
5
Planning documents to promote development of publicly owned land such as partnering with other local entities to identify and prepare excess or surplus property for residential development
6 Revamping local planning processes to speed up housing production
7 Developing or improving an accessory dwelling unit ordinance in compliance with Section 65852.2
of the Government Code
8
Planning documents for a smaller geography (less than jurisdiction-wide) with a significant impact
on housing production including an overlay district, project level specific plan, or development
standards modifications proposed for significant areas of a locality, such as corridors, downtown or
priority growth areas
9
Rezoning to meet requirements pursuant to Government Code Section 65583(c)(1) and other rezoning efforts to comply with housing element requirements, including Government Code Section 65583.2(c) (AB 1397, Statutes of 2018)
10
Upzoning or other implementation measures to intensify land use patterns in strategic locations such as close proximity to transit, jobs or other amenities
11
Rezoning for multifamily housing in high resource areas (according to Tax Credit Allocation
Committee/Housing Community Development Opportunity Area Maps);
Establishing Pre-approved architectural and site plans
12 Preparing and adopting housing elements of the general plan that include an implementation component to facilitate compliance with the sixth cycle RHNA
13
Adopting planning documents to coordinate with suballocations under Regional Early Action
Planning Grants (REAP) that accommodate the development of housing and infrastructure and
accelerate housing production in a way that aligns with state planning priorities, housing,
transportation equity and climate goals, including hazard mitigation or climate adaptation
14 Zoning for by-right supportive housing, pursuant to Government Code section 65651 (Chapter 753,
Statutes of 2018)
15 Zoning incentives for housing for persons with special needs, including persons with developmental
disabilities
16 Planning documents related to carrying out a local or regional housing trust fund
17
Environmental hazard assessments; data collection on permit tracking; feasibility studies, site analysis, or other background studies that are ancillary (e.g., less than 15% of the total grant amount) and part of a proposed activity with a nexus to accelerating housing production
18 Other planning documents or process improvements that demonstrate an increase in housing
related planning activities and facilitate accelerating housing production
19 Establishing Prohousing Policies
LEAP NOFA Application Rev. 1/24/2020 Page 4 of 14
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C.Project Description
Provide a description of the project and each activity using the method outlined below, and ensure the
narrative speaks to Attachment 1: Project Timeline and Budget.
a.Summary of the Project and its impact on accelerating production
b.Description of the tasks and major sub-tasks
c.Summary of the plans for adoption or implementation
Please be succinct and use Appendix A or B if more room is needed.
LEAP NOFA Application Rev. 1/24/2020 Page 5 of 14
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D.Legislative Information
District # Legislator Name
Federal
Congressional
District
State Assembly
District
State Senate
District
Applicants can find their respective State Senate representatives at https://www.senate.ca.gov/, and
their respective State Assembly representatives at https://www.assembly.ca.gov/.
LEAP NOFA Application Rev. 1/24/2020 Page 6 of 14
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Attachment 1: Project Timeline and Budget
Task Est. Cost Begin End Deliverable Notes
Total Projected Cost $
Include high-level tasks, major sub-tasks (Drafting, Outreach, Public Hearings and Adoption), budget amounts, begin and end dates and deliverables. If other funding is
used, please note the source and amount in the Notes section.
LEAP NOFA Application Rev. 1/24/2020 Page 7 of 14
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Attachment 2: Application Nexus to Accelerating Housing Production
Applicants shall demonstrate how the application includes a nexus to accelerating housing production
by providing data regarding current baseline conditions and projected outcomes such as a reduction
in timing, lower development costs, increased approval certainty, increases in number of entitlements,
more feasibility, or increases in capacity. An expected outcome should be provided for each proposed
deliverable. If necessary, use Appendix B to explain the activity and its nexus to accelerating housing
production.
Select at least one *Baseline **Projected ***Difference Notes
Timing (e.g., reduced
number of processing
days)
Development cost (e.g.,
land, fees, financing,
construction costs per
unit)
Approval certainty and
reduction in
discretionary review
(e.g., prior versusproposed standard and level of discretion)
Entitlement streamlining
(e.g., number of
approvals)
Feasibility of development
Infrastructure capacity
(e.g., number of units)
Impact on housing supply
and affordability (e.g.,
number of units)
*Baseline – Current conditions in the jurisdiction (e.g. 6-month development application
review, or existing number of units in a planning area)
**Projected – Expected conditions in the jurisdiction because of the planning grant actions
(e.g. 2-month development application review)
***Difference – Potential change resulting from the planning grant actions (e.g., 4-month acceleration in permitting, creating a more expedient development process)
LEAP NOFA Application Rev. 1/24/2020 Page 8 of 14
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Attachment 3: State and Other Planning Priorities Certification (Page 1 of 3)
Applicants must demonstrate that the locality is consistent with State Planning or Other Planning
Priorities by selecting from the list below activities that are proposed as part of this application or were
completed within the last five years. Briefly summarize the activity and insert a date of completion.
State Planning Priorities
Date of
Completion Brief Description of the Action Taken
Promote Infill and Equity
Rehabilitating, maintaining, and improving existing infrastructure that supports infill development
and appropriate reuse and redevelopment of previously developed, underutilized land that is
presently served by transit, streets, water, sewer, and other essential services, particularly in
underserved areas.
Seek or utilize funding or support strategies to facilitate opportunities for infill development.
Other (describe how this meets subarea objective)
Promote Resource Protection
Protecting, preserving, and enhancing the state’s most valuable natural resources, including working
landscapes such as farm, range, and forest lands; natural lands such as wetlands, watersheds,
wildlife habitats, and other wildlands; recreation lands such as parks, trails, greenbelts, and other
open space; and landscapes with locally unique features and areas identified by the state as
deserving special protection.
Actively seek a variety of funding opportunities to promote resource protection in underserved communities.
Other (describe how this meets subarea objective)
Encourage Efficient Development Patterns
Ensuring that any infrastructure associated with development, other than infill development,
supports new development that does the following: (1) Uses land efficiently.
LEAP NOFA Application Rev. 1/24/2020 Page 9 of 14
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Attachment 3: State and Other Planning Priorities Certification (Page 2 of 3)
(2) Is built adjacent to existing developed areas to the extent consistent with environmental protection.
(3) Is located in an area appropriately planned for growth.
(4) Is served by adequate transportation and other essential utilities and services.
(5) Minimizes ongoing costs to taxpayers.
Other (describe how this meets subarea objective)
Other Planning Priorities
Affordability and Housing Choices
Incentives and other mechanisms beyond State Density Bonus Law to encourage housing with
affordability terms.
Efforts beyond state law to promote accessory dwelling units or other strategies to intensify single-
family neighborhoods with more housing choices and affordability.
Upzoning or other zoning modifications to promote a variety of housing choices and densities.
Utilizing surplus lands to promote affordable housing choices.
Efforts to address infrastructure deficiencies in disadvantaged communities pursuant to Government
Code Section 65302.10.
Other (describe how this meets subarea objective)
LEAP NOFA Application Rev. 1/24/2020 Page 10 of 14
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Attachment 3: State and Other Planning Priorities Certification (Page 3 of 3)
Conservation of Existing Affordable Housing Stock
Policies, programs or ordinances to conserve stock such as an at-risk preservation ordinance,
mobilehome park overlay zone, condominium conversion ordinance and acquisition and
rehabilitation of market rate housing programs.
Policies, programs and ordinances to protect and support tenants such as rent stabilization, anti-
displacement strategies, first right of refusal policies, resources to assist tenant organization and
education and “just cause” eviction policies.
Other (describe how this meets subarea objective)
Climate Adaptation
Building standards, zoning and site planning requirements that address flood and fire safety, climate
adaptation and hazard mitigation.
Long-term planning that addresses wildfire, land use for disadvantaged communities, and flood and
local hazard mitigation.
Community engagement that provides information and consultation through a variety of methods
such as meetings, workshops, and surveys and that focuses on vulnerable populations (e.g., seniors,
people with disabilities, homeless, etc.).
Other (describe how this meets subarea objective)
Certification: I certify under penalty of perjury that all information contained in this LEAP State
Planning and Other Planning Priorities certification form (Attachment 2) is true and correct.
Certifying Officials Name:
Certifying Official’s Title:
Certifying Official’s Signature: Date:
LEAP NOFA Application Rev. 1/24/2020 Page 11 of 14
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Attachment 4: Required Resolution Template
RESOLUTION NO. [insert resolution number]
A RESOLUTION OF THE [INSERT EITHER “CITY COUNCIL” OR “COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS”] OF [INSERT THE NAME OF THE CITY OR COUNTY] AUTHORIZING
APPLICATION FOR, AND RECEIPT OF, LOCAL GOVERNMENT PLANNING SUPPORT
GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS
WHEREAS, pursuant to Health and Safety Code 50515 et. Seq, the Department of Housing and
Community Development (Department) is authorized to issue a Notice of Funding Availability
(NOFA) as part of the Local Government Planning Support Grants Program (hereinafter referred
to by the Department as the Local Early Action Planning Grants program or LEAP); and
WHEREAS, the [insert either “City Council” or “County Board of Supervisors”] of [insert the
name of the City or County] desires to submit a LEAP grant application package
(“Application”), on the forms provided by the Department, for approval of grant funding for
projects that assist in the preparation and adoption of planning documents and process
improvements that accelerate housing production and facilitate compliance to implement the
sixth cycle of the regional housing need assessment; and
WHEREAS, the Department has issued a NOFA and Application on January 27, 2020 in the
amount of $119,040,000 for assistance to all California Jurisdictions;
Now, therefore, the [insert either “City Council” or “County Board of Supervisors”] of
[insert the name of the city or county] (“Applicant”) resolves as follows:
SECTION 1. The [insert the authorized designee’s TITLE ONLY] is hereby authorized and
directed to apply for and submit to the Department the Application package;
SECTION 2. In connection with the LEAP grant, if the Application is approved by the Department,
the [insert the authorized designee’s TITLE ONLY] of the [insert the name of the City or
County] is authorized to submit the Application, enter into, execute, and deliver on behalf of the
Applicant, a State of California Agreement (Standard Agreement) for the amount of [$ enter the
dollar amount of the Applicant’s request], and any and all other documents required or
deemed necessary or appropriate to evidence and secure the LEAP grant, the Applicant’s
obligations related thereto, and all amendments thereto; and
SECTION 3. The Applicant shall be subject to the terms and conditions as specified in the NOFA,
and the Standard Agreement provided by the Department after approval. The Application and
any and all accompanying documents are incorporated in full as part of the Standard Agreement.
Any and all activities funded, information provided, and timelines represented in the Application
will be enforceable through the fully executed Standard Agreement. Pursuant to the NOFA and
in conjunction with the terms of the Standard Agreement, the Applicant hereby agrees to use the
funds for eligible uses and allowable expenditures in the manner presented and specifically
identified in the approved Application.
ADOPTED ON [insert the date of adoption], by the [insert either “City Council” or “County
Board of Supervisors”] of [insert the name of the City or County] by the following vote count:
AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN:
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
[Signature of Attesting Officer]
___________________________________________APPROVED
[Signature of approval]
LEAP NOFA Application Rev. 1/24/2020 Page 12 of 14
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Appendix A
LEAP NOFA Application Rev. 1/24/2020 Page 13 of 14
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Appendix B
LEAP NOFA Application Rev. 1/24/2020 Page 14 of 14
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R ______
RESOLUTION NO. _____ (2020 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR, AND
RECEIPT OF, LOCAL EARLY ACTION PLANNING (LEAP) GRANTS
PROGRAM
WHEREAS, pursuant to Health and Safety Code 50515 et. Seq, the Department of
Housing and Community Development (HCD) is authorized to issue a Notice of Funding
Availability (NOFA) as part of the Local Government Planning Support Grants Program
(hereinafter referred to by the Department as the Local Early Action Planning Grants program or
LEAP); and
WHEREAS, the City Council of San Luis Obispo desires to submit a LEAP grant
application package (“Application”), on the forms provided by the HCD, for approval of grant
funding for projects that assist in the preparation and adoption of planning documents and process
improvements that accelerate housing production and facilitate compliance to implement the sixth
cycle of the regional housing need assessment; and
WHEREAS, the HCD has issued a NOFA and Application on January 27, 2020 in the
amount of $119,040,000 for assistance to all California Jurisdictions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
as follows:
SECTION 1. The City Council is hereby authorizes and directs City staff to apply for and
submit to the HCD the Application package; and
SECTION 2. In connection with the LEAP grant, if the Application is approved by the
HCD, the City Council, acting through its Community Development Director, is authorized to
submit the Application, enter into, execute, and deliver on behalf of the City, a State of California
Agreement (Standard Agreement) for the amount of $150,000, and any and all other documents
required or deemed necessary or appropriate to evidence and secure the LEAP grant, the City’s
obligations related thereto, and all amendments thereto; and
SECTION 3. The City shall be subject to the terms and conditions as specified in the
NOFA, and the Standard Agreement provided by the HCD after approval. The Application and
any and all accompanying documents are incorporated in full as part of the Standard Agreement.
Any and all activities funded, information provided, and timelines represented in the Application
will be enforceable through the fully executed Standard Agreement. Pursuant to the NOFA and in
conjunction with the terms of the Standard Agreement, the City hereby agrees to use the funds for
eligible uses and allowable expenditures in the manner presented and specifically identified in the
approved Application.
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Resolution No. _____ (2020 Series) Page 2
R ______
SECTION 4. The City Community Development Director or his designee is authorized
and directed to execute the City’s LEAP application, the LEAP documents, and any amendments
thereto, on behalf of the City as required by HCD for receipt of the LEAP Grants Program.
Upon motion of _______________________, seconded by _______________________,
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this 7th day of April 2020.
____________________________________
Mayor Heidi Harmon
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City
of San Luis Obispo, California, on ______________________.
____________________________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
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