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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4c. Study Session on development of the DEI and Economic Development Grant Project Plan4c. Item 4c Human Relations Commission Agenda Report For Agenda of: 1/4/2023 Item Number: 4c FROM: Matthew Melendrez, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Management Fellow Phone Number: (805) 781-7073 E-mail: mmelendr@slocity.org SUBJECT: STUDY SESSION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS GRANT PROJECT PLAN RECOMMENDATION Hold a Study Session to provide feedback to staff for the development of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Economic Development Business Grant Project Plan. BACKGROUND The City of San Luis Obispo’s Major City Goals include components pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and economic recovery, resiliency, and fiscal responsibility. These two goals created shared workplan projects amongst the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the Office of Economic Development (ED) resulting in $150,000 in funding for the development of a one-time DEI/ED Business Grant. Staff from both offices have collaborated to develop a project plan (Attachment A) with the criteria and parameters that will guide the grant process. This study session will provide an opportunity for the HRC to provide feedback on the plan and also confirm the HRC’s role in reviewing the applications and making funding recommendations to the Council. NEXT STEPS A final program will be presented to the HRC at the February 1, 2023 meeting for approval and implementation in Spring 2023. ATTACHMENT A - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Economic Development Business Grant Project Plan Page 45 of 52 Page 46 of 52 Project Plan Project Title: DEI/ED Grant Project BACKGROUND In 2021 the City established a Major City Goal for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This goal outlines the City’s commitment to making San Luis Obispo a more welcoming and inclusive city for all, continue to develop programs and policies to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and advance the recommendations of the DEI Task Force. Additionally, the City’s Major City goal on Economic Recovery, Resiliency and Fiscal Responsibility outlines the City effort to support a thriving local economy by supporting local businesses, arts and culture, downtown vitality, practicing fiscal responsibility, and investing in critical infrastructure. Within both MCG workplan there is a shared charge for the office of DEI and Economic Development to research, explore and utilize innovative practices such as micro-loans, targeted sector recruiting and promotion, City facilitated lending, grants, private support, and crowdfunding to support businesses owned by or serving underserved/underrepresented communities. The City will also leverage its partner network, including the Chamber, Downtown SLO, REACH and others to support the DEI initiatives as they relate to economic development including creation, retention and attraction efforts. Project Scope & Approach & Deliverables The Human Relations Commission would serve as the advisory body that would manage the selection process for the grant program. They would form a subcommittee of reviewers and provide funding recommendation to be approved by the HRC followed by City Council. Staff would provide the logistical support for launching the grant program and intaking grant applications. Grants from $2,500 to $25,000 will be awarded for businesses to better serve underserved/underrepresented communities in the City of SLO. Examples of possible funding requests: 1. $500 to translate and print new menus to enhance accessibility and/or provide multilingual options 2. $5,000 to add an additional hair stylist who specializes in diverse hair textures and protective hairstyles (e.g., braids, locks, twists). This would include funding for marketing, initial product inventory and to subsidize the stylist for up to 3 months. 3. $5,000 to add a new chef and/or menu for a diverse cultural cuisine that would add to culinary diversity of the community and enhance the experience of all residents as well underserved/underrepresented communities at an existing restaurant. 4. $20,000 to help start a new business that meets the needs of historically marginalized populations within the community. (Would require the completion of the 5-hour Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) consulting program) Funding Criteria: • Applicants must be a business based in the City of San Luis Obispo with a current business license and PURPOSE Establish a one-time $150,000 economic development grant program through the HRC to meet the direction given by the City Council in the DEI and ERR&FS Major City Goals. The HRC will be supported by the Offices of DEI and Economic Development in the development and execution of this program. Last Updated: 1 1 /3 0 /2 2 Page 47 of 52 be in good standing or be willing to complete 5 hours of one-on-one SBDC consulting services and then secure a business license. • Funding requests must be for activities, services, or other concepts that primarily occur in the City. •Funding requests must be focused on serving underserved/underrepresented communities. • Requests must be for activities, services, or other concepts with the ability to show measurable impact and/or successes. • Viability and sustainability are also key indicators in final review and recommendation. Supporting Reasoning: This proposal enables the City to leverage the knowledge, expertise, dedication and credibility of the HRC in establishing a grant program to aid in the City’s goal of coordinating both DEI and Economic Development to help increase diversity and economic activity. By focusing on serving underserved/underrepresented communities we increase the sensing of belong and welcoming atmosphere of the City of SLO while avoiding the complication of ownership-based programs. PROJECT ASSUMPTIONS • The is a current need within the community for a grant program that supports diverse business owners and business models that serve historically underrepresented communities in San Luis Obispo. • The City has the staffing capacity to support the logistical operations of a new grant program. • The City has the financial resources to create the needed support efforts for staff moving forward. • The HRC has the capacity and motivation to support the grant selection process. PROJECT CONSTRAINTS Unplanned issues, projects, or assignments could divert staff time away from this project, which could cause project delays. The successful hiring and onboarding of a new DEI manager could also cause delays in project execution. PROJECT ORGANIZATION AND TEAM Project Manager: Lee Johnson, Economic Development Manager Project Sponsor: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager Project Advisor: DEI Manager & Matthew Melendrez, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Management Fellow STAKEHOLDERS External – Partner organizations and nonprofits; diverse community groups who already participate in City programs, policy discussions, projects, and services; diverse community groups who do not currently participate in City programs, policy discussions, projects, and services. Internal – City leadership team, managers, and supervisors; City administrative support staff; City Council; Human Relations Commission PROJECT TASKS AND SCHEDULE Task Who When 1. Develop the proposal for the HRC including purposes, program, funding criteria as well as the sub-committee and schedule. DEI Analyst/ED Manager December 12th, 2022 2. Attend HRC Meeting and facilitate study session for Commissioners DEI Analyst/ED January 4th, 2023 Page 48 of 52 PROJECT RESOURCES (What financial aspects should be factored in) Total $0 $0 $0 Supervisor Sign Off: Date: Manager 3. Present proposal to the HRC and secure sign-off/approval of the purposes, program, funding criteria as well as the sub-committee and schedule. New DEI Manager and DEI Analyst w/ED&T support February 1st 2023 4. Grant Application Period New DEI manager/DEI staff March-April 1st 5. HRC Subcommittee Review and selection Matthew M April 6. HRC review final funding recommendations Matthew M. May 3rd 2023 7. City Council approve final funding recommendations New DEI Manager June 6th or June 20th 2023 Page 49 of 52 Page 50 of 52