HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/20/2023 Item 5f, Hermann and Veloz-Passalacqua - Staff Agenda CorrespondenceCity of San Luis Obispo, Council Memorandum
City of San Luis Obispo
Council Agenda Correspondence
DATE: June 20, 2023
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager
Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager
VIA: Derek Johnson, City Manager
SUBJECT: ITEM 5F – CONSIDERATION OF THE 2022-2023 DEI SLO BUSINESS
GRANT FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff received the following questions regarding DEI SLO Business Grant funding
recommendations from the Human Relations Commission (HRC). The questions are
below with staff’s response shown in italics. Additionally, HRC members will attend the
June 20, 2023 City Council meeting and will be available to answer questions.
1. Regarding the Ten Over Studio grant application, why would the city fund a
successful for-profit firm to do this work for non-profit builders who may
also have the capacity to do a feasibility study?
Answer: Commissioners decided to fund the Ten Over Studio proposal to provide
affordable housing feasibility studies as it will reduce project costs for local non-
profit affordable housing developers and aligns with the City’s Housing and
Homelessness Major City Goal. The Commissioners considered that the proposal
would potentially increase the stock of affordable housing for the community and
the long-term benefits of that to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the community.
2. Regarding the Seeds grant application, how would the distribution of “food
to underserved organizations” work? Are we just subsidizing their charitable
giving or is this a different kind of program?
Answer: The Seeds grant application includes two components, one component
relates to community events that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion through
wellness and environmental awareness. The second component includes the
provision of affordable and nutritious food options for underserved and
underrepresented communities. Upon review of the grant application,
Commissioners decided to only fund the community events component of the
proposal with the goal to create a welcoming and cultural space with a focus on
wellness, healthy living, and environmental sustainability.