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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 5c. Community Resilience Centers Grant Application�O Council AgendaReport t�IS 04 Item 5c Department: Administration Cost Center: 1010 For Agenda of: 8/4/2026 Placement: Consent Estimated Time: N/A FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager Prepared By: Samantha Vethavanam, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Admin Specialist SUBJECT: COMMUNITY RESILIENCE CENTERS GRANT APPLICATION RECOMMENDATION Adopt a Draft Resolution entitled, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, approving the application for grant funds under the California Strategic Growth Council Community Resilience Centers Program" to authorize staff to apply for a Planning Grant in an amount not to exceed $500,000.(Attachment A) POLICY CONTEXT Financial Management Policy Section 740 requires that Council approve any grant application over $5,000. On July 6, 2021, the City Council adopted the Parks and Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021-2041 (Master Plan and General Plan Element). The Blueprint establishes five goals that support priorities identified in previously adopted plans and sets standards for future parkland, facilities, and amenities. Its Community Needs Assessment also documents extensive community feedback, including an identified need for additional indoor multigenerational and community center facilities. These goals and findings align with the proposed SLO Community Commons concept. On January 17, 2023, Council adopted the Climate Adaptation and Safety Element of the General Plan (CASE). The CASE includes program MH-1.8: Climate Resilience Hubs, which states that the City shall "work with community organizations, faith -based organizations, and other institutions to develop a network for conveniently located Climate Resilience Hubs including a mix of public facilities, community centers, businesses, and community -oriented facilities." On February 20, 2024, the City Council adopted the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan which includes tactic 2.2.7 to "Contract to develop a feasibility study for a multicultural center." On June 17, 2025, the City Council adopted the 2025-27 Financial Plan and identified "Open Space, Climate Action, and Resilience" as a Major City Goal (MCG). Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-27 MCG task 3 directs staff to "Strengthen community resilience through emergency preparedness, community networks, Page 21 of 1059 Item 5c and planning efforts." While applying for a community resiliency grant is not specifically spelled out via the MCG workplan, a grant to plan for the creation of a Community Resilience Center would assist the City in moving the overarching goal under MCG task 3 forward. DISCUSSION Background The California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) released the Round 2 Notice of Funding Availability for the Community Resilience Centers grant program on May 29, 2026, and the application period opened on July 2, 2026. The Community Resilience Centers (CRC) program provides grants that advance the development of neighborhood resilience centers that can provide shelter and resources during climate emergencies, including extreme heat events and poor air quality days, and support community services and programming year-round, in non -emergency times. The CRC Program provides two types of grants — Planning and Implementation. Implementation Grants support communities that are ready to fund new construction for a CRC facility, upgrades to an existing one, or the development of programs and services offered at the site. Planning Grants help communities through the initial stages of project development, including planning and pre -development activities, community engagement and coordination, site preparation, and other activities necessary to prepare for future funding opportunities. Planning Grant awards range from $100,000 to $500,000 each for a grant term of approximately two years. Staff recommend submitting an application for a Planning Grant, alongside co -applicants, which at present include the Diversity Coalition of San Luis Obispo County. Ongoing discussions are being had with Access Central Coast, the Promotores, and The Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County to be co -applicants as well. The SGC anticipates that approximately $5 million in Planning Grant funding will be available for competitive awards in this current round (Round 2). The SGC requires all lead applicants to provide evidence of a passed formal resolution that includes authorization to apply for and accept a CRC Planning Grant, and authority to execute all related documents if awarded. A draft resolution is provided as Attachment A. Planning Grant applications are due on September 4, 2026. The Community Resilience Centers program is focused on equity, community resilience, and climate resilience. This means that the grant opportunity also provides an option to conduct initial planning work and explore the creation of a blended Multicultural Center and Resilience Hub that would further City goals related to both climate resilience and diversity, equity, and inclusion, and advance adopted policies and tactics from the CASE, the Climate Action Plan, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan, and the 2025- 27 MCG work program. The Parks and Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021- 2041(Master Plan and General Plan Element) also contains goals and policies that support the purpose of the grant, along with extensive community feedback gathered through its needs assessment and implementation guidance that could inform the planning process. Most notably, Goal 1, "Build Community and Neighborhoods," and Page 22 of 1059 Item 5c Section 1.5, "Park Amenity Standards," identify the need for additional indoor facilities, including multigenerational and community centers, which would be explored through the proposed planning process. The City's proposed planning grant application would seek funding for a scope of work that includes formalizing a shared governance structure, identifying and evaluating potential project sites, conducting fiscal analyses and feasibility studies, and facilitating meaningful community engagement. As the recommendation is for the City to apply for a Planning Grant, the grant would fund a process to convene stakeholders and consultants to brainstorm, conceptualize, and analyze a potential facility. The specifics (including the who, what, where, how) are still yet to be determined. Initial outreach to community partners, including the Diversity Coalition of San Luis Obispo County, The Community Foundation's One Community Fund, 805 UndocuFund, the yak titYu titYu yak tikhini Northern Chumash Tribe, the County of San Luis Obispo, Access Central Coast, and the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County point to strong stakeholder interest in the concept, which would be subject to change based on the outcomes of the planning process. Internal staff have also been supportive of the effort, including Parks & Recreation, Public Works, Sustainability & Natural Resources, the Fire Department, and the Community Development Department. Currently, the Parks and Recreation Commission is utilizing the community assessment priorities contained within the P&R Blueprint to identify the future development of a new or remodeled community center with a focus on multi - generational and multi -cultural programming. A Multicultural Center and Resilience Hub could serve as a shared home for local organizations focused on supporting specific cultural, ethnic, identity -based, and multigenerational communities. These organizations could provide regular programming, services, and opportunities for community connection. During non -emergency operations, the facility could offer nonprofit office space, meeting and event rooms, a commercial kitchen, childcare services, and other shared community resources. When activated during an emergency, the facility could provide a safe and accessible location equipped with backup power, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, air purification systems, food distribution capabilities, and other essential services. Based on already used and effective operating models, the City would operate and manage the Multicultural Center and Resilience Hub and establish agreements with participating community organizations. These agreements could provide organizations with dedicated workspaces and priority access to reserve shared meeting rooms and event spaces for programming, services, and community gatherings. The facility is also anticipated to include its own conference room or flexible event space that could support both partner -led activities and broader community use. Specific operating responsibilities, space -use agreements, scheduling procedures, and other management considerations would be developed through the planning process. Page 23 of 1059 Item 5c This recommended application follows a previous attempt to obtain funding from a CRC Planning Grant. After Council approval in September 2023, the City along with its co - applicants, the Diversity Coalition of San Luis Obispo County, the Promotores, and The Community Foundation's One Community Fund (then called San Luis Obispo County UndocuSupport), applied for a Round 1 CRC Planning Grant. While the City scored high, it was ultimately not selected for funding. If authorized by the City Council, staff would resubmit a refined version of the Round 1 proposal, building on that application's strong evaluation scores while incorporating feedback and enhancements to strengthen the application and improve its competitiveness for funding. If successful, the City, alongside the list co -applicants on the grant, supporting partners, and community members would participate in a community driven planning process to advance a shared Multicultural Center facility that could operate as a Resilience Hub during times of emergencies. Should the Planning Grant point to a feasible next step, the City and its partners could consider applying for additional rounds of funding for an Implementation Grant. Previous Council or Advisory Body Action The topic of a Multicultural Center and/or Resilience Hub has been presented to Council on numerous occasions including: • On June 1, 2021, City Council adopted the 2021-23 Financial Plan that included Diversity Equity and Inclusion MCG task 2.7.e, to "support feasibility study for Multicultural Center; provide City liaison/staff support". • On July 6, 2021, City Council adopted the Parks and Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021-2041(Master Plan and General Plan Element) that included five goals intended to support and advance goals and programs identified in previously adopted plans, while also identifying standards for future parkland and amenities in the City through a Community Needs Assessment which are in alignment with the goals on the Multicultural Center and/or Resilience Hub concept. • On January 17, 2023, Council adopted the City's Climate Adaptation and Safety Element including program MH-1.8: Climate Resilience Hubs, which states that the City shall "work with community organizations, faith -based organizations, and other institutions to develop a network for conveniently located Climate Resilience Hubs including a mix of public facilities, community centers, businesses, and community -oriented facilities." • On June 6, 2023, Council adopted the 2023-25 Financial Plan which included: o Diversity Equity and Inclusion MCG task 2.6.d to "Explore and develop shared multicultural programming, activities, and events with Cal Poly, Cuesta College, and Non-profit partners through a pilot and/or pop-up multicultural center experience." o Climate Action MCG task 4.4.g to "monitor funding sources and if r feasible pursue a Climate Resilience Hub Planning G ant with community partners, as called for in CASE program MH-1.8." Page 24 of 1059 Item 5c • On September 5, 2023, Council adopted a resolution to approve the then application for grant funds from the California Strategic Growth Council Community Resilience Centers Program and authorized staff to apply for a Planning Grant in an amount not to exceed $500,000. • On February 20, 2024, Council adopted the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan which includes tactic 2.2.7 to "Contract to develop a feasibility study for a multicultural center." • On June 17, 2025, Council adopted the 2025-27 Financial Plan which included Open Space, Climate Action, and Resilience MCG task 3 to "Strengthen community resilience through emergency preparedness, community networks, and planning efforts." Public Engagement The grant application process, as well as any planning activities funded through a grant award, will involve substantial participation from community members and partners. In addition to the engagement already completed with the nonprofit organizations and internal departments identified above, staff will engage the Promotores, the San Luis Obispo Climate Coalition, and other community stakeholders in the coming weeks. Staff will also leverage findings from the Parks and Recreation Blueprint needs assessment, which includes extensive community feedback regarding the facilities, programs, services, and amenities residents need and would like to see in the City. This existing data will help inform the application and will be considered alongside additional targeted outreach conducted with community partners before the application is submitted. Together, these efforts will help ensure the proposed concept reflects both previously identified community priorities and the current needs of the people and organizations it is intended to serve. The Human Relations Commission will receive updates regarding the City's intent to apply for a Community Resilience Center Planning Grant in partnership with community organizations, as well as regular updates as the process progresses. The Parks and Recreation Commission will also be engaged when appropriate, particularly as the concept builds upon community priorities identified through the Blueprint. If the City is awarded grant funding, these groups, along with additional community members and stakeholders, will play a significant role in the continued outreach, engagement, and planning process. CONCURRENCE Staff from the Fire Department, Office of Sustainability and Natural Resources, Public Works Department, Parks and Recreation Department, and Community Development Department concur with the recommendation presented in this Council Agenda Report. Page 25 of 1059 Item 5c ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) does not apply to the recommended action in this report, because the action does not constitute a "project" under the CEQA guidelines section 15378. FISCAL IMPACT Budgeted: No Funding Identified: Yes Fiscal Analysis: Budget Year: 2026-27 Funding Sources Total Budget Available Current Funding Request Remaining Balance Annual Ongoing Cost General Fund N/A State Federal Fees Other: Total Should the Strategic Growth Council Community Resilience Centers Planning Grant be successfully awarded at the requested funding level, the City would receive a reimbursable grant for an amount not to exceed $500,000, with no required match. Staff would return to Council at a future meeting to request appropriation of the awarded funds. ALTERNATIVES Council could direct staff not to submit a grant application. Council may direct staff to not submit a grant application. If this request is not approved, staff will cease work on the current grant application. The City could then consider a multicultural center and/or climate resilience center in the future if another suitable funding opportunity becomes available or through a future City planning and budget process. However, staff cannot predict when a similar grant opportunity may become available. Regardless, staff would continue exploring other potential funding sources and return to Council for direction and approval before advancing a future proposal. ATTACHMENTS A - Draft Resolution Approving the Community Resilience Centers Planning Grant Application Page 26 of 1059 RESOLUTION NO. (2026 SERIES) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA STRATEGIC GROWTH COUNCIL COMMUNITY RESILIENCE CENTERS PROGRAM WHEREAS, the California Strategic Growth Council's Community Resilience Centers Program provides competitive funding to plan and develop neighborhood -level facilities that offer year-round services and programming, while also providing shelter and essential resources during climate -related and other emergencies; and WHEREAS, for Fiscal Year 2026-27, funding has been made available for the Community Resilience Centers Program through the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024, and the California Strategic Growth Council is responsible for administering the grant program and establishing the necessary procedures; and WHEREAS, said procedures established by the California Strategic Growth Council require a formal resolution authorizing the approval of Lead Applicant to apply, accept, and execute documents (if awarded) by the Lead Applicant's governing board before submission of said application(s) to the State; and WHEREAS, per the guidelines of the grant program, the City of San Luis Obispo is identified as a city eligible for funding; and WHEREAS, Community Resilience Centers grantees will enter into a grant agreement with the State of California and be responsible for compiling and submitting all invoices and reporting documents; and WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo, if selected will enter into an agreement with the State of California to carry out the Community Resilience Centers Grant; and WHEREAS, the Strategic Growth Council adopted a timeline indicating the full application is due September 4, 2026; and WHEREAS, on September 5, 2023, City Council adopted a resolution to approve an application for grant funds from Round 1 of the California Strategic Growth Council Community Resilience Centers Program and authorized staff to apply for a Planning Grant in an amount not to exceed $500,000; and WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo was not awarded funds under Round 1; and WHEREAS, in February 2024, Council adopted the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan which includes tactic 2.2.7 to "Contract to develop a feasibility study for a multicultural center;" and fl Page 27 of 1059 Resolution No. (2026 Series) Page 2 WHEREAS, in June 2025, City Council adopted the 2025-27 Financial Plan, which includes Open Space, Climate Action, and Resilience Major City Goal task 3 to "Strengthen community resilience through emergency preparedness, community networks, and planning efforts"; and WHEREAS, on July 6, 2021, the City Council adopted the Parks and Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021-2041 (Master Plan and General Plan Element), which incorporates community input gathered through a comprehensive Community Needs Assessment and establishes goals, policies, and standards for future parkland, recreational facilities, and amenities; and WHEREAS, Goal 1, "Build Community and Neighborhoods," and Section 1.5, "Park Amenity Standards," identify a need for additional indoor facilities, including multigenerational and community centers, which aligns with the proposed SLO Community Commons concept and its intended multicultural, multigenerational, and community -serving functions; and WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo and local nonprofit co -applicants intend to submit an application for a Community Resilience Centers Planning Grant in an amount not to exceed $500,000 to support community engagement, development of a shared governance structure, site identification and evaluation, fiscal and feasibility analyses, and other planning and predevelopment activities; and WHEREAS, these activities would explore the creation of a Multicultural Center and Resilience Hub, envisioned as a shared facility offering year-round multicultural and multigenerational programming, community services, meeting and event spaces, nonprofit workspaces, and essential resources during climate -related and other emergencies; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows: SECTION 1. Application Approval. The City Council approves the City of San Luis Obispo to serve as the Lead Applicant for the Planning Grant application due by September 4, 2026. SECTION 2. City Manager Authorization. The City Council authorizes the City Manager, or designee, to execute and submit all documents including, but not limited to applications, agreements, and payment requests which may be necessary for the grant. SECTION 3. Future City Council Actions. If grant funding is awarded, staff shall return to the City Council before expending the funds to request the necessary budget appropriation. Staff shall also obtain any additional authorization required under the City's purchasing policies to solicit and contract for consultant services supporting the grant- fl Page 28 of 1059 Resolution No. (2026 Series) Page 3 funded planning process, including approval of a Request for Proposals and professional services agreement, as applicable. Upon motion of Council Member , and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing resolution was adopted this ATTEST: Teresa Purrington City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: J. Christine Dietrick City Attorney day of , seconded by Council Member 2026. Mayor Erica A. Stewart 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 fl Page 29 of 1059 Page 30 of 1059