REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: SANTINO DANISI, MBA, City Controller/Finance Director
BY: COURTNEY ESPINOZA, Business Manager
Finance Department, Grants Management Unit
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding:
1. Approve an agreement with Fresno Police Neighborhood Watch (FPNW) allocating $100,000 in ARPA funding for operational costs to enhance capacity, training, and general operations for the Neighborhood Watch program.
2. Approve an agreement with Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC) allocating $100,000 in ARPA funding for operational costs supporting Fresno EOC’s LGBTQ+ Resource Center.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council approve an agreement with FPNW allocating $100,000 in ARPA funding to provide resources to enhance capacity, training, and general operations for the Fresno Police and Neighborhood Watch organization, approve an agreement with Fresno EOC in the amount of $100,000 for operational costs supporting their LGBTQ+ Resource Center, and authorize the City Manager to execute agreements, amendments, and modifications pertaining to this grant program.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff recommends Council approve an agreement with FPNW allocating $100,000 in ARPA funding to augment the Fresno Police and Neighborhood Watch organization’s current operations by increasing staff capacity, providing training to staff, volunteers, and Fresno Police Department Community Service Officers and approve an agreement with Fresno EOC for $100,000 in ARPA funding to support operations of EOC’s LGBTQ+ Resource Center. Both allocations were previously approved by Council through the budget process on June 22, 2023. As beneficiaries of ARPA funding, FPNW will have funding to build on their current capacities and provide vital training and resources needed for the Neighborhood Watch program and Fresno EOC will be able to further augment the services provided through the LGBTQ+ Resource Center.
BACKGROUND
In 2021, the City of Fresno was awarded American Rescue Plan Act funding in the amount of $170,808,029. Of this funding $100,000 was identified in a resolution passed by Council on June 22, 2023, allocating funding to augment current resources for the Neighborhood Watch program and $100,000 for continued support of Fresno EOC’s LGBTQ+ Resource Center. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, FPNW has been negatively impacted by decreased revenue from donations, an increased need for neighborhood watch groups throughout the city, limited capacity to meet those needs and challenges covering operating costs. The Fresno EOC LGBTQ+ Resource Center has seen an increased need for operational costs for supportive services offered to the LGBTQ community.
With FPNW’s allocation, funding will increase capacity within the organization, initiate a local media campaign, purchase new Neighborhood Watch signage for groups citywide, purchase FPNW related equipment, and provide much needed training for staff, volunteers, and Fresno Police Department Community Services Officers. Fresno EOC will be able to augment their current operations for the LGBTQ+ Resource Center by increasing access to emotional and mental health services, increasing awareness of community resources and delivering culturally responsive services for clients.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDING
These projects are exempt under Section 15301/Class 1 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
These organizations have been previously approved by Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Both programs will be funded through American Rescue Plan Act funding and will not impact the general fund.
Attachments:
ARPA CBO Agreement with Fresno Police and Neighborhood Watch
ARPA CBO Agreement with Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission