REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: GREGORY BARFIELD, M.A., Director
Department of Transportation
BY: DREW WILSON, Planning Manager
Department of Transportation
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the California Air Resource Board (CARB) Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (STEP) Grant Program for Environmental Justice and Transportation Equity in West Fresno:
1. Affirm the City Manager’s finding that Highway City Community Development, Inc.(HCCD), is uniquely qualified to perform services related to the City of Fresno’s CARB STEP Grant;
2. Approve a Services Agreement between the City of Fresno and Highway City Community Development, Inc. (HCCD), through April 30, 2028, in the total amount of$120,000, to provide outreach and engagement services related to the City’s CARB STEP Grant
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council affirm the City Manager’s finding that Highway City Community Development (HCCD) is uniquely qualified to perform services related to the City of Fresno’s California Air Resources Board (CARB) Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (STEP) Grant; award a contract to HCCD to perform outreach-related services for the City of Fresno’s CARB STEP Grant; and authorize the City Manager or designee(s) to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Highway City Community Development (HCCD) is dedicated to serving the West Fresno community and is uniquely positioned to conduct outreach for the CARB STEP Grant. Their experience in engaging underserved populations and fostering community connections aligns with the grant’s goals to enhance transportation equity through infrastructure improvements.
BACKGROUND
The STEP Grant’s overarching goal is to increase transportation equity in disadvantaged and low-income communities by addressing community residents' transportation needs, increasing access to key destinations and services, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled. Increasing transportation equity will create equitable access to social and economic opportunities for traditionally underserved communities. The City of Fresno’s STEP Grant is committed to addressing the transportation challenges faced by low-income and minority communities in West Fresno. The City applied for the grant on November 3, 2023, per resolution 2023-289. While the original application included microtransit services, this component was removed in favor of necessary physical improvements that would directly benefit the community after the grant was originally not funded by CARB. In a post award review with proposers not awarded, CARB staff shared with FAX staff how they thought very highly of the public works of improvement as informed through community outreach and input, which specifically involved collaboration with several local non-profits such as HCCD and a broad range of other partners, to add missing infrastructure to add needed improvements to add permanent bus service. After the meeting CARB staff agreed to award FAX this portion of the grant with mircotransit as a short-term solution being removed from the scope of work. The revised grant agreement was finalized on September 24, 2024.
The grant funds focus on significantly enhancing pedestrian and biking infrastructure, including the installation of up to three High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) pedestrian crossings to improve safety for pedestrians, especially school-aged children. Additionally, the grant includes the design and installation of up to 8,000 linear feet of sidewalks and associated urban greening elements, such as tree planting and landscaping. Lastly, the grant includes the design and installation of up to 20 bike racks throughout the community, featuring community-themed designs selected through a design competition, fostering local creativity and engagement. These initiatives aim to improve air quality, provide shade, and enhance the overall aesthetic of the area. Through these components, the STEP grant will foster a more equitable transportation system in West Fresno, ultimately enhancing mobility and accessibility for residents.
HCCD has been an active community organization in West Fresno, focusing on improving residents' quality of life by connecting them to essential services. Their established relationships with local residents and stakeholders facilitate effective communication and trust, which are crucial for successful outreach efforts. HCCD will lead a team of other area non-profits, including Centro La Familia Advocacy Services (CLFA), Every Neighborhood Partnership (ENP), Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries (FIRM), The Jakara Movement, and Reading and Beyond. As the outreach lead, HCCD will coordinate with these organizations to ensure that the community is thoroughly and effectively engaged. HCCD will host community outreach events, facilitate focus groups, distribute surveys, and collaborate with other CBOs to ensure broad participation and input from all segments of the community.
HCCD’s outreach strategy will involve surveys, focus groups, and public meetings to gather input on mobility needs and preferences. Their history of collaboration with local government and their understanding of transportation-related issues enhance their qualifications for this project. By leveraging their expertise, HCCD will ensure meaningful participation from the community, supporting the overall objectives of the STEP Grant.
For all these reasons, HCCD is recognized as uniquely qualified to perform the outreach services required for the implementation of the CARB STEP Grant.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, this contract for outreach and engagement services does not qualify as a “project” as defined by CEQA.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable because the service provider is uniquely qualified. HCCD is a local organization that will be leading the outreach efforts for the grant.
FISCAL IMPACT
This agreement will not have any impact to the General Fund. The funds will come from the CARB STEP Grant and are appropriated within the Department of Transportation FY2025 Budget.
Attachment:
Uniquely Qualified Memorandum and STEP Grant Agreement
Services Agreement
Resolution 2023-289