REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Scott MOzier, PE, Director
Public Works Department
BY: jill m. Gormley, TE, Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Traffic & Engineering Services Division
ANNE SEHM, Grants Administrator
Public Works Department, Grants & Project Administration
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - Authorizing the Submission of a Grant Application to the Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG) for the 2023 Regional Early Action Plan 2.0 Grant Program (REAP)for Capital Improvement Projects that Promote In-Fill Affordable Housing near High-Quality Transit in an amount not to exceed $13,000,000 for the further implementation and construction of the Blackstone Avenue Smart Mobility Project from State Route 180 to Pine Avenue; and Authorizing the Execution of Grant Application and Grant Agreement Documents by the Public Works Director or Designee (Council Districts 1, 3 and 7)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the 2023 REAP 2.0 Grant Program for Capital Improvement Projects that Promote In-Fill Affordable Housing near High-Quality Transit in an amount not to exceed $13,000,000 to implement elements of the Blackstone Avenue Smart Mobility Project from State Route 180 to Pine Avenue; and authorize the execution of all grant application and grant agreement documents by the Public Works Director or designee.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff is requesting authorization to submit a grant application to the 2023 REAP 2.0 Grant Program for Capital Improvement Projects that Promote In-Fill Affordable Housing near High-Quality Transit. The application will request funds for implementation and construction of a segment of the Southern Blackstone Avenue Smart Mobility Strategy, dated March 27, 2019, between State Route 180 and Pine Avenue. The proposed project concept is consistent with the Blackstone Smart Mobility Strategy previously adopted by the Council, including protected bicycle lanes, pedestrian-scale lighting, sidewalk and crosswalk improvements, and landscaping to transform the Blackstone and Abby corridors into mixed-use, transit-oriented and multi-modal corridors.
REAP 2.0 is a flexible program that was designed to accelerate progress towards California’s housing goals and climate commitments through strengthened partnership between the state, its regions, and local entities. REAP 2.0 funds will accelerate infill housing development, reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), increase housing supply at all affordability levels, affirmatively further fair housing (AFFH), and facilitate the implementation of adopted regional and local plans to achieve these goals.
BACKGROUND
The REAP program was developed in 2019 through the Budget Action, Governor Gavin Newsom allocated $250 million for all regions, cities, and counties to do their part by prioritizing planning activities that accelerate housing production to meet identified needs of every community. Housing and Community Development (HCD) established REAP with $125 million allocated to regions. REAP 2019 provided a one-time grant funding to regional governments and regional entities for planning activities that was to accelerate housing production and facilitate compliance in implementing the sixth cycle of the Regional Housing Needs Allocation.
REAP 2.0 builds on the success of REAP 2019, but expands the program focus by integrating housing and climate goals and allowing for broader planning and implementation investments (including infrastructural investments that support infill development which facilitates housing supply, choice, and affordability). REAP 2.0 is administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), the Strategic Growth Council (SGC), and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
REAP 2.0 allocated a total of $600 million available for the following eligible applicants: Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) Allocations, Rural & Trial, High Impact Transformative, and Government Administration. 85% of the program’s funding went directly to the state’s 18 MPOs. Fresno COG received a total of $13 million of the MPO allocation.
There is a total of $13 million available for the Fresno COG Call for Projects, and Fresno COG’s REAP 2.0 scoring committee is tasked with assessing applications against a variety of primary and secondary factors. Fresno COG staff will average the scores assigned by each of the committee members to rank and prioritize projects. Grant scoring is weighted in favor of projects that can present a strong nexus to accelerate infill housing development, reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), increase housing supply at all affordability levels, affirmatively further fair housing (AFFH), and facilitate the implementation of adopted regional and local plans.
Applications are due on December 15, 2023. Projects selected for funding by the scoring committee will receive final approval by the Fresno COG no later than June 2024. Projects selected for funding must be able to enter into an agreement with Fresno COG and expend the funds no later than June 30, 2026. The City Attorney’s office has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This item is not a project for the purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not included because this resolution does not include a bid or award of a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
This resolution will have no impact on the General Fund. No matching funds are required.
Attachment(s):
Resolution