REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JENNIFER K. CLARK, Director
Planning and Development Department
BY: SOPHIA PAGULOTOUS, Planning Manger
Planning and Development Department
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the Grant Funding Agreement between Fresno Council of Governments and the City of Fresno for expenses related to housing planning and Development Code streamlining, in an amount not to exceed $146,230.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the Grant Funding Agreement between Fresno Council of Governments and the City of Fresno for expenses related to housing planning and Development Code streamlining, in an amount not to exceed $146,230.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed agreement between the City of Fresno and the Fresno Council of Governments would allow the reallocation of previously approved grant funds provided through the Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) program to new housing-related planning projects as described herein. This application is seeking only a portion of the original amount in order to meet the expenditure deadline, which is December 31, 2024.
BACKGROUND
In April 2021, the City Council approved a City of Fresno grant application to the Fresno Council of Governments’ Housing Planning Grant program in the amount of $250,000 for the Manchester Shopping Center Utilities Study and Master Plan for Affordable Housing. Other funds were subsequently found for the study, and the grant funds have not been utilized. The currently proposed agreement would allow a portion of the funds to be reallocated to the following housing planning activities, to be expended prior to the funds’ expiration on December 31, 2024. The proposed housing planning activities include:
1. Parkway Neighborhood Master Plan: Collaboration between the City of Fresno and Fresno Housing to create a plan and set a vision for this new neighborhood center and describe the steps needed to transform an existing motel row into an attractive place where families can live, shop, work, and play. The plan includes a framework for new development and a guide for improvements to existing services and infrastructure.
2. Development Code Audit/Streamlining: Focused analysis of the City’s development code and zoning ordinance, considering new State housing laws passed through 2024, opportunities for streamlining housing production, and creation of objective design standards.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
N/A - Contract not a project under CEQA.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
N/A - REAP funds are State funds.
FISCAL IMPACT
No General Fund impact; funds would be disbursed through the Fresno Council of Governments’ REAP program.
Attachment:
Fresno COG Grant Funding Agreement