REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: AARON AGUIRRE, Director
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
BY: ALDI RAMIREZ, Assistant Director
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to adoption of the new definition of highest-need neighborhoods as it pertains to the Fresno Clean and Safe Neighborhoods Parks Transactions and Use Tax, also known as Measure P (Citywide):
1. Adopt the weighted index incorporating the equity factors as defined in FMC 7-1508 (e)(2) and as recommended by the Parks Recreation and Arts Commission;
2. Adopt the top 50 percent of Fresno census tracts that will make up the highest-need neighborhoods while prioritizing the top 25 percent census tracts for initial funding.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Council adopt the weighted index as recommended by the Parks Recreation and Arts Commission; and adopt the top 50 percent of Fresno census tracts that will make up the highest-need neighborhoods while prioritizing the top 25 percent census tracts for initial funding. The 50 percent threshold provides maximum flexibility and is inclusive of more high-need areas throughout the City based on aging parks and park assets.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2018, the Measure P Ordinance (Ordinance) was approved by a majority of Fresno voters, and became effective in 2021. Currently, the Ordinance states highest-need neighborhoods are defined as areas located within census tracts that rank within the top twenty-five percent of Fresno census tracts as identified in the State’s CalEnviroScreen 3.0; and whose nearest park is identified as being in poor condition, according to the Parks Master Plan (Plan), or is located within a priority zone for new parks, as defined by the Plan. The Ordinance requires the City, in conjunction with the Parks Recreation and Arts Commission (Commission), conduct a public process and adopt a new definition of highest-need neighborhoods no later than January 1, 2022, and every three (3) years after. The definition shall be based on a set of eleven (11) criteria, also known as Equity Factors.
BACKGROUND
For both existing and new parks, Measure P requires that no less than 50 percent of funds in those categories must be allocated to highest-need neighborhoods in the City of Fresno (City). The Ordinance provides guidance on how these neighborhoods should be defined by the City, in conjunction with the Commission. The Ordinance outlines a set of data that must be considered in defining highest-need neighborhoods, which includes park condition and access, health data, demographics, and neighborhood safety data. All of these factors, referred to as Equity Factors must be considered in the highest-need definition. The Ordinance directed the City, in conjunction with the Commission, to create a weighted index incorporating the Equity Factors.
The City and the Commission have led two public workshops, giving the public the opportunity to provide input on (1) which Equity Factors are most important when considering park investments in high-need neighborhoods and (2) what proportion of Fresno neighborhoods should be considered highest-need.
Following an analysis of the available data, including Commission and public input, the Commission recommends the top 25 percent of Fresno census tracts, based on this weighting, shall be considered highest-need for the purposes of allocating funds under Measure P; and the Equity Factors shall be prioritized in the following manner:
The following Equity Factors shall be given two times the average weighting:
(A) Existing conditions of parks and facilities based on needs assessment data in the Plan;
(C) Park acreage per 1,000 residents;
(E) Neighborhood youth and senior population;
(G) Neighborhoods of concentrated poverty;
(H) Pollution burden, as defined by CalEnviroScreen 3.0, or subsequent updates;
(J) Years of potential life lost;
The following Equity Factors shall be given average weighting:
(B) The proportion of the population that lives within walking distance (1/2 mile) to a park;
(D) Population density;
(F) Neighborhood safety;
(K) Neighborhood composite mortality rate;
The following Equity Factor shall be de-emphasized by giving them half the average weighting:
(I) Pre-term birth rates;
While the Commission recommends the top 25 percent of census tracts, the Administration recommends the top 50 percent of census tracts be considered highest-need while prioritizing the top 25 percent census tracts for initial funding. The 50 percent threshold provides maximum flexibility and is inclusive of more high-need areas throughout the City based on aging parks and park assets.
The adoption of the new highest-need definition will have an impact on the Measure P expenditure plan, section 7-1506 of the Ordinance. No less than 50% of Bucket 1, Improving and Maintaining Safe, Clean Neighborhood Parks and Playgrounds, shall be made available for highest-need neighborhoods; and no less than 50% of Bucket 2, New Neighborhood Parks; Senior and Youth Recreation Facilities, shall be made available for highest-need neighborhoods.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 this action does not qualify as a “project” and is therefore exempt from CEQA requirements.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented, as this item does not include a bid or award of a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
No City funds are involved in the adoption of the highest-need neighborhoods definition.
Attachment:
Highest-Need Neighborhoods Definition Memo