REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
July 16, 2020
FROM: MIGUEL ARIAS, Council President
Council District 3
SUBJECT
Title
Approve agreement with Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (Fresno EOC) for the implementation of the DAWN Initiative (Development Across West Fresno Neighborhoods)
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended the Council approve the agreement with the Fresno EOC for implementation of the DAWN Initiative (Development Across West Fresno Neighborhoods).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On April 28, 2020, Council approved Resolution 2020-089, to reallocate the funding previously allocated to the Darling relocation to efforts to combat COVID-19 and underlying health conditions in West Fresno through the Development Across West Fresno Neighborhoods Initiative (DAWN). The Fiscal Year 2021 Budget appropriates the Darling funding to the initiative. To implement the initiative, Council is now asked to enter into an agreement with Fresno EOC to serve as program administrator. Fresno EOC will work with community organizations to implement the goals of the DAWN Initiative.
BACKGROUND
Historic environmental conditions have disproportionately affected the West Fresno community, and specifically the African American community. This disparity continues to reveal itself, most recently with COVID-19, with the prevalence of high rates of asthma, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. As of April 2020, despite representing just 5.8% of the Fresno County population, African Americans account for 23.9% of COVID-19 Positive cases.
In the 93706 zip code, infant mortality rates and preterm birth rates are 11.4% and 13.3% respectively, compared to rates of 7.1% and 9.6% for Fresno County. Further, infant mortality rates have increased 87% among African American residents, where despite representing just 4.7% of the Fresno County population, they account for 8.3% of preterm births, and 14.3% of infant deaths.
The proposed goals of the DAWN Initiative are:
* Reduce Afric...
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