Title
Planning and Building Department, Economic Development Division, recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Authorize the Chair to sign a revised letter addressed to the Office of the U.S. Economic Development Administration in support of Sierra Business Council’s application for the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs; and
2) Delegate authority to the Director of the Planning and Building Department, or the Economic and Business Relations Manager, to conduct all negotiations, sign and submit all documents, including, but not limited to: applications, future or additional local match commitment letters, agreements, amendments, and payment requests necessary for the completion of Sierra Business Council's grant application process.
FUNDING: Transient Occupancy Tax Funds.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On November 16, 2021 (File No. 21-1818, Item No. 28), the Board authorized the Chair to sign a letter addressed to the Economic Development Administration (EDA) in support of a grant application through the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (PWEAA) program. This Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance grant will assist with the County’s efforts for the rebuilding of an economy in dire need of recovery from the impacts of a devastating fire, drought, and pandemic through additional funding resources.
The Sierra Business Council is prepared to assist with strategically aligning resources from various government, for-profit, and nonprofit entities to leverage efforts and funding in the planning effort towards a more resilient community. It’s anticipated that these efforts will include focusing on the necessary infrastructure to ensure residents can return to their homes and jobs, supporting sustainable economic development, fostering much needed high quality job creation, and rebuilding resilience into the local economy. This grant assistance will help the County effectively plan for rebuilding and provide the necessary re-tooling required for disaster recovery.
Subsequent to the review of the initial application, the reviewing authority at the EDA revised the language of the support letter and decreased the amount of the County's in-kind contributions from $41,175 to $29,590, which the County will provide through staff time to support SBC's project activities. The revised letter reflects this slight decrease in contributions and is addressed to the current Regional Director at EDA, Sheba Person-Whitley.
A PWEAA grant will assist with the County’s efforts for the rebuilding of an economy in dire need of recovery from the impacts of a devastating fire, drought, and pandemic through additional funding resources. The Sierra Business Council (SBC) is prepared to assist with strategically aligning resources from various government, for-profit, and nonprofit entities to leverage efforts and funding in the planning effort toward a more resilient community. It is anticipated that these efforts will include focusing on the necessary infrastructure to ensure residents can return to their homes and jobs, supporting sustainable economic development, fostering much-needed high-quality job creation, and rebuilding resilience in the local economy. This grant assistance will help the County effectively plan for rebuilding and provide the necessary re-tooling required for disaster recovery.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may choose not to sign the revised letter of support.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
See Discussion/Background above.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Sierra Business Council (SBC)
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact to the County associated with submitting this letter of support. If the PWEAA is approved, it would require a County match of 20%; however, this will be achieved through a dedication of staff time to assist with the SBC’s efforts in lieu of a monetary contribution.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) The Clerk of the Board will obtain the Chair’s signature on one (1) original copy of the letter of support; and
2) The Clerk of the Board will forward one (1) copy of the signed letter of support to the Planning and Building Department, Economic Development Division, for further action.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Economic Development - Actively participate with local, regional, and national organizations to strengthen the County’s economic development advantages.
CONTACT
Kyle Zimbelman, Economic and Business Relations Manager
Planning and Building Department