Title
Planning and Building Department, Economic Development Division, recommending the Board:
1) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 070-2025, authorizing the Director of Planning and Building Department to execute the Program Supplement Agreement, with a not-to-exceed amount of $249,999.97* and a Project End Date of December 31, 2028, and other agreements and amendments with the California Department of Transportation for the County's DEMOL-5925(204) Project, allowing for funds to be claimed for the Engage, Empower, Implement Grant;
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement 9325 with El Dorado Community Foundation, in the amount of $249,999.68*, and a term ending December 31, 2026, for collaboration with the El Dorado County Housing Assessment and Task Force Outreach Project; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute any amendments which do not increase the not-to-exceed amount or term of the Agreement, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: Engage, Empower, Implement Grant, Federal Funding - 100%.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Sacramento Council of Governments (SACOG) is administering an initiative known as the Engage, Empower, Implement Regional Funding Program (EEI). The new funding program establishes and funds community-based outreach and engagement projects throughout the six-county SACOG region. The goal of EEI is to partner local jurisdictions with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to plan and implement affordable housing, transportation, and mobility projects in their communities. A total of $3.8 million is available for all CBOs, cities, counties, and tribal governments in the SACOG region.
The Planning and Building Department (Department), in partnership with the El Dorado Community Foundation, has been awarded $249,999.68 to implement the El Dorado County Housing Assessment and Task Force Outreach Project (Project). Proposed Agreement 9325 with a not-to-exceed amount of $249,999.68 and a term ending December 31, 2026, will allow for commencement of these services, which aim to develop a housing needs assessment and an Affordable Housing Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan), along with policy options for Board of Supervisors consideration. An estimated $174,915 is allocated for use by the El Dorado Community Foundation and their subconsultant, while $75,084.68 will be utilized by County for staff time. This outreach will be done concurrently with the work of the Affordable Housing Task Force (AHTF).
Additional Project Background and Objectives
The promotion and development of affordable housing is a County-wide endeavor. Research from the California Housing Partnership (CHP) highlights that more than 3,500 low-income renter households in El Dorado County lack access to affordable housing. Among those who secure housing, a significant financial burden is evident, with seventy (70) percent of extremely low-income households allocating over half of their income towards housing expenses. El Dorado County, marked by its rural setting, burgeoning retirement community, limited industrial opportunities, rising living costs, and construction expenses, faces a pressing affordable housing crisis.
This Project aims to foster direct community involvement through outreach efforts to craft an impactful, community-driven Strategic Plan for affordable housing. Key Project objectives include:
• Organizing up to twelve (12) community engagement meetings across County supervisorial districts and at least one (1) centrally located County meeting.
• Executing one (1) online community survey.
• Facilitating one (1) to two (2) stakeholder meetings or processes, each lasting one (1) to two (2) hours, to engage identified stakeholders in pinpointing communal needs.
• Conducting one (1) to three (3) strategic planning workshops, each lasting approximately two (2) to three (3) hours, to identify pertinent issues, requirements, and the focus of the AHTF.
• Collaborating with the AHTF to formulate longstanding County policy recommendations for the Board of Supervisors.
• Crafting the draft Strategic Plan and gathering community feedback.
• Finalizing a comprehensive Strategic Plan for consideration and adoption by the Board of Supervisors.
The County serves as the SACOG project lead and government agency, with the El Dorado Community Foundation acting as the collaborating CBO. The El Dorado Community Foundation's selection as the Project's collaborative CBO stems from its esteemed reputation as a reliable advocate for underserved community members. Their expertise aligns seamlessly with the County's overarching goal of fostering sustainable development, job creation, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
*Due to a minor miscalculation of Task 3, Execution of Plan (Exhibit A, Attachment D), made during the completion of the Caltrans Project Authorization Request, the awarded amount is $249,999.97, which differs from the correct cost of Task 3 - $249,999.68, which is reflected in Agreement 9325.
While the grant amount is slightly higher than the agreement with the Foundation, the County will only be reimbursed for the project's actual costs.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may choose not to adopt the proposed Resolution or approve the proposed Agreement. This could result in delays toward Project completion as the Department navigates modifications to the grant agreement and selects and contracts with another qualified CBO, thus jeopardizing grant funds as a result of not meeting Project completion deadlines.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
On January 28, 2025 (Legistar file 25-0041), the Board accepted an EEI grant in the amount of $249,999.68 as funding for the proposed Project and directed the Director of Planning and Building Department to execute additional grant agreements and amendments that do not affect the dollar amount or term of the grant.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel and Risk Management have approved the proposed Agreement; El Dorado Community Foundation
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There are no grant match requirements. The EEI grant will reimburse expenses incurred in Professional Services, and the County’s portion of the grant ($75,084.68) is designated for staff time; however, since overhead costs are not billable, the General Fund will see a small impact in the form of these costs in the FY 2024-25 budget. The Department will include the costs in future budgets.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) The Clerk of the Board will secure the Chair's signature on the original copy of the Resolution;
2) The Clerk of the Board will provide two (2) certified Resolution copies to the Planning and Building Department, attention Kyle Zimbelman, Deputy Director of Economic Development.
3) The Clerk of the Board will obtain the Chair’s signature on two (2) original copies of the Agreement; and
4) The Clerk of the Board will forward one (1) fully-executed original Agreement to the Chief Administration Office, Procurement and Contracts Division, for further processing.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Safe and Healthy Communities
Priority: Develop a continuum of support and housing opportunities for unhoused individuals
Action Item: Develop a comprehensive plan for affordable housing opportunities
CONTACT
Kyle Zimbelman, Deputy Director
Planning and Building Department