Title
Planning and Building Department, Economic Development Division, recommending the Board authorize the Chair to sign a letter addressed to the Offices of the U.S. Economic Development Administration in support of Sierra Business Council’s application for the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Economic Development Administration’s Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs provide economically distressed communities and regions with comprehensive and flexible resources to address a wide variety of economic needs. Through these programs, the Economic Development Administration supports bottom-up strategies that build on regional assets to spur economic growth and resiliency. A 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.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may choose not to sign the letter of support.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
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 can be achieved through a dedication of staff time to assist with the SBC’s efforts as opposed to a direct financial match.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) The Clerk of the Board will obtain the Chair’s signature on one (1) original copy the letter of support.
2) The Clerk of the Board will one (1) original copy of the signed letter of support to 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