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Planning and Building Department, Planning Division, Long Range Planning Unit, recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 044-2024, authorizing the Planning and Building Department Director to execute Amendment 1 to Standard Agreement 20-LEAP-14912 and subsequent amendments thereto that do not affect the dollar amount and to sign other grant related documents, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
Funding: Local Early Action Planning Grant Funds.
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DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
The State of California, Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) dated January 27, 2020, for LEAP. In response to the 2019 NOFA, the County submitted an application dated June 10, 2020, for an allocation of the LEAP funds up to the maximum amount available to the County of $500,000. The LEAP program provides funding to jurisdictions for the preparation and adoption of planning documents and process improvements that accelerate housing production to facilitate compliance in implementing the sixth cycle of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA).
The LEAP program is part of a broader program formerly known as the Local Government Planning Support Grants Program, which was established as part of the state 2019-20 Budget Act. The 2019-20 Budget Act provides a spectrum of support, incentives, resources, and accountability to meet California’s housing goals. The LEAP program provides one-time grant funding to regions and jurisdictions for technical assistance, preparation and adoption of planning documents, and process improvements.
On August 10, 2020, the County received notification of a conditional commitment of a LEAP grant award in the amount of $500,000 for projects that assist in the preparation and adoption of planning documents and process improvements that accelerate housing production and facilitate compliance to implement the sixth cycle of the RHNA.
On December 22, 2020, the County received Standard Agreement 20-LEAP-14912, and exhibits, from HCD for review and execution prior to the expenditure of grant funds.
On August 29, 2023, the County received notice that the Governor extended the LEAP grant expenditure deadline to December 31, 2024, consequently extending the final LEAP reimbursement request deadline to September 30, 2023. With various LEAP funded projects still in process, Long Range Planning submitted a timely request to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to extend LEAP Agreement 20-LEAP-14912.
On February 28, 2024, Long Range Planning received Amendment 1 to Standard Agreement 20-LEAP-14912 for review and signature. Amendment 1 will extend the expenditure deadline to December 31, 2024 and term of the Agreement by eighteen (18) months from February 16, 2021 through June 30, 2024 to February 16, 2021 through December 31, 2025. This extension is crucial as it will provide Long Range Planning and Planning and Building Department, Tahoe Planning and Stormwater (Tahoe Planning), with necessary time to complete two (2) active projects: Tahoe El Dorado Area Plan (TED) - Phase 1 and Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Plan Program - Phase 2.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may reject the Department’s recommendation to adopt and sign Resolution XX-2024. This would prevent the Department from signing Amendment 1 to Standard Agreement 20-LEAP-14912, thus forfeiting the extension to the expenditure deadline and not allowing completion of TED - Phase 1 and Pre-Approved ADU Plan Program - Phase 2.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
On May 19, 2020 (File No. 20-0570, Item No. 11), the Board adopted and authorized the Chair to sign Resolution 085-2020, approving the submittal of an application to HCD for planning grant funds to further housing development in El Dorado County.
On February 9, 2021 (File No. 21-0025, Item No. 23), the Board accepted a grant award in the amount of $500,000 in LEAP funds. Subsequently, the Board adopted and authorized the Chair to sign Resolution 210-2021 to authorize the Department Director, or designee, to execute Standard Agreement 20-LEAP-14912.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel and Risk Management
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to Net County Cost associated with this item. Amendment 1 to Standard Agreement 20-LEAP-14912 proposes an extension to the term of the agreement with no changes to the dollar amount.
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 Resolution; and
2) The Clerk of the Board will forward two (2) certified copies of the fully executed Resolution to Planning and Building Department, attention Robert Peters.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Safe and Healthy Communities - Develop a continuum of support and housing opportunities for unhoused individuals.
CONTACT
Robert Peters, Deputy Director of Planning
Planning and Building Department