Billings Public Schools is requesting the City sponsor a Letter of Interest to apply for a Smart Growth Technical Assistance grant. The purpose of the grant is to receive technical assistance from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a collaborative planning process for siting school facilities. The City of Billings and Billings Public Schools have long desired an opportunity for collaborative planning that achieves the growth objectives of both agencies. The technical assistance provided by EPA will help fashion a process that will meet these objectives at the same time adhering to the principals of livability:
1) Provide more transportation choices.
2) Promote equitable, affordable housing.
3) Enhance economic competitiveness.
4) Support existing communities.
5) Coordinate and leverage federal policies and investment.
6) Value communities and neighborhoods.

The letter of interest must be submitted by April 9, 2010. A small group of applicants will be selected from the initial pool to submit a grant application later this year.

The City may choose to either support or not support a Letter of Interest for technical assistance from EPA. If the City does not support the letter, a valuable opportunity for collaborative planning between the City and Billings Public Schools will be lost.

There is no financial impact to the City associated with this request except for minimal staff time. If the City was awarded this project, the work and administration would be performed by Billings Public Schools and there would be no significant fiscal impact to the City.

Staff is requesting the City support a Letter of Interest for the US Environmental Protection Agency Technical Assistance Grant to develop a collaborative planning process between Billings Public Schools, the City of Billings and other community stakeholders.