Consideration and Approval of Contract:  Approve the Second Amendment to the Comprehensive Community Food Systems Assessment
 

1. Approve the Second Amendment to the Contract with New Venture Advisors; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.

In September 2022, the Sustainability Division received a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) grant for Assessing and Growing a Sustainable Community Food System project. The grant funds the development of a comprehensive food systems assessment, community conversations, and Food Action Plan in three respective phases.   

The City entered into a Contract for Services on May 26, 2023, with New Venture Advisors to complete a comprehensive food systems assessment. The purpose of the first amendment (July 16, 2024) was to build on this assessment by completing the initial phase of developing a Food Action Plan, outlining the plan's structure, goals, and objectives. Approval of this Second Amendment will authorize the Contractor to complete the Food Action Plan and the final phase of the grant-funded project.

Project Name: Innovative Production Grant--Assessing and Growing a Sustainable Community Food System
Cost:$103,260.00
Account Number Budgeted: 214-12-170-6358-0-4290
FY Budgeted Amount: $139,085
Grant Funded: Yes
Funding Source: United States Department of Agriculture--Innovative Production Grant

• September 6, 2022: City Council accepted the grant agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture.
• October 22, 2024 and February 25, 2025: Project updates presented to City Council.

1. Approve the Second Amendment to the existing contract as recommended; or
2. Reject the Second Amendment to the existing contract.

• Sustainable, innovative infrastructure – Utilize existing long-range plans that identify the community’s future infrastructure needs and all associated costs. 
• Environmental stewardship – Strengthen Flagstaff’s resilience to climate change impacts on built, natural, economic, health, & social systems 
• Robust Resilient Community - Attract employers that provide high-quality jobs & have a low impact on infrastructure & natural resources. 

Goal E&C.2: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

SC-2: Encourage sustainable consumption. 

SC-3: Divert more waste from the landfill. 

SC-4: Reduce organic waste going to the landfill and reduce food insecurity. 

CR-2: Strengthen existing community systems to create resilience to both short-term shocks and long-term change. 

ES-2: Proactively engage community members on an ongoing basis. 

ES-3: Design targeted climate policies and programs to serve disproportionately impacted communities first. 

ES-4: Actively seek to recognize past harms, repair trust, and build deeper relationships with community members. 

Housing, Neighborhoods & Equity: “Research has shown that neighborhoods can be a good predictor of health. Therefore, it is imperative to place housing in areas of opportunity, such as community spaces, open spaces, quality schools, food, and transportation.”