| ITEM #: 8. DATE: 05/18/2026 AI #:3313 |
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
| SUBJECT: | RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PROPOSALS TO TOHONO O'ODHAM NATION FOR ITS 2026 12% GAMING DISTRIBUTION GRANT PROGRAMS |
| STAFF PRESENTER(S): | Christina Panaitescu, Community Partnerships Program Manager |
SUMMARY
The Tohono O'odham Nation is seeking funding proposal requests from Arizona cities and non-profit organizations for its 2026 12% Gaming Distribution grant program. Proposal requests must address one or more of the following priority areas: economic development, education, health care, public safety, child advocacy, economic development, or cultural and environmental development and protection. Responses are due no later than June 12, 2026.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
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RECOMMENDATION
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2026-2521 AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR 12% GAMING DISTRIBUTION FUNDS TO THE TOHONO O’ODHAM NATION, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, OR THEIR DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO SAID APPLICATIONS, AND EXECUTE A GRANT AGREEMENT (IF GRANT FUNDS ARE AWARDED), AND APPROVE THE REQUIRED BUDGET TRANSFER (IF GRANT FUNDS ARE AWARDED). (Christina Panaitescu, Community Partnerships Program Manager)
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact at this time and there is no city match requirement for this grant. If awarded, budget amendments will be made to accommodate expenditures associated with the receipt of additional revenue from the Tohono O'odham Nation. Projects not fully funded through the grant process will be scaled back to meet the grant award amount. Other funding sources will then be reviewed for potential eligibility.
BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS ACTIONS
In 2002, Arizona voters approved Proposition 202, which implemented a new requirement that Tribal/State Gaming Compacts must include a provision that the compacting tribe would contribute a portion of its annual net gaming revenues (the "Annual Contribution") for the benefit of the general public. Pursuant to Proposition 202, each tribe may determine the recipients of 12 percent of its total annual contribution (the "State Shared Revenue grant program"). The Tohono O'odham Nation has announced a request for proposals from local governments and non-profit organizations for the distribution of the fiscal year 2026 payments. Responses are due no later than June 12, 2026. Funding determinations for the Tohono O'odham applications will be announced in late September 2026. Funds will be available as soon as possible, following the execution of a grant-in-aid agreement.
STAFF ANALYSIS
After soliciting input from department directors, staff recommends adopting Resolution No. 2026-2521 (Attachment A) and submitting two grant proposals, both benefiting the Parks & Recreation Department:
1) A public safety application for $14,205 to fund and operationalize two portable radios for Park Ranger use. The radios will enable the Rangers to communicate with each other and the police department more reliably and efficiently.
2) A health care application for $10,000 to fund eleven monthly therapeutic art programs for military veterans. The funds will be used to contract for art instruction, where the supplies and a meal are provided.