Discussion and possible action on any and all matters regarding the approval of the statutory partnership between the City of San Luis and the Greater Yuma Port Authority to apply for the Environmental Protection Agency's Community Change Grants program. (Armando Esparza, Director of Economic Development)

The City of San Luis Economic Development Department, in partnership with the Greater Yuma Port Authority (GYPA), wishes to enter into a Statutory Partnership Agreement under the EPA Community Change Grant Program. This collaboration focuses on advancing climate action and pollution reduction strategies, emphasizing cross-border mobility, green workforce programs, and sustainable economic development. By leveraging each organization’s strengths, the partnership aims to address public health challenges and environmental sustainability in the City of San Luis.

Partnership Framework: 
The City of San Luis will serve as the lead applicant, overseeing the project's grant management, reporting, and compliance requirements. The City will also manage key construction initiatives, including the Downtown Park and Mobility Lot and the AWC San Luis TECHpreneurial Institute. Additionally, it will coordinate with Arizona Western College (AWC) to implement a workforce development program that targets occupations focused on air quality improvements and clean energy. The City will take the lead in developing a Cross-Border Mobility Community Action Plan by hiring consultants and managing the Port of Entry II (POE II) business attraction efforts to draw industries aligned with the region’s environmental goals.

GYPA, as the statutory partner, will collaborate with the San Luis Port of Entry I (POE I) on workforce retention strategies and conduct outreach to attract green industries. The agency will also promote Magrino Industrial Park, POE II, and other regional assets to air-quality-focused industries. GYPA will assist with the development and implementation of the Cross-Border Mobility Community Action Plan and ensure compliance with EPA reporting requirements by submitting timely documentation to the City.

Both partners will collaborate with AWC to develop innovative workforce programs that support the clean energy transition, focusing on disadvantaged communities. The partnership will pursue several key projects, including the construction of the Downtown Park and Mobility Lot to reduce emissions from idling vehicles and the installation of solar panels in the Mobility Lot to enhance sustainability. The AWC San Luis TECHpreneurial Institute will provide workforce training for green jobs, supporting local economic growth while promoting environmental stewardship. The partnership’s initiatives will align with EPA’s Community Change Grant goals by fostering economic development through improved mobility and air quality.

Grant Application: 
The partners will be requesting $20 million from the EPA Community Change Grant Program to fund these projects. The grant will cover the construction of infrastructure, workforce development operations, administrative expenses, and compliance management. This agreement establishes a collaborative framework to promote community-driven climate action and sustainable development. By focusing on mobility, workforce development, and business attraction, the partnership aims to reduce emissions, improve public health, and position San Luis, AZ, as a leader in environmental and economic resilience.