Approve American Rescue Plan Community Benefit Grant proposals totaling $75,000, delegate authority to staff to enter into the necessary agreements, and delegate authority to the Manager of Procurement to sign the agreements. (No general fund impact) (Pinedo/Rowe)

Background
On July 25, 2023, the Board of Supervisors received an update on the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and a set of recommendations from staff for the use of remaining funding. At that time, staff recommended setting aside $500,000 for the Community Benefit Equal Allocation Plan. The Plan equally allocated a portion of that funding to each of the five supervisorial districts, allowing each Supervisor to provide grants to local Community-Based Organizations (CBO) operating within their districts. The Board approved the plan at that meeting, further augmenting the funding to a total of $750,000. Eight projects have been identified, totaling $75,000. 

A brief description of each funding proposal follows: 

Thriving Pink
This agreement would provide $5,000 each from Districts 2 and 4, for a total of $10,000. Thriving Pink is a 501(c)3 organization which supports individuals and families impacted by breast cancer. This award would be used to offer increased in-person support and materials for participants in Thriving Pink's ProspeROSA program. Thriving Pink will provide professionally facilitated support groups and programs with a focus on vulnerable breast cancer populations: young adults, Latinas, and metastatic patients. They will also offer an ongoing support group for their Renewal Retreat attendees who have their own unique needs.

The Knights Landing Garden Project
This agreement would provide $5,000 from District 5. The Knights Landing Garden Project aims to establish a community garden for sustainable food and recreational space in Knights Landing. With a focus on engaging youth through community service and skill development, the project emphasizes the importance of the garden as a social and meditative hub. Requested ARP funds specifically target fence repairs, highlighting the critical need for security and maintenance to ensure the sustained success and safety of the community garden, ultimately enhancing its impact on the well-being and development of the community.

California Agriculture Museum
This agreement would provide $10,000 from District 5. The California Agriculture Museum is currently in the process of working to expand their kid's area with more hands-on and STEM exhibits. They don't want to just talk about the transition from horse-powered to motorized, they want to be able to demonstrate it. Imagine being able to turn a crank and see the inner workings of a steam powered engine from 1910 in motion. These are experiences that cannot be found anywhere else. The California Agriculture Museum is seeking core funding to support mission-directed STEM projects as well as educational opportunities, i.e., field trips for local schools.

Leisureville Mobile Home Park
This agreement would provide $10,000 from District 5. The proposed initiative involves duct cleaning and the modification of the existing two HVAC systems to incorporate advanced air purification technologies, specifically the Purifier UV Light Air Scrubber Filtration and Electromaze Filtration MRF13 Filtration functions. The primary objective of this project is to provide a healthier and safer environment for the senior residents of their community, particularly during social functions held at the clubhouse. Seniors often face challenges with weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to respiratory issues. Moreover, individuals with allergies and asthma can significantly benefit from improved air quality.

Woodland Food Closet
This agreement would provide $5,000 from District 5. The sole purpose of the Woodland Volunteer Bureau Food Closet is to feed the most vulnerable in the community, regardless of documentation status, housing or employment status, or family structure. Getting food directly into the hands of those who need it in the most efficient and cost-effective manner is the goal. COVID-19 caused a significant increase in the demand for food assistance in and around Woodland. The Woodland Volunteer Bureau Food Closet (The Food Closet) is a trusted Yolo County institution that has served low-income families in the community for over 50 years. The increased demand for these services has resulted in a need for more supplies and resources.

Woodland Alianza FC
This agreement would provide $10,000 from District 5. Alianza FC is a youth soccer organization committed to fostering the love of soccer among children and youth in the community. Financial support is being requested to provide scholarships for players who wish to join the soccer program but face financial obstacles. Additionally, assistance is needed in covering the costs associated with necessary equipment and uniforms for these aspiring players. Alianza FC is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every child, regardless of their economic background, has the opportunity to participate in and enjoy the sport of soccer. Unfortunately, financial constraints often prevent talented and enthusiastic individuals from joining the program, hindering their ability to develop both athletically and personally.

Center for Land Based Learning (CLBL)
This agreement would provide $10,000 from District 5. Mobile Farmers Market is a vital resource that brings fresh, locally grown, seasonal produce directly to underserved communities. The program aims to improve access to healthy food options, particularly for individuals and families who rely on assistance programs like EBT and SNAP. The Market Match initiative is a critical component of the Mobile Farmers Market. It ensures that SNAP customers receive a 50% discount on their purchases, making nutritious food more affordable for those facing financial constraints. CLBL would like to extend the 50% off discount to individuals who may not have sufficient funds on their EBT or SNAP cards. The requested funds will be used to sustain and expand the Market Match program, ensuring that more individuals have access to affordable, nutritious food options. Specifically, the funds will cover the financial gap created by offering the 50% discount to those with limited funds on their EBT or SNAP cards, thus making healthy food choices available to a wider audience.

Farmworkers Financial Assistance Program
This agreement would provide $15,000 from District 5. The Farmworker Assistance Program is designed to address the immediate and pressing needs of farmworkers in Yolo County who have been adversely affected by unemployment or disability. Yolo County has a significant agricultural workforce, and these individuals often face financial hardships due to seasonal employment fluctuations and health-related issues. This program seeks to bridge the gap by offering financial support to alleviate the burden of essential expenses, ensuring that these individuals and their families can maintain stable living conditions during challenging times. The Farmworker Assistance Program aligns with Yolo County’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and creating positive community impact.

Recommended Action
Staff are requesting authority to complete and sign the agreements with the named organizations in the amounts described above. Agreements will utilize the language shown in Att. A. Agreement Template.

Grant recipients are selected by the Supervisor's Districts and reviewed by the County Administrator's Office. County Counsel and the Department of Financial Services reviewed and approved the benefit agreement language in Att. A. Agreement Template.

The respective Supervisors' District staff review potential beneficiaries of the available ARP funding, and the Supervisor selects beneficiaries and funding amounts. District Staff then begin preparation of the agreements. The County Administrator's Office reviews the spending proposals and verifies that the proposed beneficiary meets any necessary requirements under federal and state laws. The proposal is then brought to the Board for delegation of authority to complete and sign the agreement in advance of any funding disbursement.