Approve Community Benefit Grant proposals to support Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) and $3,500 each to the Esparto Fire Protection District and the Yolo Fire Protection District for activities related to pursuing a Proposition 218 initiative; and delegate authority to staff to complete an internal budget transfer to the Department of Community Services and the necessary agreements with the Esparto Fire Protection District and the Yolo Fire Protection District.(No general fund impact) (Brazil/Espitia)

On July 25, 2023, the Board of Supervisors set 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 $750,000. On June 4, 2024, the Board approved an additional $25,000 per supervisorial district and increased the total amount to $875,000. 

A brief description of the funding proposal follows: 

Sustainability Division
This Community Benefit Grant would provide $7,000 from District 5 to the Department of Community Services' Sustainability Division. The funds will be allocated to initiatives aligned with Yolo County's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) to support the County's climate action goals. These funds will contribute to achieving net-negative greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 while centering equity and fostering a resilient and sustainable community. Key initiatives include:

• Promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy generation through building upgrades, electrification, and enhanced energy conservation measures.
• Advancing climate-smart agriculture practices that reduce chemical inputs, encourage innovative agricultural techniques, and support carbon sequestration.
• Enhancing transportation decarbonization efforts by expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, encouraging zero-emission vehicles, and reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips.
• Developing resilience centers to prepare communities for extreme weather events, supporting vulnerable populations, and building equitable access to resources.
• Implementing measures to conserve natural and working lands, restore ecosystems, and increase carbon sequestration capabilities.

This funding will drive efforts critical to climate mitigation and adaptation, ensuring Yolo County meets its climate targets while safeguarding its natural resources, public health, and local economy. These initiatives will also align with strategies to improve air quality, enhance mobility, and promote green jobs, contributing to a just transition for all residents.

Esparto Fire Protection District and Yolo Fire Protection District
This Community Benefit Grant would provide $3,500 each to the Esparto Fire Protection District and the Yolo Fire Protection District for activities related to pursuing a Proposition 218 initiative. The provided funds will be used exclusively for activities that directly support the successful execution of the Proposition 218 process. The funds allocated are designated for the procurement of educational materials and resources necessary to inform and engage the community about the Proposition 218 initiative. Additionally, the funds may be used to supplement activities critical to carrying out the Proposition 218 process. The ultimate objective of this funding is to support the Fire Protection District in securing community approval through the Proposition 218 process, enabling the district to address its operational needs and enhance its service capabilities.

Recommended Action
Staff is requesting authority to complete an internal budget transfer to the Department of Community Services and the necessary agreements with the Esparto Fire Protection District and the Yolo Fire Protection District.

Grant recipients are selected by the Supervisor's Districts and reviewed by the County Administrator's Office. 

The respective Supervisors' District staff review potential beneficiaries of the available 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 funding disbursement.