Receive update on the American Rescue Plan Strategic Plan Implementation areas of Community Parks & Facilities, Economic Development, and Water/Wastewater Infrastructure, and provide board direction. (No general fund impact) (Pistochini/Tengolics/Sabatini/Bryan) (Est Time: 15 min)

Receive update on the American Rescue Plan Strategic Plan Implementation areas of Community Parks & Facilities, Economic Development, and Water/Wastewater Infrastructure, and provide board direction.

ARP Background - Economic Development
On September 28, 2021, the Board of Supervisors (Board) approved the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Expenditure Plan and directed staff to begin the implementation of the plan and its elements which included allocating $500,000 for activities associated with Economic Development as this area is included in both the County's 2020-2025 Strategic Plan and was noted as an item of interest during ARP community engagement. At the June 7, 2022, BOS meeting, Staff proposed committing $29,750 to fund a Yolo County Economic Development Strategy report and $100,000 to fund an expansion of the Lab@AgStart facility, which the County previously provided funding for start-up assistance. This start-up incubator has added at least 24 full-time jobs in Yolo County and brought in over $46 million in private capital into the County. This project was completed, and an opening celebration was held in January 2023. The final report can be found in Attachment A. 

The Yolo County Economic Opportunities report (Attachment B) broadly explored economic development opportunities in the unincorporated areas of the County, noting the County’s significant assets, including proximity to UC Davis, strong agricultural base, and major transportation corridors. However, potential economic development opportunities are constrained by lack of infrastructure, limited access to services, and quality of life challenges. To address these issues, the report ultimately recommends the County consider a community development-centric economic development platform.

The report specifically identified Dunnigan and its advantageous location along the I-5/I-505 interchange as a prime area for further analysis given the significant freeway frontage development opportunities. As such, staff recommends an additional $250,000 in ARP funding be allocated for a specialized study and other technical services. The study would aim to identify and quantify revenue generation opportunities on key freeway frontage corridors (with a focus on Dunnigan and with the intent that the study would help inform the update of the Dunnigan Community Plan), recommend policies to encourage development in these areas while preserving the County’s commitment to smart growth and conservation principles. Additionally, the study will support conceptual design of needed infrastructure improvements to facilitate development at the identified scale. This work would be approached with a community development and uplift lens and would seek to maximize the public benefits of economic development.

The report will assist the County in achieving the Strategic Plan goal of Robust Economy, which is to promote a balanced economy that offers job opportunities and ample services for every resident as well as avenues for business growth and development.

ARP Water/Wastewater Infrastructure Background:
On September 28, 2021, the Board of Supervisors (Board) approved the initial American Rescue Plan (ARP) Expenditure Plan, which included $1,000,000 for Water/Wastewater Infrastructure under the Strategic Plan Implementation. The Board received an update at the January 24, 2023 meeting, at which time it was recommended that the Board defer any further decisions beyond April 2023.

Staff has identified three project proposals for Water/Wastewater Infrastructure spending:

Base Flood Elevations ($500,000): This would establish Base Flood Elevations in several areas within Yolo County.

Small Community Utility System Consolidation Study ($300,000): This study would determine the feasibility of consolidating local water utility systems with larger neighboring systems.

Slough Cleaning Permit Program ($200,000): This would establish long-term permits for the purpose of maintaining covered waterways.

Staff is requesting Board direction on these proposed projects.

ARP Background - Community Parks & Facilities 
On September 28th, 2021 Board meeting, staff brought forth the initial American Rescue Expenditure Plan, which allocated $3,000,000 to the Community Parks & Facilities priority category. At the February 7, 2022, Board meeting, staff presented project recommendations. Staff went back to the workgroup to discuss Board’s feedback and direction. At the March 22, 2022, Board meeting, the May 24, 2022, Board meeting, and the October 25, 2022 Board meeting staff presented an updated version of the projects and gave an update on the priority category. The table below represents the projects funded in the Community Parks & Facilities priority category.

County Administrator
General Services
Community Services