Regular-Community Services # 53.
Board of Supervisors
- Meeting Date:
- 12/03/2024
- Brief Title
- Approve Remaining Climate Action ARP Funding Allocations
From:
Leslie Lindbo, Director, Department of Community Services
Staff Contact:
Kristen Wraithwall, Sustainability Manager, Department of Community Services, x8047
Supervisorial District Impact:
Countywide
Subject
Consider and approve seven additional Climate Action American Rescue Plan funding allocations totaling $259,268. (No general fund impact) (Lindbo/Wraithwall) (Est. Time: 5 min)
Recommended Action
Approve seven additional Climate Action American Rescue Plan (ARP) fund allocations totaling $259,268:
- Additional Funding to Complete Inventory and Feasibility Study ($30,030)
- Translating the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) into Spanish ($6,000)
- Staff Training ($5,000)
- CAAP Implementation Community Engagement Revolving Fund ($5,000)
- CivicSpark Equity and Engagement Fellow for 2025-2026 Service Year ($31,000)
- Zero Emission Vehicle Action Plan CalTrans Grant Match ($10,968)
- Yolo County Community Climate Action Fund ($171,270)
Strategic Plan Goal(s)
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Sustainable Environment |
Reason for Recommended Action/Background
Background on Climate Action ARP Allocations to Date
On September 28, 2021, the Board of Supervisors ("Board") approved the initial ARP Expenditure Plan, which included $1,000,000 for projects under Climate Action within the Strategic Plan Implementation category. The Board subsequently reviewed and provided direction on certain climate action funding allocations at the June 7, 2022, November 22, 2022, and May 23, 2023, and April 9, 2024 Board meetings.
To date, the Yolo County Climate Action Commission ("Commission") and the Board have committed a total $740,732 of the $1,000,000 in Climate Action ARP funds, which leaves $259,268 to be obligated.
Today, staff are presenting seven additional funding requests, totaling $259,268:
Overview of Additional Funding Requests
I. Additional Funding to Complete Inventory and Feasibility Study [$30,030]
II. Translating the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) into Spanish [$6,000]
Staff are requesting $6,000 to compensate the De Colores Resource Center for translating the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, including:
III. Staff Training [$5,000]
Allocating $5,000 to a staff training fund will enable all seven (7) members of the Sustainability team to attend at least one in-person training in 2025. A long-standing goal of the Commission and Sustainability Division has been to highlight Yolo County as a model for ambitious local climate action in California. This training fund would enable staff to present on conference panels and share outcomes of the Yolo County CAAP development process with peers across the state. Additionally, it would provide a critical opportunity for staff to fill knowledge and skill gaps, engage with other local jurisdictions to learn best practices for program development, and ensure effective and efficient CAAP implementation.
IV. CAAP Implementation Community Engagement Fund [$5,000]
On November 22, 2022, the Board of Supervisors approved the allocation of $31,000 in Climate Action ARP funds to a CAAP Community Engagement Package. This funding supported five community-based organization (CBO) Community Outreach Partners and material creation and incentives for public meetings and survey participation, including printing of tabling materials, development of interactive activities for outreach events, registration fees for events, and more. The entirety of this funding pool has been spent, and staff wish to allocate $5,000 to support the intensive community engagement needed throughout Phase I of CAAP implementation. If approved, this funding will be used to print materials and display boards for critical programs, develop additional activities and sustainable giveaways for community events, cover costs associated with event registration fees/space rentals, and more. This fund will enable staff to be nimble with our messaging and presentation as we move through a fast-paced implementation cycle.
V. CivicSpark Equity and Engagement Fellow for 2025-26 Service Year [$31,000]
Staff are requesting approval to allocate $31,000 in Climate Action ARP funding to cover the cost of hosting an Equity and Engagement CivicSpark AmeriCorps Fellow for the 2025-26 Service Year. This Fellow will coordinate outreach and engagement associated with CAAP implementation, and oversee the Sustainability Division’s social media platforms, newsletter, website/web portal, and more. Clear and consistent community messaging will be more important than ever in the year ahead and securing funding for a Fellow now ensures that this critical work isn’t delayed or halted due to future budget constraints.
VI. Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Action Plan CalTrans Grant Match [$10,968]
In September 2023, Yolo County was awarded $263,819 from CalTrans to develop a ZEV Action Plan for Yolo County in partnership with the four incorporated cities, UC Davis, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, Yolo Transportation District, and other community partners. The ZEV Action Plan will: 1) identify gaps in ZEV infrastructure and recommend locations for new infrastructure development; 2) assess the electrical grid's capacity to sustain increased ZEV usage and recommend improvements; 3) assess existing mobility options and recommend strategies to improve options; 4) identify state, federal, and other funding sources for future implementation; and 5) develop a strategy to help low-income households access rebates and other forms of support for ZEV ownership. The project will also develop public vehicle fleet transition plans for several partner agencies. The Sustainability Division is requesting $10,968 in Climate Action ARP funds be utilized as cash match for this grant.
VII. Yolo County Community Climate Action Fund [$171,270]
The Community Climate Action Fund, proposed by the Sustainability Division, aims to support the implementation of Phase I CAAP actions through collaborative partnerships with local Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), schools, special districts, and stakeholders. With $171,270 in American Rescue Plan funds available, the initiative will solicit project proposals from local partners that align with specific Phase I CAAP actions, enhance community resilience, and promote environmental sustainability within Yolo County.
The fund seeks to empower local organizations by providing financial support for innovative, measurable projects that foster community engagement and leadership and achieve individual CAAP actions. By facilitating proposals that demonstrate sustainability, equity, and collaboration, the Community Climate Action Fund aims to drive meaningful community-driven climate action as well as measurable progress on CAAP implementation.
Given the limited budget ($171,270), the Fund will set clear program goals, expectations, and funding parameters for applicants in order to maximize impact. If the funding for this project is approved, staff will work with the Climate Action Commission and Procurement team to develop a simple and accessible solicitation for community partners to submit project proposals, a set of selection criteria for applicants, and conduct community outreach to share information about the opportunity with the public.
Next Steps
On September 28, 2021, the Board of Supervisors ("Board") approved the initial ARP Expenditure Plan, which included $1,000,000 for projects under Climate Action within the Strategic Plan Implementation category. The Board subsequently reviewed and provided direction on certain climate action funding allocations at the June 7, 2022, November 22, 2022, and May 23, 2023, and April 9, 2024 Board meetings.
To date, the Yolo County Climate Action Commission ("Commission") and the Board have committed a total $740,732 of the $1,000,000 in Climate Action ARP funds, which leaves $259,268 to be obligated.
| Project Title | Lead Entity | Amount Funded |
| Early Action Project: Carbon Farming Partnership | Center for Land Based Learning | $149,845 |
| Early Action Project: Electrification Retrofit Rebate Outreach Program | Valley Clean Energy | $100,000 |
| Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) Support: Yolo Resource Conservation District Support for CAAP | Yolo Resource Conservation District | $45,287 |
| Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) Support: Community Engagement Package | Community Services | $31,000 |
| Early Action Project: Agricultural Equipment Replacement Program | Community Services; Yolo-Solano AQMD | $130,000 |
| Home Energy Score Pilot Program | Community Services | $72,600 |
| Weatherization Program | Community Services | $50,000 |
| Yolo County CAAP Tracking Dashboard | Community Services | $100,000 |
| CivicSpark Fellows for 2024-25 Service Year | Community Services | $62,000 |
| Total Allocated: | $740,732 | |
| Total Remaining: | $259,268 |
Today, staff are presenting seven additional funding requests, totaling $259,268:
| Project Title | Lead Entity | Amount Funded |
| Additional Funding to Complete Inventory and Feasibility Study | Community Services; General Services; AECOM | $30,030 |
| Funding to Translate Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) into Spanish | De Colores Resource Center | $6,000 |
| Staff Training Fund | Community Services | $5,000 |
| CAAP Implementation Community Engagement Fund | Community Services | $5,000 |
| CivicSpark Equity and Engagement Fellow for 2025-26 Service Year | Community Services | $31,000 |
| Zero Emission Vehicle Action Plan CalTrans Grant Match | Community Services; DKS Consulting | $10,968 |
| Yolo County Community Climate Action Fund | Community Services | $171,270 |
| Total Additional Allocation: | $259,268 | |
| Total Climate Action ARP Funds Remaining After Additional Allocations: | $0 |
Overview of Additional Funding Requests
I. Additional Funding to Complete Inventory and Feasibility Study [$30,030]
On July 25, 2023, the Board of Supervisors allocated $300,000 in supplemental ARP funding to the Sustainability Division to complete the Inventory and Feasibility Study Early Action Project in partnership with the Department of General Services. This project will develop an inventory of all fossil fuels used in Yolo County operations and then assess the feasibility of removing these fossil fuels from use. The total cost of completing this project, following a competitive request for proposals (RFP) process, is $330,030. Allocating an additional $30,030 in Climate Action ARP will cover the remaining costs associated with the County’s contract with AECOM for this project.
II. Translating the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) into Spanish [$6,000]
Staff are requesting $6,000 to compensate the De Colores Resource Center for translating the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, including:
- The CAAP at a Glance
- Chapter 2 – Community Engagement Strategy and Farmworker Voices
- Chapter 6 – Strategies, Measures, and Actions
- Appendix E – Strategy Detail
The Climate Action Commission and Equity and Engagement Technical Advisory Committee (E&E TAC) have stressed the importance of accessibility when it comes to the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. As an outreach partner throughout the CAAP development process, the De Colores Resource Center is well positioned to deliver a context-informed translated document that is accessible to the Yolo County community.
III. Staff Training [$5,000]
Allocating $5,000 to a staff training fund will enable all seven (7) members of the Sustainability team to attend at least one in-person training in 2025. A long-standing goal of the Commission and Sustainability Division has been to highlight Yolo County as a model for ambitious local climate action in California. This training fund would enable staff to present on conference panels and share outcomes of the Yolo County CAAP development process with peers across the state. Additionally, it would provide a critical opportunity for staff to fill knowledge and skill gaps, engage with other local jurisdictions to learn best practices for program development, and ensure effective and efficient CAAP implementation.
IV. CAAP Implementation Community Engagement Fund [$5,000]
On November 22, 2022, the Board of Supervisors approved the allocation of $31,000 in Climate Action ARP funds to a CAAP Community Engagement Package. This funding supported five community-based organization (CBO) Community Outreach Partners and material creation and incentives for public meetings and survey participation, including printing of tabling materials, development of interactive activities for outreach events, registration fees for events, and more. The entirety of this funding pool has been spent, and staff wish to allocate $5,000 to support the intensive community engagement needed throughout Phase I of CAAP implementation. If approved, this funding will be used to print materials and display boards for critical programs, develop additional activities and sustainable giveaways for community events, cover costs associated with event registration fees/space rentals, and more. This fund will enable staff to be nimble with our messaging and presentation as we move through a fast-paced implementation cycle.
V. CivicSpark Equity and Engagement Fellow for 2025-26 Service Year [$31,000]
Staff are requesting approval to allocate $31,000 in Climate Action ARP funding to cover the cost of hosting an Equity and Engagement CivicSpark AmeriCorps Fellow for the 2025-26 Service Year. This Fellow will coordinate outreach and engagement associated with CAAP implementation, and oversee the Sustainability Division’s social media platforms, newsletter, website/web portal, and more. Clear and consistent community messaging will be more important than ever in the year ahead and securing funding for a Fellow now ensures that this critical work isn’t delayed or halted due to future budget constraints.
VI. Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Action Plan CalTrans Grant Match [$10,968]
In September 2023, Yolo County was awarded $263,819 from CalTrans to develop a ZEV Action Plan for Yolo County in partnership with the four incorporated cities, UC Davis, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, Yolo Transportation District, and other community partners. The ZEV Action Plan will: 1) identify gaps in ZEV infrastructure and recommend locations for new infrastructure development; 2) assess the electrical grid's capacity to sustain increased ZEV usage and recommend improvements; 3) assess existing mobility options and recommend strategies to improve options; 4) identify state, federal, and other funding sources for future implementation; and 5) develop a strategy to help low-income households access rebates and other forms of support for ZEV ownership. The project will also develop public vehicle fleet transition plans for several partner agencies. The Sustainability Division is requesting $10,968 in Climate Action ARP funds be utilized as cash match for this grant.
VII. Yolo County Community Climate Action Fund [$171,270]
The Community Climate Action Fund, proposed by the Sustainability Division, aims to support the implementation of Phase I CAAP actions through collaborative partnerships with local Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), schools, special districts, and stakeholders. With $171,270 in American Rescue Plan funds available, the initiative will solicit project proposals from local partners that align with specific Phase I CAAP actions, enhance community resilience, and promote environmental sustainability within Yolo County.
The fund seeks to empower local organizations by providing financial support for innovative, measurable projects that foster community engagement and leadership and achieve individual CAAP actions. By facilitating proposals that demonstrate sustainability, equity, and collaboration, the Community Climate Action Fund aims to drive meaningful community-driven climate action as well as measurable progress on CAAP implementation.
Given the limited budget ($171,270), the Fund will set clear program goals, expectations, and funding parameters for applicants in order to maximize impact. If the funding for this project is approved, staff will work with the Climate Action Commission and Procurement team to develop a simple and accessible solicitation for community partners to submit project proposals, a set of selection criteria for applicants, and conduct community outreach to share information about the opportunity with the public.
Next Steps
- January 2025: Finalize Community Climate Action Fund program design including solicitation details and selection criteria.
- February – March 2025: Launch solicitation for the Community Climate Action Fund.
- April – May 2025: Selection committee to review Community Climate Action Fund proposals and recommend projects for funding.
- June 2025: Complete contracting with selected project leaders for Community Climate Action Fund.
- June – August 2025: Interview prospective candidates for Equity and Engagement CivicSpark Fellow and offer position.
- September 2025 – August 2026: Service Term for Equity and Engagement CivicSpark Fellow.
- December 2026:
- All ARP funds expended.
- All Community Climate Action Fund projects completed.
Collaborations (including Board advisory groups and external partner agencies)
Climate Action Commission
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal impact (see budgetary detail below)
Fiscal Impact (Expenditure)
- Total cost of recommended action:
- $ 259,268
- Amount budgeted for expenditure:
- $ 259,268
- Additional expenditure authority needed:
- $ 0
- One-time commitment:
- Yes
Source of Funds for this Expenditure
- ARP
- $259,268
Further explanation as needed:
The allocation requested ($259,268) equals the amount remaining in the Climate Action Funding Pool. No additional allocations are being requested at this time.
Attachments
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Stephanie Cormier | Stephanie Cormier | 11/22/2024 09:54 AM |
| Berenice Espitia | Julie Dachtler | 11/22/2024 04:42 PM |
| Berenice Espitia | Julie Dachtler | 11/25/2024 04:25 PM |
| Yen Nguyen | Yen Nguyen | 11/25/2024 05:03 PM |
- Form Started By:
- Julia Olsen
- Started On:
- 11/12/2024 03:24 PM
- Final Approval Date:
- 11/25/2024