REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt Resolution Authorizing Application for Housing-Related Parks Program Grant from the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
Report
BACKGROUND
California's Housing-Related Parks (HRP) Program, funded by the Proposition 1C bond measure passed by voters in 2006, was designed to reward cities and counties that permit a significant number of affordable housing units and adopt State-certified housing elements in a timely manner. The HRP Program provides grants to these jurisdictions for park-related capital improvement projects. Last year, the City was awarded an HRP grant of $973,525 for various capital improvements to Fair Oaks Park.
The grant guidelines require a Council resolution authorizing the application for this grant. The resolution in Attachment 1 follows the required template provided by HCD.
EXISTING POLICY
Policy 7.1.5 Donations, Contributions and Sponsorships:
Allow the solicitation of donations, contributions and sponsorships, as well as the submittal of applications for grant monies, to support City programs, events and services.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
If the HRP grant is awarded to the City, DPW will complete the required CEQA review of the capital project to be funded by the grant when the project is designed or permitted by the City. Typically park improvements of this type qualify for a CEQA exemption for minor improvements and/or renovations of existing public facilities.
DISCUSSION
On December 10, 2014, HCD issued a Notice of Funding Availability for the HRP Program, which provides grants to local governments as an incentive for developing housing units affordable to lower-income households within their jurisdictions. HRP grants may be used for the creating, developing, or rehabilitating park and recreation facilities, such as sport fields, informal play areas, play structures, community gardens, and park landscaping. Applications for this grant ...
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