REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution to Comply with Assembly Bill 2135 (Surplus Land Act) to Apply for One Bay Area Grant 2 Programs
Report
BACKGROUND
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is the metropolitan planning organization for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area region, which includes Santa Clara County. The MTC administers the federally funded One Bay Area Grant 2 (OBAG 2) Program where funds are provided to invest in various areas including local street and road maintenance, streetscape enhancements, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, safe routes to school projects, priority conservation areas, and transportation planning.
The MTC has created a new $54.4 million one-time grant in the regional Surface Transportation Block Grant Program/Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (STP/CMAQ) program, which was originally programmed for other projects and had been returned to the program for reallocation. The STP/CMAQ fund is part of the Federal Highway Infrastructure Program (FHIP).
On January 27, 2021, the MTC adopted Resolution Nos. 3925, Revised and 4202, Revised, and the policy framework for a Safe and Seamless Mobility Quick-Strike Program to be funded through capacity created by the FHIP within the OBAG 2 framework. The Safe and Seamless Mobility Quick-Strike Program is a one-time, competitive grant program to fund local projects that can be implemented very quickly to benefit communities responding and adapting to the COVID-19 environment. The Program emphasizes bicycle/pedestrian safety and mobility, connections to transit, and projects that advance equitable mobility.
In order to be eligible for this grant, MTC requires that local jurisdictions, including charter cities, comply with the California Surplus Lands Act per Assembly Bill 2135. Assembly Bill 2135 is attached as Attachment 2; and project eligibility and requirements are included in MTC Resolution No. 4202, Revised, Appendix A-11 (Attachment 3).
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan, Chapter 3, Land Use and Transportation Element
• Policy LT-1.1 - Participate in coordinated land use and transportation planning in the region.
General Plan, Chapter 5, Housing Element
• Goal HE-1 Adequate Housing - Assist in the provision of adequate housing to meet the diverse needs of Sunnyvale’s households of all income levels.
• Goal HE-4 Adequate Housing Sites - Provide adequate sites for the development of new housing through appropriate land use and zoning and address the diverse needs of Sunnyvale’s residents and workforce.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
DISCUSSION
The City of Sunnyvale applies for OBAG funding when available and if the proposed projects are competitive. The newly created one-time Safe and Seamless Mobility Quick-Strike Program by MTC falls within the OBAG 2 framework. The Surplus Land Act prioritizes affordable housing by giving affordable housing developers a first right of refusal when local agencies sell or lease surplus land.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, Sunnyvale Public Library and Department of Public Safety. In addition, the agenda and report are available at the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution to Comply with Assembly Bill 2135 (Surplus Land Act) to Apply for One Bay Area Grant 2 Programs.
Adopting the Resolution to Comply with Assembly Bill 2135 (Surplus Land Act) is a requirement for the City to apply for any grant that falls under the OBAG 2 framework.
Staff
Prepared by: Lillian Tsang, Principal Transportation Engineer
Reviewed by: Chip Taylor, Director, Department of Public Works
Reviewed by: Jaqui Guzmán, Deputy City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution to Comply with Assembly Bill 2135, Surplus Land Act
2. Assembly Bill No. 2135
3. MTC Resolution No. 4202, Revised, Appendix A-1