Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Carolyn Bloede, Director, Office of Sustainability
Subject: Authorization to Issue a One-Time, Greenhouse Gas-Reduction Transit Options and Local Economic Development Shuttle Pilot Grant
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution:
A) Authorizing the issuance of a one-time grant in the amount of $250,000 to pilot for one year a public shuttle model for greenhouse gas reduction transit options and local economic development; and
B) Authorizing and directing the County Executive Officer, or designee(s), to negotiate and execute a grant agreement in an amount not to exceed $250,000 to pilot for one year a public shuttle model for greenhouse gas reduction transit options and local economic development.
body
BACKGROUND:
Providing alternative transportation options broadly benefits the public in San Mateo County by reducing greenhouse gases that cause climate change that affect the region, relieving traffic congestion caused by single occupancy vehicle trips, and increasing mobility options for residents and those visiting San Mateo County. As the region’s businesses and tourism industry continue to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, access to convenient transit shuttles for residents and visitors can enhance economic growth opportunities for local businesses such as restaurants and shops while improving last mile mode of transportation.
DISCUSSION:
The Office of Sustainability (“OOS”), through its Livable Communities Program, aims to pilot and develop model solutions that can increase pathways to taking alternative transportation for both its employees and the public through walking, biking, carpooling, vanpooling, and transit. Developing new models, and proving them out through pilots, is an important mechanism for ensuring that innovative solutions continue to be developed for the challenges facing our region.
OOS proposes a one-time Livable Communities Program grant of $250,000 to pilot for one year a public shuttle model to assess the co-benefits of coupling greenhouse gas-reduction transit solutions with ease of access to local businesses to boost the local economy (“Grant”). Support for this pilot reduces greenhouse gases within the region by offering alternative commute options from single occupancy vehicles.
OOS, in coordination with the County Executive’s Office, will select the grantee. A grant agreement will be established outlining the pilot scope and deliverables, invoicing and reporting requirements and other standard terms and conditions. Staff recommends that the Board authorize and direct the County Executive Officer, or designee(s), to negotiate and execute a Grant agreement with the grantee in an amount not to exceed $250,000 for a term of one year, which agreement will be reviewed and approved by the County Attorney.
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved as to form the resolution.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no new Net County Cost associated with the Grant, as funds in the amount of $250,000 are included in the OOS Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget.