Title
Staff Report for City Council Review of Projects for Presentation to the City's Congressional Representatives and Administrative Departments During the March National League of Cities Conference in Washington D.C. for Inclusion in the Federal Fiscal Year 2013 Budget
Staffreport
RECOMMENDATIONS
Annually, members of the City Council travel to Washington D.C. during the National League of Cities conference and lobby congressional delegates to include City projects for funding in the federal budget for the coming year. This process, coordinated by the City's Federal Relations Representative Len Simon, includes meeting with Senators, Representatives and staff with presentation of written material in support of the City's selected projects. These efforts have proven successful with partially funded projects over the past several years, such as the Senior Community Center, East 14th Street improvements, and the Davis/880 Interchange. Staff recommends that the City Council review the list of recommended economic development projects for presentation to the City's congressional representatives and administrative departments for consideration in the federal FY 2013 budget.
BACKGROUND
While it is not clear as to available funding at the federal level, it is important to proceed with identifying beneficial projects to the City. Due to the slow economic recovery, the recent impacts by the loss of the Redevelopment Agency, as well as the potential opportunities within the city, staff has focused on economic development projects. Based on input from the Council, our federal relations representative, and City staff, the following projects are recommended:
Sustainable Industry Initiatives
To ensure San Leandro's businesses and building stock remain relevant, a primary economic development goal is to assist companies in repositioning older buildings and adopting new technologies and sustainable business practices. The City's Industrial Competitiveness Program (ICP) is designed to facilitate energy efficiency improvements to industrial facilities and operations. Additionally, industrial sustainability initiatives are a match to fit into the larger regional effort to grow the green economy in the East Bay; the City is an active member of the East Bay Green Corridor. Staff recommends seeking funding to expand this successful program and enhance the ability to reposition older buildings, attract clean-tech companies, and leverage private investment.
Lit San Leandro and Broadband Expansion
The City is actively developing a Broadband Strategy to guide project priorities and investments. Lit San Leandro, one of the most important private/public partnerships, is underway and positioned to produce a positive impact to the community. Implementation will allow the City to embark on a program of technology-led development, which will serve as a driving force for job creation. Staff is working closely with surrounding cities to expand the system. Staff recommends seeking funding to expand the system beyond the limits of the current conduit loop; future development may include north with the Port of Oakland, south through partnership with Alameda County, as well as to expand service into under-served areas that are not adjacent to the fiber loop. Funding can also be used to assist local businesses with capital costs of building the lateral connections to connect to the Lit San Leandro project. This project is consistent with the criteria for the EDA's Public Works, Economic Adjustment Assistance, and GCCMIF Economic Development Assistance Programs.
Harbor Basin Redevelopment
The City has entered into a public/private partnership with Cal-Coast Development to redevelop the San Leandro Shoreline, including the boat harbor. The City is responsible for financing the redevelopment of the 40 acre harbor basin. Staff recommends seeking one-time funding in order to complete the environmental restoration. This request for federal funds is both unique and significant in that it will result in the City no longer needing to request federal assistance for ongoing maintenance dredging of the federal channel. This project is consistent with the criteria for the San Francisco Bay Water Quality Improvement Fund offered by the US Environmental Protection Agency Region IX.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact of these requests is unknown at this time. However, the projects identified may require some level of City funds as a match or to fill funding allocation shortfalls. Costs of attending the National League of Cities conference are included in the current City budget.
ATTACHMENTS
· Sustainable Industry Initiatives Project Summary
· Lit San Leandro and Broadband Expansion Project Summary
· Harbor Basin Development Project Summary
PREPARED BY: Jacqui Diaz, Deputy City Manager, City Manager's Office