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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Randal Stephens, Grant Writer
DATE: 11/1/2024
SUBJECT:
Requesting approval for authorization for the City of Aurora to execute a partnership agreement with The Conservation Foundation as a required component of the Community Change Grant Program due November 21st, 2024.
PURPOSE:
The Conservation Foundation meets both the definition of the required Community-Based Organization and has a longstanding history of coordination with the City of Auora. Their familiarity with the community in addition to their experience with the allowable activities under this grant program have led the internal working group to determine The Conservation Fund to be a strong fit as the required partner role in the application to the EPA's Community Change Grant Program due November 21st, 2024.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Aurora is seeking funds through the EPA's Community Change Grant Program focused on community engagement and quality of life improvements for residents within designated disadvantaged census tracts. Program activities should directly respond one or more of EPA's Climate Action Strategies including:
Green Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions
Mobility and Transportation
Energy-Efficient, Healthy, and Resilient Housing and Building
Microgrid Installations
Community Resiliency Hubs
Brownfield Redevelopment
Waste Reduction and Management
Workforce Development Programs
As a required component of this application, the City is committed to partnering with a Community-Based Organization (CBO) meaning an organization that is a 501 (c)(3) status incorporated under Illinois Law who supports the community and has a geographic presence with the community served.
Based on several internal meetings with staff members, the experience of The Conservation Foundation in green infrastructure, preservation, community engagement in addition to local familiarity and overlap of expertise in proposed project activities has led to a recommendation of The Conservation Foundation as the proposed CBO for this application. Additionally, The Conservation Foundation's Conservation@Home certificate program and the Art on The Fox initiative were determined to align with the program goals and received initial positive feedback in discussions with the EPA.
While additional project partners are allowable and are being explored following submission of the application, The Conservation Foundation was determined to be a good fit for the required role of the CBO prior to application submission.
DISCUSSION:
This project would greatly benefit the community should funding be awarded. Project activities are intended to support increased community engagement, support a reduced carbon footprint, improve air quality, increase access to more sustainable waste management, reduce water consumption, improve stormwater quality, encourage youth innovation, and more. The Conservation Foundation's expertise and experience is anticipated to greatly enhance this application as well as future implementation efforts. This project aligns with a number of Capital Improvement Projects, the City of Aurora Sustainability Plan, and the Kane County Climate Action Implementation Plan (CAIP).
This agreement will not have any financial implications or costs to the City. Pending successful award of funding, a final grant agreement outlining any financial implications will be subsequently presented for Council consideration. No matching funds are required or proposed as a part of this application.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The impact of this agreement solidifies the City's ability to apply for this program with a maximum award of $20,000,000 possible. No other impacts other than staff time to compile the application are anticipated, which is not anticipated to impact capacity significantly. Pending award, any impacts to the public, staffing, finances, etc. will be considered during Council review of a subsequently issued grant agreement.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request the following resolution be adopted to allow for the signature of the proposed Partnership Agreement.
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the execution of a partnership agreement with The Conservation Foundation as a necessary component of the proposed application to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Community Change Grant Program.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City is applying for USEPA for a grant pursuant to its Community Change Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, the USEPA requires that applicants execute a Partnership Agreement with a community-based organization as a prerequisite to a grant award under the program; and,
WHEREAS, the Conservation Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Illinois and seeks to promote health of local communities by preserving and restoring natural areas and open space, protecting rivers and watersheds, and promoting stewardship of the environment; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that Conservation Foundation can fulfill the required role of a Community-Based Organization based on the USEPA's requirements, its familiarity with the community, and demonstrated project history in alignment with program goals; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to authorize the Mayor to execute an partnership agreement with the Conversation Foundation for the purposes of completing its grant application.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the Mayor shall be and hereby is authorized to execute the attached Partnership Agreement for the purposes of the completing a grant application to the Environmental Protection Agency for Community Change Grant Funds.