The Strategic Growth Council met on Friday, April 8, 2011. Below is a synopsis of the discussion and key actions taken at the meeting.
The full agenda and other meeting materials are available on the Strategic Growth Council website.
Seal Level Rise Considerations in Strategic Growth Council Programs
The Strategic Growth Council (SGC) considered incorporating considerations related to Sea Level Rise, as discussed by Dr. Amber Mace, Executive Director of the Ocean Protection Council, into their grants and programs. Secretary Laird discussed the struggle between adapting to climate change while also working to mitigate climate change in California. Secretary Adams discussed the need to incentivize good building/development practices that incorporate the Sea Level Rise considerations, and supported using bond funds as such an incentive. Council member Bob Fisher, supportive of incorporating the Sea Level Rise considerations into SGC’s grants and programs, asked Dr. Mace how principals that the SGC stands for could be incorporated into the work of the Ocean Protection Council. The Council voted to adopt Sea Level Rise Considerations into SGC’s programs.
See Sea Level Rise Staff Report for further information.
Urban Greening Grant Program guidelines
Polly Escovedo, Resources Agency, presented the proposed Urban Greening Guidelines to the Council. Chair Ken Alex questioned how staff arrived at the current definition of “urban,” a threshold criteria for eligibility to the grant program, and signaled an interest in increasing the density threshold of the definition. After hearing public comments regarding concerns with the urban definition Council member Fisher asked how changing the definition would impact future grant rounds. Chair Alex suggested that staff consider undertaking some GIS mapping of the different areas would be covered by various definitions of urban. The Strategic Growth Council adopted the guidelines as proposed in the agenda.
See Urban Greening Staff Report for further information.
Sustainable Community Planning Grant Program Guidelines
Bruce Gwynne, Department of Conservation, presented the proposed Sustainable Communities Planning Grants to the Council. There was vigorous discussion among members of the Strategic Growth Council, staff, and stakeholders regarding the proposed changes to the Economically Disadvantaged Community set-aside in the guidelines.
The guidelines were adopted as proposed. The motion to approve the guidelines authorized the Chair and Vice Chair, in consultation with the Executive Policy Officer, to make changes to the guidelines consistent with further discussion related to the concerns expressed about the Economically Disadvantaged Community set-aside.
See Sustainable Community Planning Grants Staff Report for further information.
Strategic Planning Process
Heather Fargo, Executive Policy Officer, presented on the proposed strategic planning process to be undertaken by the Strategic Growth Council and facilitated by the Center for Collaborative Policy. The presentation included a timeline (see below) and a discussion of the proposed process. Council members supported the idea of developing a strategic plan, but there was concern expressed about funding the process. Secretary Laird expressed the need for a road map, presumably to be developed out of the strategic planning process, to guide integration of the Strategic Growth Council principles into agencies.
Chair Alex requested that agencies identify discretionary funds that could be used to support the strategic planning process. Additionally, Council member Fisher challenged each of the other Council members to think of a few goals, relevant to their respective agency, that could be included as part of the strategic planning discussion. There was no action taken on this item, it was for discussion only.
Strategic Plan Timeline
2011 Strategic Growth Council Meetings
June 1, 2011
1-5pm
1001 I Street, Sacramento
Cal EPA Coastal Hearing Rm
August 3, 2011
1-5pm
1001 I Street, Sacramento
CalEPA Sierra Hearing Rm
October 5, 2011
1-5pm
1001 I Street, Sacramento
CalEPA Sierra Hearing Rm
December 7, 2011
1-5pm
1001 I Street, Sacramento
CalEPA Sierra Hearing Rm
Friday, April 22, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Strategic Growth Council Meeting April 8th
The Strategic Growth Council will hold its next meeting on April 8, 2011, from 1 to 5 pm in the Cal/EPA Coastal Hearing Room, located at 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
Items of interest on the agenda:
• Adopt Sea Level Rise Consideration in Strategic Growth Council Programs
• Approve Urban Greening Grant Program Guidelines*
• Approve Sustainable Community Planning Grant Program Guidelines*
• Update Strategic Planning Process
* If you have questions or concerns about the grant guidelines after the first round has been completed and would like revisions to the guidelines prior to the next round of grants, you must get your comments in to the SGC and staff between now and April 8th.
The agenda, staff reports, and related materials can be found here (including minutes from the last meeting) - http://www.sgc.ca.gov/meetings/20110408/
The meeting will also be webcast - http://www.calepa.ca.gov/Broadcast
Items of interest on the agenda:
• Adopt Sea Level Rise Consideration in Strategic Growth Council Programs
• Approve Urban Greening Grant Program Guidelines*
• Approve Sustainable Community Planning Grant Program Guidelines*
• Update Strategic Planning Process
* If you have questions or concerns about the grant guidelines after the first round has been completed and would like revisions to the guidelines prior to the next round of grants, you must get your comments in to the SGC and staff between now and April 8th.
The agenda, staff reports, and related materials can be found here (including minutes from the last meeting) - http://www.sgc.ca.gov/meetings/20110408/
The meeting will also be webcast - http://www.calepa.ca.gov/Broadcast
Friday, October 15, 2010
HUD Sustainable Communities and Regional Planning Grant Awards
HUD announces award of nearly $100 million in grants under the Sustainable Communities and Regional Planning Grant Program
On October 14, 2010, HUD announced the first recipients of the Sustainable Communities and Regional Planning Grant Program. Across the US, 45 regional areas will receive part of the nearly $100 million in funding. This new program will assist State, local, and tribal governments to create and implement regional plans that integrate affordable housing, economic development, land use and transportation to build livable, sustainable communities. As part of the Administration’s Partnership for Sustainable Communities, both EPA and DOT helped develop this program and reviewed applications.
Two awards totally $5.5 million were given in California, including $1.5 million to the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) for the construction of housing and employment centers in high-frequency transit areas, including using CEQA streamlining under SB 375. The funds will also be used to integrate natural resources planning with other local and regional planning, and a study of how to better integrate federal, state, regional and local plans, policies and programs.
The second award in California was $4 million to the California State University, Fresno Foundation for the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley’s "Smart Valley Places" initiative. The effort includes 14 Valley cities, Fresno State, regional planners and nonprofit agencies to explore efficient development of housing, regional transportation, and commerce.
Link to HUD announcement
On October 14, 2010, HUD announced the first recipients of the Sustainable Communities and Regional Planning Grant Program. Across the US, 45 regional areas will receive part of the nearly $100 million in funding. This new program will assist State, local, and tribal governments to create and implement regional plans that integrate affordable housing, economic development, land use and transportation to build livable, sustainable communities. As part of the Administration’s Partnership for Sustainable Communities, both EPA and DOT helped develop this program and reviewed applications.
Two awards totally $5.5 million were given in California, including $1.5 million to the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) for the construction of housing and employment centers in high-frequency transit areas, including using CEQA streamlining under SB 375. The funds will also be used to integrate natural resources planning with other local and regional planning, and a study of how to better integrate federal, state, regional and local plans, policies and programs.
The second award in California was $4 million to the California State University, Fresno Foundation for the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley’s "Smart Valley Places" initiative. The effort includes 14 Valley cities, Fresno State, regional planners and nonprofit agencies to explore efficient development of housing, regional transportation, and commerce.
Link to HUD announcement
Strategic Growth Council Updates
Strategic Growth Council – Upcoming Meeting October 21st, 2010
The Strategic Growth Council will meet on Thursday, October 21st, 2010, 1:00-3:45 pm at the State Capitol in Room 126.
The following items are on the agenda:
• Planning Grants and Urban Greening Project Grants Update
• California High Speed Rail Authority and the SGC
• California Regional Progress Report
• Health in All Policies Workshops Report Back
• Smart Schools Roundtable Report Back
• Housing and Community Development’s Catalyst Program Presentation
• Regional Advanced Mitigation Proposal presentation
There are two additional meetings before the end of this Administration, November 10th and December 1st.
For more information on the Strategic Growth Council, grants, and meeting materials, visit www.sgc.ca.gov
Urban Greening Grants
The Strategic Growth Council awarded grants for Urban Greening PLANNING at their September 1st meeting. SGC and Natural Resources Agency staff are currently conducting site visits for Urban Greening PROJECT applicants and plan to have recommended awards for the SGC to consider at their November 10th meeting.
Sustainable Communities Planning Grants
The SGC application deadline for the Sustainable Communities Planning grants was August 31st. The Technical Advisory Committee will be reviewing and ranking the proposals and expect to have a list of recommended awards by November 1st for consideration by the SGC at the November 10th meeting. It is anticipated that this may get delayed to the December 1st meeting.
The Strategic Growth Council will meet on Thursday, October 21st, 2010, 1:00-3:45 pm at the State Capitol in Room 126.
The following items are on the agenda:
• Planning Grants and Urban Greening Project Grants Update
• California High Speed Rail Authority and the SGC
• California Regional Progress Report
• Health in All Policies Workshops Report Back
• Smart Schools Roundtable Report Back
• Housing and Community Development’s Catalyst Program Presentation
• Regional Advanced Mitigation Proposal presentation
There are two additional meetings before the end of this Administration, November 10th and December 1st.
For more information on the Strategic Growth Council, grants, and meeting materials, visit www.sgc.ca.gov
Urban Greening Grants
The Strategic Growth Council awarded grants for Urban Greening PLANNING at their September 1st meeting. SGC and Natural Resources Agency staff are currently conducting site visits for Urban Greening PROJECT applicants and plan to have recommended awards for the SGC to consider at their November 10th meeting.
Sustainable Communities Planning Grants
The SGC application deadline for the Sustainable Communities Planning grants was August 31st. The Technical Advisory Committee will be reviewing and ranking the proposals and expect to have a list of recommended awards by November 1st for consideration by the SGC at the November 10th meeting. It is anticipated that this may get delayed to the December 1st meeting.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Strategic Growth Council Updates
Urban Greening Grants
The Strategic Growth Council awarded grants for Urban Greening PLANNING at their September 1st meeting. SGC and Natural Resources Agency staff are currently conducting site visits for Urban Greening PROJECT applicants and plan to have recommended awards for the SGC to consider at their November 10th meeting.
Sustainable Communities Planning Grants
The SGC application deadline for the Sustainable Communities Planning grants was August 31st. The Technical Advisory Committee will be reviewing and ranking the proposals and expect to have a list of recommended awards by November 1st for consideration by the SGC at the November 10th meeting. It is anticipated that this may get delayed to the December 1st meeting.
Strategic Growth Council September 1st Meeting Synopsis
The SGC met on September 1st, 2010, 8:30 to 1:30 pm in Sacramento. The following are highlights from the meeting:
• SGC approved staff recommendations for Urban Greening PLANNING Grant awards (see above)
• Urban Greening PROJECT Grants will be considered at the November meeting
• Key Staff provided an update on proposals for data collection, agency coordination, and outreach
• Steve Sanders from the Institute for Local Government gave a presentation on Understanding the Basics of Land Use and Planning: Guide to Planning Healthy Neighborhoods
• Kamyar Guivetchi from the Department of Water Resources gave a presentation on cross agency efforts in preparing the 2009 State Water Plan Update
The Strategic Growth Council awarded grants for Urban Greening PLANNING at their September 1st meeting. SGC and Natural Resources Agency staff are currently conducting site visits for Urban Greening PROJECT applicants and plan to have recommended awards for the SGC to consider at their November 10th meeting.
Sustainable Communities Planning Grants
The SGC application deadline for the Sustainable Communities Planning grants was August 31st. The Technical Advisory Committee will be reviewing and ranking the proposals and expect to have a list of recommended awards by November 1st for consideration by the SGC at the November 10th meeting. It is anticipated that this may get delayed to the December 1st meeting.
Strategic Growth Council September 1st Meeting Synopsis
The SGC met on September 1st, 2010, 8:30 to 1:30 pm in Sacramento. The following are highlights from the meeting:
• SGC approved staff recommendations for Urban Greening PLANNING Grant awards (see above)
• Urban Greening PROJECT Grants will be considered at the November meeting
• Key Staff provided an update on proposals for data collection, agency coordination, and outreach
• Steve Sanders from the Institute for Local Government gave a presentation on Understanding the Basics of Land Use and Planning: Guide to Planning Healthy Neighborhoods
• Kamyar Guivetchi from the Department of Water Resources gave a presentation on cross agency efforts in preparing the 2009 State Water Plan Update
SB 375 Final Targets Adopted
On September 23, 2010, the California Air Resources Board(ARB) after hours of public testimony adopted SB 375 greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets for automobiles and light trucks.
Senate Bill 375 (Steinberg, Statutes of 2008) enhances California's ability to achieve its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets (AB 32) by promoting sustainable land use and transportation plans that reduce GHGs.
SB 375 requires ARB to develop regional GHG reduction targets for passenger vehicles. Today ARB established targets for 2020 and 2035 for each region covered by one of the State's 18 metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs).
ARB adopted the following per-capita emissions reduction targets by the years 2020 and 2035:
• San Diego Region: 7 percent and 13 percent
• Sacramento Region: 7 percent and 16 percent
• Bay Area Region: 7 percent and 15 percent
• Southern California Region: placeholders of 8 percent and 13 percent, to be discussed again in February 2011
• San Joaquin Valley Region (includes eight planning organizations): 2 percent and 5 percent, with the intention of discussing higher targets in 2012
• Targets for the remaining six MPOs—Monterey Bay, Butte, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Shasta and Tahoe Basin regions—generally match or improve upon their current plans for 2020 and 2035
ARB also adopted a resolution that outlined changes or clarifications to staff recommendations, including:
• Recognition that ARB will partner with Strategic Growth Council to develop metrics for Sustainable Communities Strategy “co-benefits,” such as public health and natural resources protection benefits
• Clarification that targets are regional, and not project specific
Each participating California MPO will now prepare a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) that demonstrates how the region will meet its ARB-approved GHG reduction target through integrated land use, housing and transportation planning. Once adopted by the MPO, the SCS will be incorporated into that region's federally enforceable Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). ARB is also required to review each final SCS to determine whether it would, if implemented, achieve the GHG reduction target for its region. If the combination of measures in the SCS will not meet the region’s target, the MPO must prepare a separate Alternative Planning Strategy (APS) to meet the target. The APS is not a part of the RTP.
SB 375 also establishes incentives to encourage implementation of the SCS and APS. Developers can get relief from certain environmental review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) if their new residential and mixed-use projects are consistent with a region’s SCS (or APS) that meets the target.
Please click through for more information, today’s ARB staff presentation, and the ARB news release related to this item. For news coverage see California writing new rules on greenhouse gas, sprawl.
Senate Bill 375 (Steinberg, Statutes of 2008) enhances California's ability to achieve its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets (AB 32) by promoting sustainable land use and transportation plans that reduce GHGs.
SB 375 requires ARB to develop regional GHG reduction targets for passenger vehicles. Today ARB established targets for 2020 and 2035 for each region covered by one of the State's 18 metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs).
ARB adopted the following per-capita emissions reduction targets by the years 2020 and 2035:
• San Diego Region: 7 percent and 13 percent
• Sacramento Region: 7 percent and 16 percent
• Bay Area Region: 7 percent and 15 percent
• Southern California Region: placeholders of 8 percent and 13 percent, to be discussed again in February 2011
• San Joaquin Valley Region (includes eight planning organizations): 2 percent and 5 percent, with the intention of discussing higher targets in 2012
• Targets for the remaining six MPOs—Monterey Bay, Butte, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Shasta and Tahoe Basin regions—generally match or improve upon their current plans for 2020 and 2035
ARB also adopted a resolution that outlined changes or clarifications to staff recommendations, including:
• Recognition that ARB will partner with Strategic Growth Council to develop metrics for Sustainable Communities Strategy “co-benefits,” such as public health and natural resources protection benefits
• Clarification that targets are regional, and not project specific
Each participating California MPO will now prepare a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) that demonstrates how the region will meet its ARB-approved GHG reduction target through integrated land use, housing and transportation planning. Once adopted by the MPO, the SCS will be incorporated into that region's federally enforceable Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). ARB is also required to review each final SCS to determine whether it would, if implemented, achieve the GHG reduction target for its region. If the combination of measures in the SCS will not meet the region’s target, the MPO must prepare a separate Alternative Planning Strategy (APS) to meet the target. The APS is not a part of the RTP.
SB 375 also establishes incentives to encourage implementation of the SCS and APS. Developers can get relief from certain environmental review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) if their new residential and mixed-use projects are consistent with a region’s SCS (or APS) that meets the target.
Please click through for more information, today’s ARB staff presentation, and the ARB news release related to this item. For news coverage see California writing new rules on greenhouse gas, sprawl.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Urban Land Institute Releases SB 375 Impact Analysis Report
According to the Urban Land Institute (ULI), “Cities in California could be more sustainable–both economically and environmentally–if the state wisely implements SB 375, a law designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and auto dependency.” This was among the findings in the SB 375 Impact Analysis Report, released today by ULI.
According to the report, the law has the potential to make a positive change in the growth patterns of California’s urban regions. “If implemented well, SB 375 would help California accommodate growth in ways that are economically sound, environmentally responsible, and socially beneficial,” the report says.
The overarching anticipated benefit of SB 375 is its ability to provide more consistency, coordination, and clarity to the development process, which the land use industry needs to start recovering from the recession, the report says. It points to several benefits that SB 375 can bring through thoughtful implementation.
The report also offers several recommendations to maximize the effectiveness of SB 375 as a productive guide for development that benefits California’s communities.
To download the report, click here.
To download the news release from ULI, click here.
About the Urban Land Institute
The Urban Land Institute (www.uli.org) is a global nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has nearly 30,000 members representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines.
According to the report, the law has the potential to make a positive change in the growth patterns of California’s urban regions. “If implemented well, SB 375 would help California accommodate growth in ways that are economically sound, environmentally responsible, and socially beneficial,” the report says.
The overarching anticipated benefit of SB 375 is its ability to provide more consistency, coordination, and clarity to the development process, which the land use industry needs to start recovering from the recession, the report says. It points to several benefits that SB 375 can bring through thoughtful implementation.
The report also offers several recommendations to maximize the effectiveness of SB 375 as a productive guide for development that benefits California’s communities.
To download the report, click here.
To download the news release from ULI, click here.
About the Urban Land Institute
The Urban Land Institute (www.uli.org) is a global nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has nearly 30,000 members representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
SB 375 Public Workshops
The California Air Resources Board will hold seven public workshops in July. These workshops will be held in the morning. Specific dates and city locations are below. The notice and agenda for these meetings will be posted on the ARB’s website in the coming weeks.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Sacramento, CA
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
San Diego, CA -and- Oakland, CA
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Riverside, CA -and- Fresno, CA
Friday, July 23, 2010
Ventura, CA
More information about SB 375 implementation, the Regional Targets Advisory Committee (RTAC), preliminary work by Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) for target setting, and more, can be found here: www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/sb375.htm
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Sacramento, CA
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
San Diego, CA -and- Oakland, CA
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Riverside, CA -and- Fresno, CA
Friday, July 23, 2010
Ventura, CA
More information about SB 375 implementation, the Regional Targets Advisory Committee (RTAC), preliminary work by Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) for target setting, and more, can be found here: www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/sb375.htm
Strategic Growth Council Announces Timeline for Sustainable Communities Planning Grants
The Strategic Growth Council released today an updated timeline for Sustainable Communities Planning Grants (also known as the Land Use Planning Grants and Incentives from Proposition 84).
The Request For Proposals (RFP) is scheduled for release on July 5th, 2010, and applications will be due on August 31, 2010. The full schedule is provided below. More information, including the FINAL grant guidelines can be accessed here: www.sgc.ca.gov/planning_grants.html
Please note this timeline may be subject to change.
*Dependent upon DOF exemption from DOF Budget Letter and Legislative approval of 2010/2011 Budget appropriation
The Request For Proposals (RFP) is scheduled for release on July 5th, 2010, and applications will be due on August 31, 2010. The full schedule is provided below. More information, including the FINAL grant guidelines can be accessed here: www.sgc.ca.gov/planning_grants.html
Please note this timeline may be subject to change.
*Dependent upon DOF exemption from DOF Budget Letter and Legislative approval of 2010/2011 Budget appropriation
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Strategic Growth Council Meeting Synopsis - March 17, 2010
The Strategic Growth Council (SGC) met on March 17, 2010. The following is a synopsis of the meeting. Additional materials were provided at the meeting and are available at http://www.sgc.ca.gov/meetings/20100317/, with the exception of the DRAFT Annual Progress Report.
Executive Report
Annual Progress Report
Staff presented an draft Annual Report on the SGC, which is due to the Legislature later this year. Staff reminded the Council and audience that the SGC has met 15 times over the last 13 months and accomplished a great deal. SGC does not have any dedicated staff, and the agency staff that have been assigned to the SGC are stretched thin. Staff indicated that as the SGC has more time between meetings, they would like to hold public workshops in advance of Council Meetings in the future to hear from stakeholders on items for the upcoming SGC meeting agenda. Staff will then consider stakeholder input and made any revisions pertaining to stakeholder input to materials prior to the Council considering them.
Urban Greening Guidelines Update
Chairwoman Cynthia Bryant asked staff if there had been any feedback on the Urban Greening guidelines and public workshops. Staff reported that there was a lot of interest and good turnout at the workshops. There was some confusion on the definition of an urban area and how that was being interpreted. Staff suggested that a supplemental guidance piece be developed to provide constituents with a clear understanding of how the definition of an urban area will be interpreted by staff.
Planning Grant Guidelines
Staff presented an overview of the high-level changes made to the draft guidelines which were represented in the proposed final guidelines. Staff also indicated there were additional issues raised by stakeholders. A number of stakeholders provided public comment. There was a great deal of discussion amongst the Council members as well as stakeholders. In the end, the SGC voted to adopt the guidelines with a series of amendments, including:
• Raised the amount of funding going to SB 375-related planning (Focus Area #2), from 20% of the funds to a minimum of 25%.
• Reduced the amount going to Focus Area #1, in which local governments submit applications on their own, from 70% to a minimum of 25%.
• Added local-regional collaboration to the scoring criteria
• Made explicit that SB 375 regional planning (SCS/APS) is an eligible use of funds
• Added “greenprints” and Natural Community Conservation Plans as explicitly eligible activities
• Created a twenty percent for set-aside economically disadvantaged communities
• Listed changes to zoning prominently among the scoring criteria
It is not clear when the final guidelines will be released, nor when the SGC will be accepting applications for these grants, although they it is anticipated to be late March.
SGC Activities for Budget Authorization
Staff presented to the Council a series of proposals for budget authorization, including activities in support of the Proposition 84 grants and a number of data proposals. There was a healthy debate and discussion around these topics, and ultimately the SGC voted to approve (in concept) activities in support of the grants, as well as funding for data collection for parcel data, protected lands, and healthy communities. Additional data needs that were not funded include vegetation mapping and a household travel survey.
The next Council meeting is scheduled for June 16, 2010, 1-5 pm in Sacramento.
Executive Report
Annual Progress Report
Staff presented an draft Annual Report on the SGC, which is due to the Legislature later this year. Staff reminded the Council and audience that the SGC has met 15 times over the last 13 months and accomplished a great deal. SGC does not have any dedicated staff, and the agency staff that have been assigned to the SGC are stretched thin. Staff indicated that as the SGC has more time between meetings, they would like to hold public workshops in advance of Council Meetings in the future to hear from stakeholders on items for the upcoming SGC meeting agenda. Staff will then consider stakeholder input and made any revisions pertaining to stakeholder input to materials prior to the Council considering them.
Urban Greening Guidelines Update
Chairwoman Cynthia Bryant asked staff if there had been any feedback on the Urban Greening guidelines and public workshops. Staff reported that there was a lot of interest and good turnout at the workshops. There was some confusion on the definition of an urban area and how that was being interpreted. Staff suggested that a supplemental guidance piece be developed to provide constituents with a clear understanding of how the definition of an urban area will be interpreted by staff.
Planning Grant Guidelines
Staff presented an overview of the high-level changes made to the draft guidelines which were represented in the proposed final guidelines. Staff also indicated there were additional issues raised by stakeholders. A number of stakeholders provided public comment. There was a great deal of discussion amongst the Council members as well as stakeholders. In the end, the SGC voted to adopt the guidelines with a series of amendments, including:
• Raised the amount of funding going to SB 375-related planning (Focus Area #2), from 20% of the funds to a minimum of 25%.
• Reduced the amount going to Focus Area #1, in which local governments submit applications on their own, from 70% to a minimum of 25%.
• Added local-regional collaboration to the scoring criteria
• Made explicit that SB 375 regional planning (SCS/APS) is an eligible use of funds
• Added “greenprints” and Natural Community Conservation Plans as explicitly eligible activities
• Created a twenty percent for set-aside economically disadvantaged communities
• Listed changes to zoning prominently among the scoring criteria
It is not clear when the final guidelines will be released, nor when the SGC will be accepting applications for these grants, although they it is anticipated to be late March.
SGC Activities for Budget Authorization
Staff presented to the Council a series of proposals for budget authorization, including activities in support of the Proposition 84 grants and a number of data proposals. There was a healthy debate and discussion around these topics, and ultimately the SGC voted to approve (in concept) activities in support of the grants, as well as funding for data collection for parcel data, protected lands, and healthy communities. Additional data needs that were not funded include vegetation mapping and a household travel survey.
The next Council meeting is scheduled for June 16, 2010, 1-5 pm in Sacramento.
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