PREPARED BY: AMANDA BOOTH DATE OF MEETING: 10/20/2025
SUBJECT:
TITLE
CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO (1) AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO’S GRANT APPLICATION TO THE CALTRANS COMMUNITY CLEANUP AND EMPLOYMENT PATHWAYS GRANTS FOR LITTER ABATEMENT PROGRAMS AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FOR APPROXIMATELY $120,000; AND (2) AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE GRANT APPLICATION AND TO TAKE OTHER NECESSARY ACTIONS TO RECEIVE SUCH GRANT FUNDING
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
Label
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution
Body
Compliance statements
FY 2023-2025 Council Priority Workplan Compliance Statements:
Item 202: Identify and Implement Long-Term Environmental Stewardship Goals is an adopted policy item under the FY 2025-27 Council Priority Workplan, effective April 7, 2025.
BACKGROUND
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is currently accepting applications for the Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway (CCEP) Grant Program, a key initiative under the Clean California Program. The CCEP Program provides competitive grants to support litter abatement, community outreach, and workforce development efforts - particularly for vulnerable populations such as justice-impacted individuals, those experiencing homelessness, and at-risk youth.
If the City of San Pablo Public Works Department recommends developing a grant proposal that builds upon two of the City’s ongoing initiatives: the Neighborhood Champions Program and an expanded partnership with SOS Richmond, a local non-profit with a proven track record in both workforce development and environmental cleanup.
1. Neighborhood Champions- The San Pablo Neighborhood Champions Program is a paid, community-driven initiative designed to empower local residents to take an active role in maintaining and enhancing the cleanliness and beauty of the City. Neighborhood Champions serve as liaisons for the San Pablo Shines beautification campaign and work to: reduce illegal dumping through education and proactive outreach, raise awareness of the City’s free waste disposal programs, foster civic pride, and inspire community participation in litter reduction.
2. SOS Richmond- SOS Richmond, is a local nonprofit organization that provides transitional employment and social services for individuals experiencing homelessness. The organization is uniquely qualified to support the City’s environmental and social goals, especially as they relate to creek and riparian area cleanups - key concerns under the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The City’s NPDES permit requires ongoing efforts to reduce trash entering waterways, track sources of litter, and report annual metrics on cleanup programs, including those that address encampments in creekside areas.
The CCEP grant would allow the City to expand the Neighborhood Champions Program by funding additional outreach materials, implementing the new Library Litter Lending Toolkit, and supporting staff time for events such as Mini-Dumpster Days. In addition, the City would be able to enhance its partnership with SOS Richmond and increase its funding under the current contract to provide additional services including additional creek cleanups, workforce development for unhoused individuals, and various social services.
The proposed high-level budget for the CCEP grant application is approximately $120,000, broken down as follows:
• $30,000 for City staff time to cover current staff salaries to manage the two programs
• $25,000 to assist with the Neighborhood Champions Program
• $15,000 for outreach and engagement materials
• $50,000 for the expanded SOS Richmond contract
This proposal directly aligns with the CCEP Program’s goals by integrating community beautification, workforce development, and support for underserved populations-contributing to a cleaner, safer, and more equitable San Pablo. This application would help to meet the City’s NPDES requirements and meet the community's need for litter removal and beautification.
FISCAL IMPACT
Staff seeks City Council authorization to apply for the Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway (CCEP) Grant Program administered by Caltrans. It will take approximately 10 hours of staff time to complete the grant application process.
There is no match requirement for this application; however, the Public Works staff plans on leveraging previously approved funds from the Neighborhood Champions Program to improve the grant competitiveness. The Neighborhood Champions Program is funded through the Environmental Services Fund 256.
ATTACHMENTS:
Att A - Resolution