PREPARED BY: ELIZABETH LOPEZ DATE OF MEETING: 9/3/2024
SUBJECT:
TITLE
CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION (1) AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GREEN EMPOWERMENT ZONE FOR THE NORTHERN WATERFRONT AREA OF THE COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA AND (2) APPOINTING TWO (2) SAN PABLO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO REPRESENT SAN PABLO ON THE GREEN EMPOWERMENT ZONE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
Label
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution
Body
Compliance statements
Council Priority Workplan
Focus on Economic Development and Fiscal Diversification is an adopted policy item under the FY 2023-25 City Council Priority Workplan, effective May 1, 2023.
BACKGROUND
Assembly Bill 844 authorized the establishment of the Green Empowerment Zone for the Northern Waterfront area of the County of Contra Costa. The purpose of the Green Empowerment Zone is to build upon the comparative advantage provided by the regional concentration of highly skilled energy industry workers by prioritizing access to tax incentives, grants, loan programs, workforce training programs, and private investment in the renewable energy sector.
The geography of the Green Empowerment Zone extends to the territories of the cities of Antioch, Benicia, Brentwood, Concord, Hercules, Martinez, Oakley, Pittsburg, and Vallejo, and the unincorporated areas of the County of Contra Costa north of State Highway 4.
Government Code Section 7599.100 authorizes the cities of Antioch, Benicia, Brentwood, Concord, Hercules, Martinez, Oakley, Pittsburg, and Vallejo to participate in the Green Empowerment Zone upon the adoption of a resolution by the legislative body of each city.
The Green Empowerment Zone Board of Directors on February 16, 2024, voted to change the geography of the Green Empowerment Zone to include the City of Richmond. The Green Empowerment Zone Board of Directors on April 19, 2024, voted to change the geography of the Green Empowerment Zone to include the cities of El Cerrito, Pinole, and San Pablo.
The City Council would have to appoint two (2) council members to a two-year term as the City’s representative and alternate representative on the Green Empowerment Zone Board of Directors per State CA Government Code Section 7599.101(b)(1).reqirements.
City Council Assignments (SPMC 2.16.070 Requirements)
Concurrently, pursuant to SPMC 2.16.070 requirements, the Mayor recommends that herself, as Mayor, serve as the primary City representative, and Councilmember Abel Pineda serve as the alternate City representative to the Green Empowerment Zone Board of Directors which requires formal affirmation by majority vote of the City Council. (See Attached Revised Exhibit B - Local and Regional City Council Assignments)
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no additional anticipated fiscal impact beyond staff time.
ATTACHMENTS
Att A - Resolution
Att B - Exhibit B - Local and Regional City Council Assignments (REVISED 09/03/24)