REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: SANTINO DANISI, MBA, City Controller/Finance Director BY: COURTNEY ESPINOZA, Business Manager Finance Department, Grants Management Unit SUBJECT ..Title Actions pertaining to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding: 1. Approve an agreement with Fresno Police Neighborhood Watch (FPNW) allocating $100,000 in ARPA funding for operational costs to enhance capacity, training and general operations for the Neighborhood Watch program. ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends Council approve an agreement with FPNW allocating $100,000 in ARPA funding to provide resources to enhance capacity, training and general operations for the Fresno Police and Neighborhood Watch organization and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, amendments, and modifications pertaining to this grant program. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Staff recommends Council approve an agreement with FPNW allocating $100,000 in ARPA funding to augment the Fresno Police and Neighborhood Watch organization's current operations by increasing staff capacity, providing training to staff, volunteers, and Fresno Police Department Community Service Officers. This allocation was previously approved by Council through the budget process on June 22, 2023. As a beneficiary of ARPA funding, FPNW will have funding to build on their current capacities and provide vital training and resources needed for the Neighborhood Watch program. BACKGROUND In 2021, the City of Fresno was awarded American Rescue Plan Act funding in the amount of $170,808,029. Of this funding $100,000 was identified in a resolution passed by Council on June 22, 2023, allocating funding to augment current resources for the Neighborhood Watch. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, FPNW has been negatively impacted by decreased revenue from donations, increased needs for neighborhood watch groups throughout the city, limited capacity to meet those needs and challenges covering operating costs. Funding will increase capacity within the organization, initiate a local media campaign, purchase new Neighborhood Watch signage for groups citywide, purchase FPNW related equipment, and provide much needed training for staff, volunteers and Fresno Police Department Community Services Officers. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDING This project is exempt under Section 15301/Class 1 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. LOCAL PREFERENCE This organization has been previously approved by Council. FISCAL IMPACT This program will be funded through American Rescue Plan Act funding and will not impact the general fund. Attachments: ARPA CBO Agreement with Fresno Police and Neighborhood Watch