REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: GEORGEANNE A. WHITE, City Manager Office of the Mayor and City Manager BY: ROBIN McGEHEE, Community Coordinator Office of the Mayor and City Manager, Office of Community Affairs SUBJECT ..Title Approve an agreement with Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC) allocating $75,000 for the LGBTQ+ Resource Center providing operational cost support. ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends Council approve an agreement with Fresno EOC allocating $75,000 to provide operational cost support for its LGTBQ+ Resource Center and authorize the City Manager to execute agreements, amendments, and modifications pertaining to this grant program. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On June 12, 2024, Council approved Budget Motion #108 during the regular budget process to allocate $75,000 to the Fresno EOC for its LGBTQ+ Resource Center to support operational costs. As a recipient of this General Fund grant, Fresno EOC will be able to further augment the services provided through the LGBTQ+ Resource Center. BACKGROUND On June 22, 2023, Council allocated $100,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding through the regular budget process to augment Fresno EOC's operations for the LGBTQ+ Resource Center by increasing access to emotional and mental health services, increasing awareness of community resources and delivering culturally responsive services for clients. An additional $75,000 was approved through the regular budget process on June 12, 2024, to support operational costs associated with increased services. Through this funding, the LGBTQ+ Resource Center plans to serve low-income LGBTQ+ youth and adults in Fresno County with case management services. The Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC) LGBTQ+ Resource Center will serve 200 low-income LGBTQ+ youth and adults in Fresno County with case management services. It offers a safe place for LGBTQ individuals to get expert and trusted guidance on resources, including STI screenings, gender-affirming care, and housing assistance. As a peer-led program, the center draws on the lived experience of its staff and well-established network of LGBTQ-led organizations to sustain community trust. The LGBTQ+ Resource Center aims to (1) increase access to community-based, evidence-based mental health and substance use services, (2) provide multilingual resources and service linkages for Fresno's LGBTQ+ community, and (3) support overall wellbeing through navigation to workforce development, education, housing, and other critical services. With this funding, the LGBTQ+ Resource Center will create pathways to overall wellbeing for Fresno's LGBTQ+ community by offering low-barrier, wraparound supports; life skills development; and affirming, LGBTQ-friendly programs delivered both in-house and in collaboration with community partners. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, these recommendations do not qualify as a "project" as defined by CEQA. LOCAL PREFERENCE The organization was previously approved by Council. FISCAL IMPACT This funding was allocated through the FY 2025 budget under the General City Purpose general fund. Attachment: Agreement with Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission