REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: JERRY P. DYER, Mayor Office of the Mayor & City Manager BY: KELLI FURTADO, Chief of Staff Office of the Mayor & City Manager SUBJECT ..Title Actions pertaining to the Grant Agreement with Marjaree Mason Center to support the Domestic Violence Crisis Response Team 1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per Staff determination, pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines 2. Approve a Grant Agreement with the Marjaree Mason Center allocating $300,000 to support the Center's Domestic Violence Crisis Response Team Services ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends Council adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per Staff determination, pursuant to Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines, and approve a Grant Agreement with the Marjaree Mason Center allocating $300,000 and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all related documents. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This funding was approved as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget and will support the Marjaree Mason Center's (MMC) Crisis Response Team. The MMC plays a vital role in crisis response and victim advocacy. The proposed funding will enable the MMC to continue delivering responsive services and expand its impact across the region. BACKGROUND The MMC has long been a cornerstone of crisis response and victim advocacy in Fresno County. Recognizing the urgent need for accessible support, MMC established a dedicated 24/7 Crisis Response Team that offers helpline services, in-person drop-ins, and mobile advocacy. These navigators respond to schools, hospitals, shelters, nonprofits, and even private businesses, ensuring survivors of domestic violence and other crises receive timely, compassionate care. Their embedded advocates within law enforcement offices, including Fresno PD, help bridge the gap between public safety and survivor support. The $300,000 allocation from the City of Fresno's General City Purpose Fund will support the operational needs, including staffing, and program delivery. This investment reflects the City's commitment to supporting vital services in our community. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDING Staff has performed a preliminary environmental assessment of this project and has determined that it falls within the Categorical Exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, which exempts ongoing operations, with no further expansion of existing use. The project pertains to ongoing operations for essential 24/7 Domestic Violence Crisis Response Team Services, including crisis response, safety planning, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, case management, and housing assistance. Furthermore, staff has determined that none of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2 apply to this project. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference is not applicable for this item. FISCAL IMPACT Funding was allocated through the FY 2026 budget in the General City Purpose fund. Attachment: Agreement with Marjaree Mason Center