Title
Recommendation to Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Building Futures for Women and Children (BFWC) in the Amount of $172,568 for a Non-Housing Public Improvement Projects and Funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
This project is statutorily exempt from further environmental review pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21080.10 (services for people experiencing homelessness), and categorically exempt from further environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense). (Housing and Human Services, 20321843)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Adam W. Politzer, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed agreement for Building Futures for Women and Children (BFWC) is to fund non-housing public-improvements for rehabilitation of existing units at Bessie Coleman Court. This agreement, in the amount of $172,568, would be funded by Community Development Block Grant funds, as previously approved by City Council.
BACKGROUND
The City of Alameda (City) is an entitlement recipient of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Each year, the City receives an allocation of approximately $1.1 million of CDBG funding. CDBG funds can be used to finance programs and activities that benefit low- and moderate-income households, and to help prevent or eliminate blight. To receive CDBG funding, the City submits an annual Action Plan to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), detailing the programs and activities that address the needs identified in the City’s approved Five-Year Consolidated Plan.
On May 6, 2025, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Action Plan was approved by City Council which includes programs, activities, and associated funding amounts for the fiscal year which included the Building Futures for Women and Children capital project. In addition, a summary of activities was created to distinguish which programs were recommended and approved for FY 2025-26 funding (see Exhibit 2).
DISCUSSION
Each January, the City administers a competitive application process to solicit applications for CDBG funding. In order to receive funds, organizations must apply during the Notice of Funding Availability period. In February 2025, the City received three (3) applications for non-housing public improvement funding and each applicant was conditionally awarded. BFWC was one of the qualified awardees.
The proposed project for BFWC includes interior and exterior renovations for existing affordable housing located at Bessie Coleman Court (Buildings A and B). Bessie Coleman Court (BCC) provides permanent supportive housing to formerly homeless survivors of domestic violence and their families. BCC is comprised of three buildings. This project’s scope will range from exterior deck coating, exterior carpentry, condensate line replacement, and kitchenette repairs. BFWC was previously awarded $188,020 in FY 2024-25 for CDBG funds and received a CDBG-funded loan in the amount of $354,877 with $128,475 remaining to expend. The remainder of the loan and FY 2025-26 funding totals $301,043 which will be used for construction costs.
ALTERNATIVES
• Authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the Agreement with BFWC for capital improvement projects that were approved by City Council at the Public Hearing on May 6, 2025.
• Direct staff to negotiate different terms and authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the agreement including different terms and conditions. This could result in not meeting HUD timeliness by the May 2, 2026 deadline which could potentially impact future CDBG funding.
• Do not authorize the agreement with BFWC and direct staff to negotiate with another service provider to carry out the aforementioned projects. This could result in not meeting HUD timeliness by the May 2, 2026 deadline which could potentially impact future CDBG funding.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no impact on the General Fund. As a pass-through entity, the funds available are budgeted to the Housing and Human Services CDBG Fund (Fund 203).
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
These actions support the City Strategic Plan goals and initiatives. TIEH19 - Implement ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) plan for City programs, facilities, parks, streets, and sidewalks & HH3 - Further the preservation, rehabilitation, or construction of affordable housing in Alameda and research other innovative affordable programs to increase affordable housing. This action is subject to the Levine Act.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Under federal law, the execution of agreements and final funding commitments related to this action are subject to satisfactory environmental clearance pursuant to 24 CFR Part 58.
CLIMATE IMPACT
There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with the subject of this report.
This project is statutorily exempt from further environmental review pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21080.10 (services for people experiencing homelessness), and categorically exempt from further environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense).
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the Interim City Manager to execute an agreement with Building Futures for Women and Children (BFWC) in the amount of $172,568 for a Non-Housing Public Improvement Projects and funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Assistant City Manager
By,
C’Mone Falls, Housing and Human Services Manager
Andre Fairley, Management Analyst
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Ross McCarthy, Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. Agreement with Building Futures for Women and Children
2. Approved: Summary of Activities