Title
Recommendation to Accept a Status Update on the Special Events Grant Pilot Program. (Base Reuse and Economic Development 10061810)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On September 5, 2023, the Alameda City Council approved the development of the Special Event Grants Pilot Program (SEGPP), which formalizes the process by which the City of Alameda (City) provides subsidized services and materials to special events, including those associated with public safety, environmental stewardship, and City services and fees. Earlier this year, over $160,000 in grant funding was awarded to 14 special events to be held in the 2024-25 fiscal year. For the next year's program, staff will make changes to the program guidelines to clarify eligibility, work to streamline the application process, and better publicize the program.
BACKGROUND
Special events have historically played a vital role in the City's community and economy. In addition to being important traditions for many residents, they also attract visitors from around the Bay Area, generate revenue for businesses and raise the City's regional profile. Many events are also fundraisers for local nonprofits.
Historically, the City provided informal subsidies to certain special events, such as the Downtown Alameda Art and Wine Faire, the Mayor's 4th of July Parade, and other public fairs, races and performances. These subsidies took the form of free services (such as police security, traffic management or permitting assistance) and materials (such as road closure signs). While these informal subsidies reduced the costs for the organizers to comply with the City's special event requirements, it also resulted in City departments having to cover those costs with their existing budgets.
In addition, there were no precise guidelines to determine which events would receive these subsidies. To provide event assistance in a more transparent and...
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