Meeting_Body
AD HOC SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
JUNE 15, 2016
Subject/Action
SUBJECT: AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES GRANT APPLICATION
ACTION: RECEIVE AND FILE
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
RECEIVE AND FILE update on Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) grant application activities.
Issue
ISSUE
On January 28, 2016, the Metro Board of Directors adopted a Strategy and Policy Framework for the AHSC program under cap-and-trade. This report provides an overview of funding applications submitted to the State.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
The AHSC program is one of eleven programs in the larger cap-and-trade portfolio, and funds both affordable housing in areas served by transit along with various types of transportation infrastructure and amenities. The intent of the program is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing transit ridership and active transportation, as well as to foster collaboration across sectors and jurisdictions.
The Metro AHSC Strategy and Policy Framework is intended to improve the competitive standing of projects in Los Angeles County as well as to prompt project applications that reflect Metro’s identified priorities around first-last mile connectivity, active transportation, and affordable housing. Metro has proceeded to implement that strategy through a series of activities including outreach to local agencies and sub-regional Council of Governments, creation of program material for the Metro website, and hands-on work on project applications.
Concept applications were due to the California Strategic Growth Council on March 16, 2016. At that time, Metro participated in 3 applications that, if successful, would fund additional bike share stations as part of the downtown Los Angeles bike share pilot. In addition, Metro worked with jurisdictions (including cities of Los Angeles, El Monte, Inglewood, Hawthorne and Los Angeles County) to coordinate the inclusion of on-street transportation infrastructure and first-last mile improvements as part of several applications.
As of the week of April 25, applicants were selected to submit full proposals due in June. Among the applications to which Metro contributed, one (Skid Row Housing Trust 649 Lofts/Bike Share Station) was selected for this final stage of the selection process. As part of the meeting presentation, staff will provide further details on the status of other applications in Los Angeles County.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no direct financial impact associated with this report. The larger AHSC strategy may result in successful funding applications for Metro and local agencies in Los Angeles County.
Impact to Budget
Staff activity related to the recommended action is currently accommodated within the Metro budget for FY 15-16 at project 450005 task 01.01 (Countywide Sustainability Plan). Activity for future years is subject to budget approval.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Staff will continue to update the Committee regarding progress on the AHSC program.
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Jacob Lieb, Sustainability Policy Manager, (213) 922-4132
Diego Cardoso, Executive Officer, (213) 922-3076
Calvin E. Hollis, Interim Chief Planning Officer, (213) 922-7319
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Therese W. McMillan, Chief Planning Officer, (213) 922-7077
