Item 13 - Downtown Business Improvements Initiative

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Community Development Agency www.santa-ana.org/community-development Item # 13 City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Staff Report August 6, 2024 TOPIC: Downtown Business Improvements Initiative AGENDA TITLE Agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Appropriation Adjustment to Recognize $2,500,000 in Grant Funds for the Downtown Business Improvements Initiative Project RECOMMENDED ACTION 1. Authorize the City Manager to execute the grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 2. Approve an appropriation adjustment to recognize $2,500,000 from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Downtown Business Improvement Initiatives Project into Federal Grant revenue account (no. 41818002- 52001 Federal Grant -Direct) and appropriate the same amount into expenditure accounts (no. 41818834-62300 Contract Services — Professional and 418834-61000 Salaries Regular). (Requires five affirmative votes) GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: Yes DISCUSSION In the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (Public Law 117-328), Congress allocated more than $2.9 million in funding for grants designated for Economic Development Initiatives in the nation (EDI). The distribution of these awards falls under the purview of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) within the Office of Community Planning and Development. In 2022, the City of Santa Ana (City) applied to the District 46 Congressman Luis Correa's Office to request an earmark grant to fund the Downtown Business Improvement Initiative. Fortunately, the City received a $2,500,000 grant for its Downtown Business Improvements Initiative. The grant will fund two significant infrastructure projects. The first project involves implementing a downtown wireless solution, combining Wi-Fi networks to enhance coverage and services across the area. This technological improvement will improve connectivity for visitors, residents, and businesses, while promoting economic development, enhancing public services, and provide an overall social and community benefit.