City of Alexandria, Virginia
________________
MEMORANDUM
DATE: APRIL 4, 2023
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: RYAN FREED, CLIMATE ACTION OFFICER
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Grant Application to the United States Environmental Protection Agency for an Environmental Justice Government-to-Government Program Grant.
BODY
_________________________________________________________________
ISSUE: Consideration of a grant application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requesting new funding under its Environmental Justice Government-to-Government Grant Program in partnership with the Alexandria Health Department, ACT for Alexandria and the City’s Office of Climate Action to further the Healthy Homes Plan.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council
(1) Approve the submission of a grant application to EPA; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: Through the ALX Breathes program, Alexandria Health Department completed a pilot program focused on improving air quality for targeted residents in Alexandria. This effort informed the Healthy Homes Plan for 2023 and beyond. Building on the success of this pilot, this grant program would expand on the study and build specific, targeted improvements into homes to directly improve the health of those participating.
DISCUSSION: This program brings together several of the city’s key priorities, including health, climate, community engagement and housing affordability. Moreover, this program represents a significant collaboration across multiple departments, non-profit organizations, and more. The effort will bring together Alexandria Health Department, the City’s new Office of Climate Action, the Office of Housing, Recreation Parks and Cultural Activities, ACT for Alexandria and numerous other community-based organizations in a single effort to drive improved building performance of homes, for lasting impacts on the health and wellbeing of residents. Funds will go for the support of community engagement, support for staff, purchase of air quality monitoring and support for implementation of home improvements.
FISCAL IMPACT: Grant awards will be for 36 months, starting December 2023 to November 2026, and there is no match requirement. The Office of Climate Action will request $1 million, the maximum allotted amount. The funds will be shared with the partners, primarily between the Office of Climate Action for the City of Alexandria, Alexandria Health Department, and ACT for Alexandria.
ATTACHMENTS: None.
STAFF:
Natalie Talis, Population Health Manager, Alexandria Health Department
Julian Gonsalves, Assistant City Manager for Public-Private Partnerships
Laura Durham, Deputy Director, Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities
Eric Keeler, Deputy Director, Office of Housing
Charles Jackson, Energy Project Specialist, Department of General Services