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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 7.1 State Energy Fund ProgG~~~ OF Dp~~y ill 1~~~~j~ O'~LIFOR~~ / STAFF REPORT CITY C L E R K DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL File # ^®®O^-®® DATE: February 16, 2010 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM: ~ Joni L. Pattillo, City Manager SUBJECT: State Energy Program Funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Prepared By: Roger Bradley, Administrative Analyst EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The City Council will consider adopting resolutions authorizing the submittal of applications by regional partners on behalf of the City of Dublin to the California Energy Commission's (GEC's) State Energy Program (SEP) for funding opportunities that will benefit the City of Dublin. Each of these opportunities is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the Federal Government's "Stimulus Package". The CEC released solicitations under the SEP program in October 2009. These programs collectively offer opportunities to pursue funding that will enable energy efficiency improvements to Dublin's residential, commercial, industrial and municipal building stock. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Participation in the various grant applications requires no commitment of City funds. Because other entities will administer the grant funds, staff costs will be minimal and there is no appropriation required by the City. The SEP 1 grant result in the elimination of a City contribution of $12,500 (the maximum cost the City might otherwise face to participate in CaliforniaFIRST). RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council: 1) Adopt the Resolution Authorizing Sacramento County to Act as Lead Applicant for a State Energy Program Grant for a Municipal Financing Program (SEP 1) on Behalf of the City of Dublin, and 2) Adopt the Resolution Authorizing the Association of Bay Area Governments to Act as Lead Applicant for a State Energy Program Grant for a Comprehensive Residential Building Retrofit Program (SEP 2) on Behalf of the City of Dublin. Sub ted By Reviewed By Revi wed y Administrative Analyst Administrative Services Director Assistant Ci y anager Page 1 of 4 ITEM NO. ~~ I DESCRIPTION: The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) allocated $3.2 billion to the Department of Energy (DOE) for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, which created a number of funding streams for state and local energy efficiency efforts. The City previously was awarded a formula block grant in the amount of $187,600 through this program to fund an energy efficient light conversion project in certain City parks. Applications have been solicited under two additional EECBG-funded grant programs, the State Energy Program (SEP) and the Retrofit Ramp-Up (RRU). City Staff have been working with neighboring cities, county agencies, and regional organizations to secure additional funds through these competitive solicitations. If some or all of the applications are successful, they could provide substantial energy conservation benefits to the community with a minimal investment of City funds and Staff time. This report summarizes the various applications. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the two proposed resolutions authorizing other entities to act as Lead Applicants on behalf of the City for two separate SEP grant applications. No City Council action is required for the City's participation in the RRU regional application. 1. Retrofit Ramp-Up: The DOE is using $390 million of the EECBG to fund the "Retrofit Ramp- Up" (RRU) program. The RRU program is designed to fund innovative programs that promote whole-neighborhood energy efficiency building retrofits. The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) is coordinating with the Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego regions, the California Energy Commission (GEC), and the California Air Resources Board (GARB) to submit a $75 million grant application to test out innovative outreach channels and apply community-based social marketing to determine the most effective outreach approaches to be replicated nationwide. In the ABAG region, initial pilots would take place in Alameda County (coordinated by the County Solid Waste Authority, StopWaste.Org), Sonoma County, and San Francisco. If the application is successful, StopWaste.org would receive $3 million to initiate pilot neighborhood-focused energy efficiency projects for businesses and multi-family residential properties in several different locations around the County. No City Council action is required by DOE to support the RRU application. 2. State Energy Program (SEP): The State of California has allocated $95 million of its EECBG funds for the SEP, which will provide competitive grants to promote residential and commercial building energy efficiency (and water efficiency) retrofits. • Municipal Financing Program (SEP 1) This grant program will fund implementation of financing programs for energy efficiency improvements in residential and commercial buildings where building owners contractually agree to repay the financing through property tax assessments (often referred to as AB 811-style programs). The CEC has indicated that it will prioritize award of these grants to broad regional consortiums of local governments. Alameda County is participating in a joint grant application with 13 other California counties in six regions throughout the state including the Bay Area, Capitol, Central Coast, Central Valley, Mid Coast, and Southern California Regions. The County of Sacramento is the lead applicant. The grant amount requested will be approximately $16.5 million, with approximately $780,000 allocated for the County of Alameda. These funds would be administered by the County on behalf of all the cities in the County as no direct monies would pass to the cities. Page 2 of 4 The grant is intended to support the successful launch of the CaliforniaFIRST financing program (the City Council is being asked to authorize City participation in CaliforniaFIRST in a separate agenda item). The proposal consists of both Statewide and Countywide components. The Statewide component provides cone-percent interest rate buy-down on the first $25 million of projects in the CaliforniaFIRST pilot. It is hoped that a lower interest rate will make the program more attractive to property owners in the initial phases of the program. Additionally, the Statewide component provides funding to offset the costs to all participating counties and cities for initial program set-up, including legal validation of financing districts and websites for property owners to file their applications. For Dublin, this would equate to a savings of up to $12,500. The Countywide component will focus on increasing participation in the municipal financing program by providing enhanced customer service to residents and businesses in both cities and unincorporated communities (a graphical illustration of the customer service model is included as Attachment 1). CaliforniaFIRST's customer service program will provide web-based tools for relatively sophisticated property owners to use to secure property-assessed financing. The property owner would need to assess their eligibility against underwriting criteria, arrange for an energy audit, obtain contractor bids, and present a completed project proposal. In order to maximize participation, the countywide component would fund enhanced outreach and customer service, including one-on-one consultations that would be available to those property owners who require more personalized assistance prior to enrolling in the program. The City Council is being asked to consider the adoption of the proposed resolution authorizing Sacramento County to Act as Lead Applicant for a State Energy Program Grant fora Municipal Financing Program (SEP 1) on behalf of the City of Dublin (Attachment 2). • California Comprehensive Residential Building Retrofit Program (SEP 2J SEP 2 grant funding will be allocated for programs that support a tiered approach to home energy retrofits. Alameda County jurisdictions are participating with eight Bay Area counties in a Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) proposal under this grant. The ABAG proposal is requesting approximately $10.7 million for the region. At the regional level, these funds would be used to provide key region-wide program elements including retrofit standards development, marketing and market analysis, training and workforce development, and quality assurance. The focus is the promotion of comprehensive whole-home retrofits. $1.6 million is anticipated to be received by StopWaste.Org on behalf of Alameda County jurisdictions that would be used to expand elements currently covered at a basic level by jurisdictional contributions to the Green Packages Program, including workforce and training provider program coordination, a single-family media campaign, and multifamily property outreach. 1) The City Council is being asked to consider the adoption of the proposed resolution authorizing the Association of Bay Area Governments to Act as Lead Applicant for a State Energy Program Grant for a Comprehensive Residential Building Retrofit Program (SEP 2) on behalf of the City of Dublin (Attachment 3). If the grant applications are successful, the RRU and the SEP 1 and SEP 2 Programs would provide numerous benefits to the community, including: Page 3 of 4 • Interest rate buy down of 1 % and an enhanced customer service program for participants in CaliforniaFIRST (SEP 1). • Funding for set-up and validation costs related to the CaliforniaFIRST program (SEP 1). • Enhanced local workforce training and marketing related to whole-house energy retrofits (SEP 2). • Pilot programs for neighborhood-scale efficiency retrofits (RRU). NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH: None ATTACHMENTS: 1) Alameda County Proposed Customer Service Flow Chart. 2) Resolution Authorizing Sacramento County to Act as Lead Applicant for a State Energy Program Grant for a Municipal Financing Program (SEP 1) on Behalf of the City of Dublin. 3) Resolution Authorizing the Association of Bay Area Governments to Act as Lead Applicant for a State Energy Program Grant for a Comprehensive Residential Building Retrofit Program (SEP 2) on Behalf of the City of Dublin. Page 4 of 4 Awareness and Marketing (Through SEP 2/Green Packages, Utilities, Weatherization, Other Programs, Affinity Groups) CSCDA information (web site) Completed Application Package .~~ Customer Service ~ Help Desk (Help Line) Educafion Workshop (open attendance) _ ' Held at City Halls P, ~ other locations throughout the County Project Review (45-minute scheduled appointment) CSCDA Application (online); Fee Payment CSCDA Review of Application Summary ~~i~ 1 I I I I -This diagram represents two pathways for residential and tom ercial property owners interested in project financing thug Cali~rniaFIRST. -The elf-service (yellow) path will be available to all. -The SEP 1-funded (green) path for property owners who w t direc ethnical assistance will be available to a limited num~r of custor~ters depending on available funding. To qualify for individualized assistance, customers attend an overview w rksho~ Custor>~rs may return to the self-service path at any time -Servic utilization will be tracked in order to determine w Ich services are most crucial in achieving widespread adoptipn. CSCDA ~ ~ Reservation of Funds ` / I,UStDfll P,f Service hlelp ~'~ Project ~ Completion Calls or site visit Desk (Pro ect 1 ` Problem / Solvingi I Alameda County SEP 1 Scope CSCDA Funding. Draft 12/03/2009 N Attachment 1 ~ `" I Application P.eview Completed Application Package (45-minute scheduled ~ appointment) a~ ro RESOLUTION NO. XX - 10 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SACRAMENTO COUNTY TO ACT AS LEAD APPLICANT FOR A STATE ENERGY PROGRAM GRANT FOR A MUNICIPAL FINANCING PROGRAM (SEP 1) ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN WHEREAS, the City of Dublin recognizes that it is in the interest of the regional, state, and national economy to stimulate the economy; create and retain jobs; reduce fossil fuel emissions; and reduce total energy usage and improve energy efficiency within our jurisdiction; and WHEREAS, State Energy Program (SEP) funds are available through the California Energy Commission's SEP for grants to eligible local governments for energy efficiency, energy conservation, renewable energy, and other energy related projects and activities authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ("ARRA"); and WHEREAS, SEP allows for cities, counties, or groups of cities and counties in California to apply for SEP funds on behalf of eligible local governments; and WHEREAS, the City of Dublin is eligible for SEP funding under the California Energy Commission's SEP; and WHEREAS, the City of Dublin is proposing to collaborate with Sacramento County to implement a program for financing the energy efficiency, energy conservation, renewable energy, and other energy related projects and activities authorized by ARRA, which program is described in Exhibit A for the purpose of qualifying for SEP funds from the California Energy Commission; and WHEREAS, the City of Dublin has considered the application of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to the approval of the program for financing energy efficiency, energy conservation, renewable energy, and other energy related projects and activities authorized by ARRA described in Exhibit A; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that in compliance with the CEQA, the City of Dublin finds that the approval of the program for financing energy efficiency, energy conservation, renewable energy, and other energy related projects and activities authorized by ARRA described in Exhibit A is not a "project" under CEQA, because the program does not involve any commitment to a specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment, as contemplated by Title 14, California Code of Regulations, Section 15378(b)(4). ATTACHMENT 2 1 3~ ro BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Dublin authorizes Sacramento County to submit a collaborative application on its behalf to the California Energy Commission for up to $16,500,000 in SEP funds for the program for financing energy efficiency, energy conservation, renewable energy, and other energy related projects and activities authorized by ARRA described in Exhibit A. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, if recommended for funding by the California Energy Commission, the City Council of the City of Dublin authorizes Sacramento County to accept a grant award on its behalf and to enter into all necessary contracts and agreements, and amendments thereto, on its behalf to implement and carry out the program for financing the projects described in Exhibit A. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of February, 2010, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: City Clerk Mayor 2 ~~ ~~ Exhibit A California Energy Commission State Energy Program CaliforniaFIRST Collaborative Proposal Summary of Proposal Scope & Budget Framework Description of Program Proposal Under the lead applicant, Sacramento County, the 14 counties eligible to participate in the pilot stage of the California FIRST Program are collaborating on a proposal to the California Energy Commission State Energy Program for a grant of up to $16.5 million. The grant funds will be used to offset initial fees associated with bond issuance, start-up costs for the 14 counties and all incorporated cities, an interest rate buy-down, local marketing/education/training/outreach, local coordination, and grant administration to support the launch of the California FIRST municipal financing program. CaliforniaFIRST Program County Participants and Proposal Collaborators / Alameda / Sacramento / San Mateo / Ventura / Fresno / San Benito / Santa Clara / Yolo / Kern / San Diego / Santa Cruz / Monterey / San Luis Obispo / Solano Budaet Basics 1. CaliforniaFIRST financing costs and fees (N$6M) Guided by California Communities and the CaliforniaFIRST Program Administrator Renewable Funding, this program element will: • buy-down the interest rate on the initial round(s) of projects financed by the CaliforniaFIRST Program, • cover fixed costs associated with initial bond counsel, bond disclosure, fiscal agent and bond rating, • cover legal and validation costs, and • cover the deployment of technology (web portal) to support local programs. 2. Grant/Contract Administration & Steering Committee Liaison: (N$2.OM) On behalf of the applicant agency, grant/contractor administration duties include gathering relevant reporting information from all partner jurisdictions and California FIRST, financial oversight and invoicing, contract administration, tracking, monitoring, and oversight of deliverables. In addition, the grant administrator will serve as the partner liaison between all participating steering committees to maintain coordination and consistency on the local marketing efforts between parties as well as provide marketing and contract technical assistance, training, and advice to participating agencies. The Grant Administrator will also coordinate local efforts with those programs funded under the California Comprehensive Residential Building Retrofit Program. 3. Regional Program Coordination & Marketing: (N$8.5M) In line with the overall project goals, funding has been budgeted on a regional basis to each of the six primary program regions in the following amounts, based on total number of Counties: • Capitol Region (Sacramento/Yolo): $1,800,000 • Central Valley Region (Fresno/Kern): $1,150,000 • Bay Area Region: (Alameda/San Mateo/Santa Clara/Solano): $2,300,000 • North Central Coast Region: (Monterey/Santa Cruz/San Benito): $1,725,000 • South Central Coast Region: (Ventura/San Luis Obispo): $1,150,000 • Southern California Region: (San Diego): $575,000 ~~ io This final program element serves to provide each region with the resources necessary to help facilitate the rapid adoption of energy efficiency and renewable .energy generation system installations throughout the target area by connecting property owners to any and all available on- the-ground or proposed resources, and services, providing a streamlined framework for easy navigation, reduced out-of-pocket expenses, and overall increased cost effectiveness for both participants and the program overall. The focus of the program will be to create region-wide (or county-wide, where appropriate) cooperative project design, implementation, marketing, and coordination to maximize economies of scale, take advantage of overlapping markets, and ultimately allow each dollar to go further to benefit all parties. Financing Costs and Fees A. Financing Costs As Program Administrator of the California Communities CaliforniaFIRST Program, .Renewable Funding will coordinate and provide program administration, financing, and legal services to support a robust statewide municipal financing program. Specific financing costs are concentrated at the start of the program and result in increased fees to a program participant, and therefore a higher effective interest rate. In order to lower the interest rate, the SEP funds will be used to cover bond disclosure counsel, bond rating fees, and a bond fiscal agent. In addition, a direct interest rate buy-down will be employed to achieve a bond rate that is equivalent to an A-rated bond, which is likely to be the bond rating later in the program. B. Set-u p Fees A funding request equivalent to the city and county set-up fees will be included in the proposal. The costs for initial legal work and validation proceedings will be covered by this request. Additionally, the costs of establishing county web portals, importing local assessor's data, and maintaining the website will be part of this funding request. Suggested Maior Marketing Program Coordination & Marketing Program Elements A. Agency Coordination /Steering Committee Participation In recognition of the additional coordination time required to get new programs off the ground, individual counties may elect to include a modest amount of staff time for agency representatives to participate in the program steering committee and other activities to drive marketing program design, educational/marketing material development, form and protocol development, etc. By investing this time at the onset, we are able to develop aself-sustaining program for the long term. County agencies (that is, auditor/tax collector/controller) will receive a small percentage, incorporated into each loan, to cover regular ongoing program administration costs associated with maintaining the tax roll and collecting annual assessments in years beyond the grant term. Some jurisdictions may instead wish to contribute this time as project leveraged funds/resources to increase overall program cost effectiveness based on their individual needs and resources. Regional partnership may also elect to use a portion of the resources from this program element toward informal or formalized staff/personnel training within their jurisdictions. B. Education /Outreach/ Marketing Successful program adoption requires thoughtful design, convenient procedures, and a robust program education component to encourage and energize program participation. Achieving this goal, the project team will create clear, consistent, and thematic program branding imagery, educational and recruitment tools such as program brochures. The program will be supported by the CaliforniaFIRST web portal and links to new and existing partner and complementary websites, frequently asked questions, applications, and/or other program materials. In addition, the project will engage awide-stretching network of partners to promote, recruit, and disseminate program information utilizing existing mechanisms of door-to-door outreach, community event tabling, workshops and presentations, or other appropriate energy efficiency and complementary program participation activities. Major elements might include: / Outreach Promotional Materials: Brochures, Door-hangers, Postcard Mailers, Bill Inserts, etc. / Program Marketing Advertisements: Print Ads, Radio/TV Ads, PSA Production 2 / Promotional Outreach Events, Trade Shows or Community Workshops / Homeowner/Business/Contractor/Staff Training Seminars / Sustainability Site Signage / Green Building and/or LEED Certification Technical Assistance ~ ~ i~ C. Community Coordinator /Partner Liaison /Supplies The community coordinator is envisioned to serve as the single point regional program coordinator to unify, inform, collaborate, and engage all program parties in relation to local coordination and marketing efforts; respond to public inquiries; facilitate the education, outreach, marketing, recruitment; and promote program adoption by the target community. In addition the coordinator is responsible for coordinating with the grant administrator, tracking/reporting necessary progress and metrics, meeting/exceeding grant milestones and targets, incorporating required complementary program components, and working with California FIRST to assure QA/QC measures are applied to all participating properties. Specific tasks will be driven by the overall project goals as well as the specific needs of each region and may include: / Coordination with Grant Administrator/Steering Committee Liaison / Marketing Coordination with California FIRST Municipal Finance District / Facilitation of local Regional Steering Committee Members and Partners / Assist with Implementation Strategy, Documents, Procedures & Protocols Development / Guide Promotion, Marketing, Education, Recruitment & Program Information Dissemination / Link Program Participants to Regional Energy Efficiency & Complementary Programs / Connect to Concurrent Complementary Workforce Development Training/Graduates / Administer Regional Program Budget, Competitive Bidding, Other Program Transparency Reqs / Track and/or compile, Monitor & Evaluate Program Progress, Energy Savings, GHG Reductions Achieved, Partner Leveraged Funds and Ancillary Environmental Benefits Sample County Bud4et A sample budget based on the above framework is provided below. Please note that these amounts are subject to change based on the actual needs of each participating jurisdiction as well as feedback obtained regarding funder and partner thresholds for competitiveness. Com onent Overall Gross Benefit Per Coun Net Benefit Per Count 1.CaliforniaFIRST Costs & Fees 39% $ 428,571.43 - 2. Grant Administration & Technical Assistance 10% $ 107,142.86 - 3A.Steerin Adviso Committee 10% $ 115,000.00 $ 115,000.00 3B. Education, Outreach, Incentives, Marketin 23% $ 258,750.00 $ 258,750.00 3C. Communit Coordination 18% $ 201,250.00 $ 201,250.00 Total 100% $ 1,110,714.29 $ 575,000.00 Grant Development Team: County of Sacramento-Lead Agency (Applicant), will oversee grant writing, provide final edits and required signatures, and submit finalized proposal on behalf of entire collaborative team based on the approved proposed program scope and budget framework Ecology Action-Partner Grant Writer (Lead on Marketing), will develop narrative based on proposed program scope and budget framework, especially as it pertains to local coordination and marketing project administration, marketing/contract technical assistance, regional coordination, and marketing, to meet all grant requirements and maximize proposal competiveness. Renewable Funding-Partner Grant Writer (Lead on Finance), will develop narrative based on proposed program scope and budget framework, especially for CaliforniaFIRST Program finance-related program elements, to meet all grant requirements and maximize proposal competiveness. ~ ~o RESOLUTION NO. XX -10 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN AUTHORIZING THE ASSOCIATION OF BAY AREA GOVERNMENTS TO ACT AS LEAD APPLICANT FOR A STATE ENERGY PROGRAM GRANT FOR A COMPREHENSIVE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING RETROFIT PROGRAM (SEP 2) ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN WHEREAS, the City of Dublin recognizes that it is in the interest of the local, regional, state, and federal agencies to stimulate the economy; create and retain jobs; reduce fossil fuel emissions; and reduce total energy usage and improve energy efficiency; and WHEREAS, the City of Dublin has committed to the Alameda County Climate Protection Project and embarked on an ongoing, coordinated effort to reduce the emissions that cause global warming, improve air quality, reduce waste, cut energy use and save money; and WHEREAS, State Energy Program (SEP) funds are available through the California Energy Commission's SEP Funding Opportunities for grants to eligible local governments for cost-effective energy efficiency projects; and WHEREAS, the SEP allows for public agencies or non-profit entities to apply for funds on behalf of eligible local governments; and WHEREAS, the City of Dublin is eligible for SEP funding under the California Energy Commission's SEP Program; and WHEREAS, the City of Dublin has collaborated with the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) to submit a regional application to implement the energy efficiency projects described in Exhibit A for the purpose of qualifying for SEP funds from the California Energy Commission; and WHEREAS, the City of Dublin has considered the application of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to the approval of the energy efficiency projects described in Exhibit A; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City Council of the City of Dublin finds that the approval of the energy efficiency projects described in Exhibit A is a "project" under CEQA that is exempt under California Code of Regulations, Title 21, sections 15301 (repairs and minor alterations to existing facilities), 15302 (replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities), 15306 (information collection), 15308 (actions to protect the environment), 15309 (inspections), and 15322 (training .programs) because the project would develop standards for resource conserving and energy saving retrofits of existing structures in conformance with existing building codes; train contractors, homeowners and other building professionals; encourage participation in the green retrofit program; provide rebates for tested and certified retrofit projects; and monitor and evaluate environmental performance of projects; and Page 1 of 2 ATTACHMENT 3 a ~ ~~ BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if recommended for funding by the California nergy Commission, the City of Dublin authorizes ABAG to accept a grant award on its behalf and to enter into all necessary contracts and agreements, and amendments thereto, on its behalf to implement and carry out the projects described in Exhibit A; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Dublin recognizes StopWaste.Org as the lead local implementer for the projects described in Exhibit A for all of the local governments in Alameda County, and that ABAG, as the fiscal agent, will disburse the funds to StopWaste.Org to implement and carry out the projects described in Exhibit A. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of February, 2010, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: Mayor City Clerk Page 2 of 2 ATTACHMENT 3 ~l ~ I~ Exhibit A Retrofit Bay Area Summary of proposal submitted to the California Energy Commission on December 21, 2009 (SEP2) escriptian of P~ac~eci Pt~ar~ The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) is collaborating with the Bay Area's eight counties to establish a comprehensive residential single-family and multifamily building retrofit program (Retrofit BayArea) that leverages regional cooperation and funding while enabling autonomy at the local level. The proposed ABAG program aligns with local, regional and national goals of promoting economic vitality through an increase in green jobs, reducing U.S. oil dependency through increases in energy efficiency and deployment of renewable energy technologies, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. On behalf of 109 local governments, ABAG has submitted a proposal to the California Energy Commission's State Energy Program (SEP) to request $10.75 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant funds administered by the U.S. Department of Energy. This grant program, known informally as SEP 2 to distinguish it from three other elements of California's SEP program, runs from February 1, 2010 to March 31, 2012. The ARRA/SEP 2 grant funds would be used by ABAG program participants to carry out local and Bay Area-wide consumer outreach and education campaigns and workforce development activities that will accelerate demand for home energy retrofits and expand the regional building industry's capacity to deliver high quality, cost-effective retrofit services. The program has a goal of retrofitting 15,000 single-family homes and 2,000 multifamily units in the region, and creating 1, 739 jobs. Retrofit BayArea will complement existing and planned local retrofit activities, including the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing districts that enable homeowners to finance energy efficiency retrofits and renewable energy improvements through assessments paid via their property taxes. This ABAG program will leverage and complement other local, regional and federal funding sources for energy retrofits, including anticipated grant funds from the State Energy Program's Municipal Financing Program (known as SEP 1) and the federal Retrofit Ramp-Up program. P~°ara arti~fts grad Raps Participant Role Association of Bay Area Governments Lead, fiscal agent and contract administrator Alameda County (StopWaste.Org) and Sonoma Regional tasks and local retrofit program County (Sonoma County Transportation Authority) implementation Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Local retrofit program implementation Santa Clara and Solano Counties Bevilacqua Knight, Inc., Build It Green and Regional and local implementation assistance, California Building Performance Contractors Assn. quality assurance and reporting tap st.Cl Rc~l Retrofit BayArea allocates $2,831,786 to StopWaste.Org to manage specific local and regional tasks through StopWaste.Org's Green Packages program. Green Packages, a green retrofit program for existing buildings and landscapes in Alameda County, is supported by Alameda County and all 14 of its I o o~ 1'~ cities. Green Packages consists of a set of verifiable standards and specifications to be used for financing and conducting energy efficiency retrofit projects. These standards will be supported with professional training of retrofit contractors, quality assurance mechanisms, systems for tracking and evaluating results, and a comprehensive consumer outreach campaign. Local jurisdictions in Alameda County have already committed to funding the core Green Packages tasks. The table below lists additional Green Packages tasks that StopWaste.Org anticipates will be funded through the ARRA/SEP 2 grant program. Green Packages ARRA/SEP 2 Grant Funds Program Local Regional StopWaste.Org Elements Task Details Standards & $85,186 Integrate Green Packages into PACE districts, Resources coordinate funding sources and city programs, establish countywide bulk purchasing program $127,400 Develop multifamily Green Packages, establish regional bulk purchasing program Capacity Building $555,056 Offer additional orientation workshops for & Green Jobs contractors and building inspectors, conduct gap analysis and develop workforce training plan, update single-family training curriculum, launch contractor program and conduct outreach, sponsor trainings in county, provide rebates for Building Performance Institute certification, provide training scholarships for residents of economically disadvantaged areas. $306,550 Develop multifamily curriculum and training for contractors, develop real estate training and advocacy program, develop multifamily asset manager tools Marketing & $1,080,000 Implement countywide media campaign and social Outreach marketing/community-based outreach strategies, develop retailer channel for delivering energy retrofits, offer homeowner do-it-yourself package, conduct multifamily property owner outreach $398,560 Conduct regional market surveys and focus groups, create templates for local media campaigns, conduct and monitor regional media relations/PR, develop retailer channel for delivering retrofits Quantification & $68,644 Provide accountability and progress reports to Accountability funders $210,390 Integrate projects into Green Point Rated tracking system and climate calculator, develop multifamily quality assurance plan and verification procedures Funds Requested $1,788,866 $1,042,900 Total: $2,831,786