City Council

4-A. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION IMPLEMENTING THE SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM USING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS AND A RESOLUTION TO AWARD A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO THE CHINATOWN SERVICE CENTER FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM It is recommended that the City Council consider: (1) Opening the public hearing, taking testimonial evidence, and closing the public hearing; (2) Approving the implementation of the Small Business Assistance Program (SBAP) using an initial allocation of $200,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, 20% of which would be allocated for program administration, to support local businesses facing economic challenges and the lingering effects of the mass shooting tragedy and COVID-19 pandemic. Subject to funding availability, the City may allocate additional funds to support the program; (3) Adopt a resolution to adopt policies and procedures for distributing CDBG funds to qualified expenses and businesses and/or property owners participating in the SBAP to ensure compliance with all applicable CDBG regulations; and (4) Taking such additional, related, action that may be desirable. CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act): The City reviewed the environmental impacts of the draft Resolution pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq. “CEQA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 Cal. Code of Regs. §§ 15000, et seq., the “CEQA Guidelines”). CEQA Guidelines §§ 15060(c)(2), 15061(b)(3), 15378, and 15308 exempt activities that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, activities where there is possibility that it may have a significant effect on the environment, activities that do not constitute a “project” as defined, and actions to protect the environment, respectively. This activity is for general policies and procedure-making intended to promote economic development. Any subsequent construction or development will be evaluated separately under the CEQA Guidelines. Accordingly, the draft Resolution is exempt from further review.