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Supervisors discuss SB 1090 economic development funding after consent approval; staff says future requests handled through budgeting
Summary
The Board approved a $200,000 allocation to Cal Poly’s HotHouse on the consent agenda and supervisors asked how other organizations can access SB 1090 economic development funds in future budget cycles.
The Board of Supervisors on March 11 approved the consent agenda, which included a $200,000 allocation to Cal Poly to support the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (the HotHouse); Supervisors debated how other local organizations might access SB 1090‑designated economic development funds in future cycles.
Supervisor Gloria Moreno asked whether the Cal Poly allocation specifically supports the Small Business Development Center work and how other organizations could apply for similar funds. Lisa Howe of the County Administrative Office explained that the funds referenced are SB 1090 designations (funds originally connected to Diablo Canyon’s closure impacts) placed into multiple “buckets” by the board’s spending plan; economic development funds were in a designated spending plan and some categories have available balances while others do not. Howe said the HotHouse was funded initially via General Fund and then later moved to SB 1090 economic development funding; additional organizations may approach the county but any new award of SB 1090 money would require board approval to reallocate funds from another bucket or a general fund request. There is not a standard open application process for the SB 1090 buckets; earlier HotHouse funding came through the budget hearings and board direction.
Supervisors Gibson, Paulding and Balding said they support reviewing the economic development spending plan as part of the budget process to ensure the county invests where it has the broadest effect; Supervisor Balding noted a community effort to form a community development corporation for unincorporated areas that could be considered in future allocations. Staff said the board could amend the SB 1090 spending plan at budget hearings or at any time with a board vote.
The consent agenda motion to approve consent items as amended passed on a roll call vote with all five supervisors voting yes.
Ending: Staff advised interested organizations to approach the County Administrative Office and to pursue board direction or budgetary amendments; the CAO indicated the matter of SB 1090 prioritization will be part of future budget discussions.
