Resilience‑center grant effort stalls after split council vote over partner selection and timeline

City staff presented an opportunity to apply for a California Strategic Growth Council Community Resilience Center grant (planning grants $100,000–$500,000; implementation grants up to $10,000,000). California Consulting outlined estimated grant‑writing fees (roughly $15,000–$18,000 for larger applications; about $18,000 for a $500,000 planning grant). Staff said the city would act as lead applicant if council directed staff to pursue the opportunity.

The Hope Project (formerly CLEP / affiliated with Sanctuary Church) proposed using the former Rite Aid building as a resilience center partner and described existing Red Cross partnerships and shelter training. Public commenters and Councilwoman Cindy Bernard urged a transparent partner‑selection process (RFP) and raised questions about the Hope Project's fiscal capacity as presented in public filings. Council debate focused on timeline (application due Sept. 25), whether to apply for the planning or implementation grant, partner capacity and the city owning versus partnering on a facility. A motion to proceed with the application and partner with the Hope Project failed on roll call (Councilwoman Ramirez and Council member Bilderring voted Aye; Mayor Pro Tem Scott and Mayor Mitts voted No; Council member Wright abstained). Staff said fee, CEQA and community‑outreach costs would be specified if the council later directs staff to proceed.

Why it matters: The grant could provide $100k–$10M for a resilience center and related programming; council divisions over partner selection, process transparency and long‑term cost obligations prevented a consensus to move forward at this meeting.