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Title:
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APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Conservation and Development Director, or designee, to execute a contract with Rincon Consultants, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $250,000 to assist in conducting a tree canopy assessment for the unincorporated County area and to prepare an Urban Forest Management Plan for the County, for the period September 1, 2025 through June 20, 2028. (100% State Funds)
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To: Board of Supervisors
From: John Kopchik, Director, Conservation and Development
Report Title: APPROVE and AUTHORIZE Conservation and Development Director, or designee, to execute a contract with Rincon Consultants to provide technical services for the Urban Forest Management Plan.
?Recommendation of the County Administrator ? Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE Conservation and Development Director, or designee, to execute a contract with Rincon Consultants in an amount not to exceed $250,000 to provide technical services for the Urban Forest Management Plan from September 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Urban Forest Management Plan is funded through a $750,000 grant from the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation. There is no impact on the General Fund.
BACKGROUND:
On April 9, 2024, the Board of Supervisors authorized the Conservation and Development Director, or designee, to apply for and accept, if awarded, an Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program, Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program Grant, in an amount not to exceed $750,000, from the California Governor's Office of Planning and Research. (This office was subsequently renamed the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation.) Staff successfully applied for a grant to support development of an Urban Forest Management Plan (or "Tree Plan"). The contract with the State took effect on May 1, 2025.
Staff conducted a competitive solicitation for a technical consultant to develop the actual plan. Rincon Consultants is the firm selected for this role. Because the contract amount exceeds the signing authority of the department head, staff is seeking approval and authorization from the Board of Supervisors for the Director of the Department of Conservation and Development to execute this contract.
There are three main activities that will be funded through this grant.
1. Urban Forest Management Plan. Rincon Consultants will develop the actual plan. Rincon will be doing the technical work associated with assessing tree canopy, incorporating a citizen science tree inventory that The Watershed Project will help lead in one or two Impacted Communities, identifying policies and best practices, identifying financing strategies for planting and maintaining trees. Rincon will assist DCD staff in facilitating an Advisory Working Group that will include staff from County departments and community members, who will be compensated for their contributions. Budget: $250,000.
2. Community Engagement and Education. The Watershed Project and Sustainable Contra Costa will conduct a community needs assessment, conduct an Extreme Heat and Urban Forestry Academy for community members, and facilitate participation in the Advisory Working Group described above. Budget: $220,000
3. Green Infrastructure Career Pathway. The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County and Civicorps will develop a green infrastructure career pathway. This will include a five-part training program and career fairs/outreach events to match potential employers with workforce development program participants. Budget: $190,000
In addition to the activities described above, the grant commits the County to conduct up to three tree planting demonstration projects that will result in planting up to 50 trees in Impacted Communities. This activity will be led by The Watershed Project. The activities described above will be used to identify potential locations on public and private property. Staff also will be looking for funds to support tree planting and maintenance. The grant will cover $20,000.
The remaining funds in the grant are directed to offset DCD staff costs and required participation in meetings and workshops hosted by the State. ($70,000).
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Failure to authorize approval of this contract would lead to the County being unable to meet its obligations under the terms of the grant agreement.