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Report regarding a resolution authorizing the filing of a grant contract renewal for Community Development Block Grant funds allocated through the City of Daly City to support Project Read and authorizing the Director of Finance to adjust the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Revenue Budget upon receipt of grant award. (Valerie Sommer, Library Director)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the filing of a grant contract renewal for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds allocated through the City of Daly City for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 in the amount of up to $20,000 to support Project Read and authorize the Director of Finance to adjust the FY 2025-26 Revenue Budget upon receipt of a grant award letter.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
It is recommended that City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the filing of a grant contract renewal for CDBG funds allocated through the City of Daly City. In Fiscal Year 2024-25, Project Read has been awarded $20,000 from this program to support approximately 30 adult literacy students living in Daly City. We anticipate receiving the same amount in FY 2025-26. We have received Daly City CDBG funds for nearly twenty years.
Adult learners receive free services that include 1) a literacy assessment, 2) free one-on-one tutoring or small group tutoring, 3) free workbooks and dictionaries, and 4) use of library computers. Adult literacy services target adults with low level English reading and writing skills and focus on basic skill development. Over the year, 21% of our literacy services adult participants are from Daly City, while 59% are from South San Francisco, and 20% from partnering communities and learners who work in South San Francisco.
In 1985, when Project Read was established, we were encouraged by the California State Library to serve North San Mateo County, thus increasing the number of people served. Part of our funding structure is reliant on matching funds from California Library Literacy Services (CLLS). Matching funds are based on the amount expended on literacy services and the number of adult literacy students served. This fiscal year, we have received $59,150 in CLLS adult literacy services funds. By serving students in Daly City, San Bruno, and Colma, we increase the amount received in matching funds. In addition, expanding our geographic area has proven successful when applying for grants to support enhanced programming for low-income, low-literacy participants.
Most Project Read participants are South San Franisco residents and benefit from our core adult literacy services. In addition, South San Francisco residents receive additional support from grant-funded projects that include visits from Learning Wheels, Families for Literacy programs, and assistance with computer and financial literacy. Yearly, approximately 400 South San Francisco core users regularly participate in at least one of these enhanced programs.
FISCAL IMPACT
Grant funds received from the CDBG program for FY 2025-26 will offset general fund expenses; there will be no need to increase the Library Department’s budget for expenditures. Receipt of these funds does not commit the City to ongoing or matching funding. Adopting this resolution will authorize the Director of Finance to amend the FY 2025-26 Revenue Budget upon receipt of a grant award letter.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Support of Project Read’s Adult Literacy services will provide enhanced literacy programming for low literate adults within the City and surrounding communities. The strengthening of learning programs is an action item in the City Strategic Plan under Priority #2: Quality of Life.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the filing of a grant renewal contract for CDBG funds allocated through the City of Daly City for FY 2025-26 in the amount of up to $20,000 to support Project Read and authorize the Director of Finance to amend the revenue budget upon receipt of a grant award letter. Receipt of these funds will enable Project Read to continue providing adult literacy services to Daly City residents.