HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 14256
City of Palo Alto (ID # 14256)
City Council Staff Report
Meeting Date: 5/23/2022 Report Type: Consent Calendar
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Title: Adoption of a Resolution Certifying Compliance with the California
Surplus Land Act as Required by MTC's One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) Grant
Programs
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Transportation Department
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution (Attachment A) as required by the
Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to certify compliance with Assembly Bill 2135
(Surplus Land Act). MTC requires adoption in order to apply for One Bay Area Grant (OBAG)
Programs grant funding.
Background
The MTC is the metropolitan planning organization for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area
region, which includes Santa Clara County. The MTC administers the federally funded One Bay
Area Grant (OBAG) Programs with funds from the regional Surface Transportation Block Grant
(STP) and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) programs.
On January 26, 2022, the MTC adopted Resolution No. 4505, the OBAG Cycle 3 (OBAG 3)
framework. The Program emphasizes regional plan implementation, bicycle/ pedestrian safety
and mobility, connections to transit, climate resilience, and projects that advance equitable
mobility. Funds are competitively disbursed for complete streets and sustainable streets
improvements, streetscape enhancements, safe routes to school projects, priority development
and conservation areas, local street and road maintenance, and transportation planning.
Discussion
In order to be eligible for OBAG 3 funds, MTC requires that local jurisdictions, including charter
cities, certify compliance with the California Surplus Lands Act (AB 2135). The current text of
the Surplus Land Act is linked here, and project eligibility and requirements are included in MTC
Resolution No. 4505. In general, the Surplus Land Act regulates how local agencies, including
the City, dispose of surplus real property. The goal of the Act is to prioritize affordable housing
as a use for land that is no longer needed by a local agency.
The City of Palo Alto applies for OBAG funding when available and if the proposed city projects
City of Palo Alto Page 2
are competitive. As a condition to receive competitively awarded funds, MTC requires that local
jurisdictions certify alignment with local and state housing and complete streets requirements
by adopting a resolution of compliance (see Attachment A). Adoption of this resolution will
support the City’s efforts to obtain this and future Federal Grant funds through MTC.
Timeline
Each Bay Area jurisdiction must adopt a Surplus Land Act resolution before MTC will award
funds under the OBAG 3 program. Staff intend to apply to the OBAG 3 program in June of this
year for the construction phase of the South Palo Alto Bikeways project.
Resource Impact
Adopting this resolution has no immediate effect on City resources; however, it does require
the City to prioritize affordable housing if it considers the disposition of surplus property which
may imact the value.
Policy Implications
The attached resolution is consistent with the following Comprehensive Plan policies:
Transportation Element Policy T-1.25: Pursue transportation funding opportunities for
ongoing transportation improvements that will help mitigate the impacts of future
development and protect residents’ quality of life. When other sources are unavailable,
continue to fund improvements, operations and maintenance through the general fund.
Housing Element Policy H2.2: Continue to support the redevelopment of suitable lands
for mixed uses containing housing to encourage compact, infill development. Optimize
the use of existing urban services, and support transit use.
Housing Element Policy H3.1: Encourage, foster, and preserve diverse housing
opportunities for very low-, low-, and moderate income households.
Environmental Review
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5)
in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct
or indirect changes in the environment.
Attachments:
• Attachment A - Resolution Making Required Findings per MTC/OBAG Program
Requirements Related to the Surplus Land Act
*NOT YET APPROVED*
254_20220511_ts24 1
Resolution No.___
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Making Required Findings as
Required by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Its OBAG Program
Requirements
R E C I T A L S
A. The San Francisco region has the highest housing costs in the United States; and
B. The Bay Area produced less than 30% of the need for low- and moderate-income housing
units from 2007-2014; and
C. There are limited funding sources available to secure land for the construction of low- and
moderate-income housing; and
D. Public lands can play a critical role in increasing the supply of land for affordable housing;
and
E. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission adopted Resolution No. 4202, outlining the
programming policy and project selection criteria for the One Bay Area Grant Program
(OBAG), including certain requirements to access these funds;
NOW THEREFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City of Palo Alto agrees to comply with the terms of Surplus Land Act -
Assembly Bill 2135 (California Government Code § 54220, et seq.), as exists now or may be
amended in the future.
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*NOT YET APPROVED*
254_20220511_ts24 2
SECTION 2. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
__________________________ _____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
__________________________ _____________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
_____________________________
Chief Transportation Official