HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2311-2309CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, October 28, 2024
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
2.Nonprofit Relationships Study Session Staff Presentation, At Places Memo
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: Study Session
Lead Department: City Manager
Meeting Date: October 28, 2024
Report #:2311-2309
TITLE
Nonprofit Relationships Study Session
RECOMMENDATION
Council to receive a report and provide feedback on a framework for strengthening the City’s
practices in nonprofit relationship engagement, funding, support, and evaluation, informed by
2022 Nonprofit Audit insights and recommendations.
BACKGROUND
In June 2022 the Policy and Services Committee received a report from the City Auditor focused
on identifying risks related to nonprofit agreements and provided corresponding
recommendations for improvement.1 Key recommendations included defining clear service level
expectations and performance management and evaluation on all nonprofit and lease
agreements, as well as quantifying non-monetary support to determine appropriate
compensation for nonprofits’ use of City-owned properties. Recommendations are summarized
in Attachment A.
Through various agreements, the City engages with nonprofit organizations that support
community needs and Council priorities. Agreements may be in the form of grants, professional
or general services contracts or facility lease agreements. The City has an administrative policy
on public-private partnerships that addresses some types of non-profit engagements, but the
policy is neither comprehensive nor fully up to date with current City programs and practices.
Guided by the audit recommendations, this study session seeks feedback from the Council on an
approach to review and improve the City’s programs for nonprofit support that is paired with
1 June 14, 2022 Policy and Services Committee Meeting:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Public/CompiledDocument?meetingTemplateId=6282&compileOutputType=
1
appropriate expectations, on both sides, for accountability measures that reflect the variety of
relationships.
ANALYSIS
The City of Palo Alto provides high quality community services and programs to its residents
through its many libraries, parks, community facilities, recreation programs, art and cultural
centers, with special consideration for its vulnerable populations such as seniors, children, and
people with disabilities. The City also relies on other public agencies and nonprofit partnerships
to deliver community services that provide a public benefit, which would otherwise be more
expensive or highly specialized for the City to offer. A table with current nonprofit service and
lease agreements are included in Attachment B and C.
Over the years, the paths through which nonprofit relationships have been formed and managed
has varied given evolving community needs, organizational opportunities, Council priorities, and
changes in City policies and processes. This has resulted in inconsistencies in the approach and
management of nonprofit partnerships, such as the examples highlighted in the Nonprofit Audit
Report. The audit findings provide an opportunity to refine this approach by establishing a
framework based on overarching guiding principles and decision-making.
As a method for considering and rationalizing the wide variety of City nonprofit support
relationships and to organize decision-making going forward, staff has developed a conceptual
framework to discretely describe and discuss how partnerships are developed and implemented.
Our proposed discussion framework consists of a sequence of steps, including:
•Principles – the fundamental goals and values that guide the establishment and pursuit
of partnerships;
•Practices – the policies and protocols, such as the use of Requests for Proposals, through
which principles are implemented; and,
•Products – the visible methods, such as defined funding programs and administrative
policies, through which the principles and practices are implemented and communicated
to nonprofit partners and the community at large.
In concept, this sequence of Principles, Practices, and Products can be used to ensure that the
City’s approach to pursuing prospective partnerships, decision-making, and administrative
implementation are clear and consistent with their intended outcomes. This report provides a
first attempt at applying this conceptual framework to reviewing our current partnerships and
identifying areas for improvement that will guide decision-making into the future.
The following graphic illustrates the proposed approach for this review:
As a starting point for Council consideration, staff has reviewed prior actions and prepared a first
draft set of principles that we believe reflect the City’s fundamental interests in establishing
nonprofit partnerships. At the study session, staff will seek Council feedback on whether these
Principles accurately reflect the City’s interests or should be revised or supplemented.
Principles Guiding Non-Profit Partnerships:
1.Impact-oriented focus and accountability- Partnerships will identify intended
outcomes and prioritize unmet needs, and incorporate appropriate measures and
reporting, while reflecting the nature of the engagements and avoiding unnecessary
administrative processes.
2.Service alignment- Programs and services should align with the Council's priorities
and identified community needs.
3.Fairness and open access- The City will maintain visibility and consistency in its
partnership processes, to both the nonprofit community and public at large.
4.Equity and inclusion- Resource allocations will consider and prioritize accessibility of
the resulting services to all community members, with particular attention to
underserved and vulnerable populations.
5.Flexibility for special circumstances- The City Council will need the ability to act
quickly when needed to respond to special circumstances.
While the Principles above are simply a draft, the following paragraphs provide examples of how
the Principles can then be carried through our Practices and Products. As evident through the
points that follow, identification of the City’s core Principles is an important first step.
Principle 1: Impact oriented focus and accountability- Partnerships will identify intended
outcomes and prioritize unmet needs, and incorporate appropriate measures and reporting,
while reflecting the nature of the engagements and avoiding unnecessary administrative
processes.
The City ensures that the responsibilities of all parties reflect the nature of the engagement by
promoting financial stewardship, managing risks to sustainability, and establishing measurable
goals and oversight to maintain the effectiveness and accountability of nonprofit partnerships.
Related Practices
A. The significance of a partnership to both parties will be reflected in the City’s engagement
on issues such as organizational and fiscal management
A. Where needed to manage risk of the relationship and service delivery, the City may
support resources for nonprofit training and organizational development
B. Where possible, City funding should not be the primary source of a nonprofit’s budget.
Where a major funder, the City may be involved in the nonprofit’s governance
C. All agreements should include appropriate measurable goals and key performance
indicators
D. Policies should include guidelines for underperformance and corrective actions
E. The City’s responsibilities in agreements should be clear and achievable to avoid
noncompliance
Related Products
1. HSRAP and CDBG grants already require regular financial reporting. Depending on
significance to the nonprofit’s budget, other grants may also require ongoing and annual
financial reports
2. Funding criteria states that City funding is leveraged and not significant source of
organization’s budget
3. Consider designating a Council liaison to organizations where the City is a major funder
4. All grant program, direct grants, service, and lease agreements will include appropriate
measurable goals and key performance indicators
Principle 2: Service alignment- Programs and services should align with the Council priorities and
identified community needs
The City ensures that programs and services are aligned with Council priorities and evolving
community needs by regularly evaluating organizations and making funding decisions based on
their potential impact and capacity to deliver services.
Related Practices
A. Regularly evaluate current needs of the community, as well as services and organizations
meeting these needs
B. Funding decision are made based on alignment with Council priorities, potential for
impact, and the nonprofit’s capacity to deliver services
Related Products
1. A Human Services Needs Assessment is currently conducted to update funding criteria
and priorities for HSRAP. Other needs assessments should be considered in order to
inform other grant activities
2. The City may explicitly consider Council priorities, community surveys and needs
assessments prior to making new funding decisions
Principle 3: Fairness and open access- The City will maintain visibility and consistency in its
partnership processes, to both the nonprofit community and public at large.
The City is committed to maintaining transparency and equity in its partnership processes,
ensuring clear communication, equitable access to resources, and consistent application of
subsidies based on public benefit.
Related Practices
A. Periodically review overall nonprofit funding, as a precursor to new decisions
B. Prior to significant funding decisions, broadly communicate the availability of funding
C. When providing financial support, clearly communicate goals and expectations for how
funding will be used
D. Below-market rental of City facilities will be visible to all and periodically revisited
E. Subsidies will be consistently applied and based on public benefit received
F. Periodically review overall grant programs, direct funding, and below-market leases to
ensure alignment with current goals, and direct program-level adjustments as
appropriate
Related Products
1. Develop a publicly-available summary and calendar of nonprofit funding opportunities
2. Annually report overall nonprofit funding and lease subsidies
3. Agreements with nonprofits for ongoing direct funding (outside of grant programs) will
reflect a periodic review, in order to ensure continued alignment in the context of other
available service providers
Principle 4: Equity and inclusion- Resource allocations will consider and prioritize accessibility of
the resulting services to all community members, with particular attention to underserved and
vulnerable populations.
The City is dedicated to ensuring that services and resources are accessible to all community
members, especially underserved and vulnerable populations, by upholding high standards of
transparency in decision-making, fostering inclusive practices, and engaging the community in
continuous improvement efforts.
Related Practices
A. Maintain high standards of transparency in decision-making and award process
B. Where appropriate, include boards and commissions in the review process
C. Consider specific conflict of interest polices for disclosure of relationships with nonprofit
applicants
D. Solicit feedback after each funding cycle to identify areas for improvement and increase
responsiveness to community needs
Related Products
1. The HSRAP program will continue the Human Relations Commission’s role in making grant
recommendations and presentation to the City Council
2. Consider requiring by policy that significant direct funding decisions be reviewed by
applicable board or commission
Principle 5: Flexibility for special circumstances- Council has the discretion to consider special
circumstances
Staff anticipates that the Council will want to retain the discretion to address special
circumstances, whether unusual opportunities to take advantage of investments by others, time-
critical needs, or others. This principle would be achieved by establishing clear procedures for
awarding agreements or grants outside of standard processes and developing policies to manage
one-off requests.
Related Practices
A. Identify circumstances and procedures through which agreements and/or grants are
awarded outside of the established processes
B. Requests that fall outside these circumstances would require more extensive review
Related Products
1. Develop a policy for managing one-off requests
2. Create a Council emerging needs earmark within its contingency fund
Staff would like the City Council to provide feedback on the overall guiding principles and
structure in this report. Noting that additional funding strategies within each category could be
defined. For example, Council may create a funding program for special events. Following
Council discussion and feedback, staff will recommend appropriate policy adjustments and
develop new processes and procedures as appropriate for Council consideration and where
appropriate, adoption. Staff will also develop a stakeholder outreach strategy to inform and
receive feedback from our nonprofit partners.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
No additional resources are required to support the discussion outlined in this report; however,
depending on Council feedback, additional resources may be required to support the planned
Nonprofit Relationship review as well as any policy or management and oversight changes that
may result. Departments that manage a significant amount of service agreements and nonprofits
leases, such as the Community Services and Administrative Services Departments may be most
affected. Follow-up work required may also impact resources, such as revising existing
agreements and any related work such as appraisal services to determine market values.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Following the City Council’s initial review and feedback, the City will engage with stakeholders
especially the nonprofit community. Staff anticipates using this engagement to inform
recommendations that would then return to Council.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Council action on this item is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(2).
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Summary of 2022 Nonprofit Agreement Audit Recommendations
Attachment B: FY 2025 Nonprofit Service Agreements Over $10K
Attachment C: FY 2025 Nonprofit Lease Agreements
APPROVED BY:
Ed Shikada, City Manager
ATTACHMENT A
Summary of 2022 Nonprofit Agreement Risk
Management Review Audit Recommendations
#Audit Recommendations Summary
Nonprofit Service Agreements
1.Agreements should define service level expectations: goals, performance measures, and
reporting.
Higher-risk agreements should have greater performance and reporting expectations.
2.High-risk agreements should be appropriately resourced and closely managed.
Underperformance should be discussed early and corrective actions should be taken to
improve performance.
3.City’s responsibilities in the agreement should be achievable to avoid noncompliance.
4.City should track and evaluate City /nonprofit performance and address risk of continuing
or discontinuing the relationship.
City should maintain a list of all nonprofit agreements and periodically report to Council on
performance.
Nonprofit Lease Agreements
1.Lease agreements with significantly reduced rent amounts should include performance and
reporting requirements for services being provided on the premise.
High-risk agreements should assign a project manager to monitor performance.
The actual benefit to the City should serve as a basis for reduction of rent amount when
lease agreements are renewed.
2.Analyze non-monetary support should be analyzed based on the ASD estimated fair market
rental value
+
Analyze non-monetary benefits to be provided by nonprofit
=
to determine the appropriate compensation or their use of the City-owned properties.
ATTACHMENT B
Nonprofit Service Agreements of $10K or More, as of FY 2025
FY24
Contract
Amount
Current Contract
Start DATE
Contract End Total Contract Responsible
DepartmentNo.Nonprofit Organization Name Purpose HSRAP Lease*Date Amount
HSRAP ‐ Disability services. Provides
advocacy, inclusion, and
independence for people with
developmental disabilities and their
families
Community Services
/Human Services1AbilityPath7/1/2023 6/30/2025 $150,474 $69,988 X
X
No
HSRAP ‐ Employment opportunities
for adults with developmental
disabilities.
Irrigation, maintenance, and
reporting
Community Services
/Human Services2
3
Ada's Cafe 7/1/2023 6/30/2025
3/14/2027
$123,500 $57,442
$30,000
No
NoActerra now Grassroots 3/14/2024 $30,000/yr Public Works
HSRAP ‐ Services to lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, queer and
questioning (LGBTQQ) youth and
their straight allies
Community Services
/Human Services4
5
Adolescent Counseling Services ‐ Outlet 7/1/2023
7/1/2023
6/30/2025
6/30/2025
$107,500
$16,050
$50,000
$7,465
X No
No
HSRAP ‐ Adolescent substance
addiction treatment program for
Middle and High School studentsAdolescent Counseling Services ‐ ASAT
Program
Community Services
/Human Services X
X
HSRAP ‐ Various program for low‐
income youth and seniorsAlta Housing (formerly Palo Alto Housing
Corp)
Community Services
/Human Services6
7
8
9
7/1/2023
7/1/2020
12/7/2020
6/1/2024
6/30/2025
6/30/2025
6/30/2025
4/30/2025
$94,009
$2,687,018
$1,344,270
$22,500
$43,725
$570,453
$188,275
$22,500
No
Yes
No
No
Senior programs (formerly part of
HSRAP)Community Services
/Human ServicesAvenidas
Urban forestry professional services,
outreach, and educationCanopyPublic Works
Fire
Assist Fire Department in developing
community‐driven 5‐Year Strategic
Plan
Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc.
HSRAP ‐Provide transportation to
access in‐person therapy, basic food
needs, and clinician recommended
therapy supplies for families with
children ages 5‐22 with Medi‐Cal
Community Services
/Human Services10 Children's Health Council 7/1/2023 6/30/2025 $16,665 $7,751 X No
ATTACHMENT B
FY24
Contract
Amount
Current Contract
Start DATE
Contract End Total Contract Responsible
DepartmentNo.Nonprofit Organization Name Purpose HSRAP Lease*Date Amount
Workforce Development Program.
Provide comprehensive support
services for homeless/ unemployed
to secure employment
Planning &
Development
Services/CDBG
11 Downtown Streets 5/24/2023
1/12/2024
7/1/2023
6/30/2024 $168,340 $168,340
$176,136
$38,473
No
Consists of 1) street cleaning services
for the City’s five parking garages,
sidewalks, and alleyways in the
Downtown Palo Alto area funded by
University Avenue Parking Permit
Fund ($107,748/yr)
12 Downtown Streets Team 1/11/2027
6/30/2025
$528,409
$82,717
Public Works No
No
HSRAP ‐ Services to the homeless,
including job skills training, work
Community Services experience, and food for low‐income13 Downtown Streets Team X
X
/Human Services individuals through the Palo Alto
Food Closet
HSRAP ‐ Tutoring for low income
middle school studentsCommunity Services
/Human Services14 DreamCatchers 7/1/2023
9/3/2018
6/30/2025 $118,800
$70,000
$55,256
$70,000
No
No
Empowerment Institute assist City
with advancement of community
engagement block program15 Empowerment Institute 12/31/2021 City Manager
Ambassador Program at Foothills
Nature Preserve
Habitat Restoration at Pearson
Arastradero Preserve
16 Environmental Volunteers
17 Grassroots Ecology
18 Grassroots Ecology
19 Grassroots Ecology
9/30/2024
7/1/2024
10/1/2023
3/15/2024
6/30/2025
6/30/2029
9/30/2028
3/14/2027
$10,580
612,027
529,459
$90,000
$10,580
$115,475
$102,329
$90,000
Community Services
Community Services
Community Services
No
No
No
No
Habitat restoration at Foothills
Nature Preserve
School outreach and creek
monitoring
PWD‐Watershed
Protection
HSRAP ‐ Meals on Wheels; fully‐
prepared mealsdelivered to
vulnerable seniors
Community
Services/Human
Services
20 Health Trust 7/1/2023
7/1/2023
6/30/2025
6/30/2025
$46,440
$86,950
$21,600
$40,442
X
X
No
No
HSRAP ‐ Winter shelter for women
experiencing homelessnessCommunity Services
/Human Services21 Heart & Home Collaborative
ATTACHMENT B
FY24
Contract
Amount
Current Contract
Start DATE
Contract End Total Contract Responsible
DepartmentNo.Nonprofit Organization Name Purpose HSRAP Lease*Date Amount
Shelter staffing for the Overnight
Warming Location (OWL)Community Services
/Human Services22 Heart & Home Collaborative 1/1/2024 5/30/2024 $24,500 $24,500 No
HSRAP ‐ Grief supportCommunity Services
/Human Services23 Kara
24 Kara
7/1/2023
7/1/2024
6/30/2025
6/30/2027
$60,200
$24,900
$28,000
$8,300
X
X
No
NoCISM Peer Support and TrainingFire
HSRAP ‐ Distribution of education and
essential item packages, and
participation in a nature equity
education camp for low‐income
families living in RVs
Community Services
/Human Services25 Karat School Project 7/1/2023 6/30/2025 $29,031 $13,503 No
HSRAP ‐ Nutrition program for
persons 60 years of age or older.Community Services
/Human Services26 La Comida
27 LifeMoves
28 LifeMoves
7/1/2023
7/1/2023
7/1/2023
6/30/2025
6/30/2025
6/30/2025
$129,000
$199,720
$460,000
$60,000
$92,893
$230,000
X
X
No
No
No
HSRAP ‐ Food services for homeless
and very low‐income Palo Alto
residents
Community Services
/Human Services
Homeless Outreach Services programCommunity Services
/Human Services
Opportunity Services Center. Provide
comprehensive, one‐stop, multi‐
service day drop‐in center for critical
homeless services
Planning &
Development
Services/CDBG
29 LifeMoves 7/1/2023
7/1/2024
6/30/2024
6/30/2025
$23,636 $23,636 No
No
Provide adaptive programming for
Community Serivces people of all abilities.Magical Bridge Foundataion $150,000
HSRAP ‐ Health services for low
income, uninsured Palo Alto residentsRavenswood Family Health Center
(MayView Clinic)
Community Services
/Human Services307/1/2019
7/1/2020
6/30/2025
6/30/2023
$161,250
$800,000
$75,000 X No
NoCablecasting, production and
streaming services31 MidPen Media Center $160,000 Administrative Services
ATTACHMENT B
FY24
Contract
Amount
Current Contract
Start DATE
Contract End Total Contract Responsible
DepartmentNo.Nonprofit Organization Name Purpose HSRAP Lease*Date Amount
Neighbors Abroad provides
administrative support to help with
website communications, social
media, finance and other admin
responsibilities in relation to the
City's (8) Sister Cities
32 Neighbors Abroad 9/30/2019 12/31/2021 $30,000 $30,000 City Manager No
Management of City's childcare
subsidy program (formerly part of
HSRAP)
Management of the City’s archives
and facilitate public access to
information and materials relating to
City history
Community Services
/Human Services33 Palo Alto Community Child Care 7/1/2020
7/1/2024
6/30/2025
6/30/2025
$2,721,488
$43,000
$577,207
$43,000
Yes
No34 Palo Alto Historical Association (PAHA)Library
SRO Resident Support. Provide in‐
house SRO Service Coordinator for
support counseling, employment
assistance and crisis intervention
Planning &
Development
Services/CDBG
Alta Housing (formerly Palo Alto Housing
Corp)35 7/1/2023 6/30/2024 $14,000 $14,000 No
Alta Housing (formerly Palo Alto Housing
Corp)
Administration of the Below Market
Rate program.36
37
5/19/2023
7/1/2023
6/30/2025
6/30/2026
$356,556 $178,278
$242,000
Planning No
No
Based on
annual budget
submitted
Serving as Transportation
Management Association for Palo
Alto
Palo Alto Transportation Management
Association Transportation
to Council
Operating and Management
38 Pets In Need 4/1/2024
7/1/2023
3/31/2029
6/30/2025
7,373,516
$27,982
$1,370,000 Community Services Agreement to operate the Animal
Shelter
No
No
HSRAP ‐ On‐site support services for
Parents and Advocates of Remarkable
Children and Adults (PARCA)
Community Services developmentally disabled adults living39$13,015 X
X
/Human Services in a residential program
HSRAP ‐ Provide basic needs through
community‐based services that target
Community Services the immediate health needs of hard40 Peninsula Healthcare Connection 7/1/2023 6/30/2025 $83,332 $38,759 No/Human Services to reach individuals experiencing
homelessness.
ATTACHMENT B
FY24
Contract
Amount
Current Contract
Start DATE
Contract End Total Contract Responsible
DepartmentNo.Nonprofit Organization Name Purpose HSRAP Lease
Yes
Date Amount
Resource provider for youth and teen
mental health
Landlord‐Tenant Mediation Program
(formerly part of HSRAP)
41 Project Safety Net
42 Project Sentinel
9/1/2020
7/1/2024
6/30/2025 $521,604 $100,000 Community Services
Community Services
/Human Services6/30/2027 $238,947 $79,649 No
Fair Housing Services. Provide fair
housing services including complaint
investigation, counseling, advocacy
and community education
Planning &
Development
Services/CDBG
43 Project Sentinel 7/1/2023 6/30/2024 $18,000 $18,000 No
HSRAP ‐ Legal Assistance to Elders44 Senior Adults League Assistance (SALA)
45 Silicon Valley Independent Living Center
46 Catholic Charities of Santa Clara
7/1/2023
7/1/2020
7/1/2023
6/30/2025
6/30/2021
6/30/2024
$44,075
$16,500
$10,000
$20,500
$16,500
$10,000
Services/Human X No
No
No
Housing and Emergency Services.
Assist low‐income individuals and
families in search for affordable,
accessible housing
Planning &
Development
Services/CDBG
Administration of the long‐term care
ombudsman programDevelopment
Prevent overdose‐related deaths in
the city from the use of controlled
substances by delivering harm
reduction materials to individuals
who are homeless or who are at risk
of homeless and from referrals
Planning &
Development
Services/CDBG
47 Peninsula Healthcare Connection 7/1/2023
7/1/2023
6/30/2024
6/30/2024
$10,000
$73,585
$10,000
$73,585
No
No
Create safe and healthy homes in
Palo Alto allowing the most
vulnerable homeowners, especially
lower income households, seniors,
and those with disabilities to remain
in homes and communities
Planning &
Development
Services/CDBG
48 Rebuilding Together Peninsula
Medical oversight for ambulance
transport services
Facility agreements for use of Lucie
Stern Theatre and payment of ticket
surcharge to City ($4/ticket sold)
49 Stanford Hospital and Clinics 2/6/2020
7/1/2021
2/5/2022 $45,000
$50,000
$15,000
$50,000
Fire No
NoTheatre Partner Agreements (West Bay50 6/30/2024 Community ServicesOpera, Palo Alto Players, TheatreWorks)
ATTACHMENT B
FY24
Contract
Amount
Current Contract
Start DATE
Contract End Total Contract Responsible
DepartmentNo.Nonprofit Organization Name Purpose HSRAP Lease*Date Amount
HSRAP ‐ Empowers individuals who
are blind or visually impared to
embrace life through evaluation,
counceling, education and training
Community
Services/Human
Services
Vista Center for the Blind or Visually
Impaired51 7/1/2023
7/1/2023
6/30/2025 $101,499 $47,209
$42,000
X No
HSRAP ‐ Youth well‐being and
leadership program services through
community service projects
Community
Services/Human
Services
52 Youth Community Services
53 YMCA of Silicon Valley
6/30/2025 $93,300 X
X
No
HSRAP ‐ Senior fitness programming
and financial assistance for senior
memberships
Community
Services/Human
Services
7/1/2023
7/1/2024
6/30/2025
6/30/2025
$21,500
$50,000
$10,000
$50,000
No
No
Youth Community Services (Youth
54 Connectedness Community Services Funding for the Youth Connectedness
/Human Services InitiativeInitiative)
*Identified nonprofit organizations with a lease agreement.
ATTACHMENT C
Nonprofit Lease Agreements as of FY 2025
A
Separate
Service
Agreement
Total Space
Leased
in Sq. Ft.
B
Current Lease
Terms (Yrs)
Lease End
Date*
Annual Rent
(7/1/2024)No.Organization/Tenant Location Non‐monetary public benefits
Development and operation of a public
garden center to provide horticultural
classes and library, demonstration
gardens, etc.
Lease Start Date
The Elizabeth Gamble
Gardens
Gamble
Property
31‐Aug‐31‐Aug‐1 No 51
50
100,188 $
$
‐
‐
1987 2038
Upgrade, maintain, and operate a
public ice skating facility and ancillary
services
26‐Jan‐
19902
3
Community Skating, Inc.
Dance Action
Winter Lodge No
No
1‐Jan‐ 2040 162,479
3,130
Office, dance studio, instruction and
rehearsal uses 31‐Dec‐Cubberley
Cubberley
Cubberley
Cubberley
Cubberley
Month to Month 1‐Jan‐ 2005
1‐Jan‐ 2005
1‐Jan‐ 2005
1‐Aug‐ 2005
1‐Oct‐ 2016
$
$
$
$
$
63,9652009
Office, dance studio, instruction and
rehearsal uses 31‐Dec‐4
5
6
7
Hua Kuang Reading Room
Zohar 2006
No
No
No
No
Month to Month
Month to Month
Month to Month
Month to Month
672
3,740
8,772
720
13,942
78,560
39,167
18,647
2009
Office, dance studio, instruction and
rehearsal uses 31‐Dec‐
2009
Office and child care uses
The Children's Pre‐School
Center
31‐Jul‐
2009
Provide office and meeting space
31‐Dec‐California Pop Orchestra 2019
ATTACHMENT C
A
Separate
Service
Agreement
Total Space
Leased
in Sq. Ft.
B
Current Lease
Terms (Yrs)
Lease End
Date*
Annual Rent
(7/1/2024)No.Organization/Tenant Location Non‐monetary public benefits
Provide education to 9th through 12th
grades
Lease Start Date
31‐Dec‐8 Living Wisdom School Cubberley No Month to Month 1‐Oct‐ 2016 1,320 $34,1912019
Provide office and rehabilitation
services for stroke survivors
31‐Dec‐9 Ability Path Cubberley No Month to Month 1‐Oct‐ 2016 3,000 $29,7112019
Provide office and meeting space
Provide office and meeting space
31‐Dec‐10 Brainvyne Cubberley
Cubberley
Cubberley
No
No
No
Month to Month
Month to Month
Month to Month
1‐Nov‐ 2016
1‐Nov‐ 2016
1‐Dec‐ 2016
720
954
$
$
$
18,647
24,714
30,717
2019
31‐Dec‐11 Palo Alto Soccer Club
12 Dance Magic
2019
Provide dance studio for dance
education and performing arts 31‐Dec‐1,0082019
Provide multicultural and multilingual
programing; Education and Instruction 31‐Dec‐13 Minority TV Cubberley
Airport
No
No
Month to Month 1‐Jan‐ 2017
1‐Jul‐ 2017
1,685
3,227
$
$
17,9702017
Operate a flight
training and ground school; Provide 30‐Jun‐
202214 West Valley Flying Club 5 259,735
ATTACHMENT C
A
Separate
Service
Agreement
Total Space
Leased
in Sq. Ft.
B
Current Lease
Terms (Yrs)
Lease End
Date*
Annual Rent
(7/1/2024)No.Organization/Tenant Location Non‐monetary public benefits
Provide administrative services for all
field program invention, advocacy, and
education
Lease Start Date
15‐Jul‐
2020
14‐Jul‐
202515 Palo Alto Humane Society Cubberley No Month to Month 400 $5,746
A
Separate
Service
Agreement
Total Space
Leased
in Sq. Ft.
B
Current Lease
Terms (Years) Lease Start Date
Lease End
Date*
Annual Rent
(7/1/2024)No.Organization/Tenant Location
Airport
Non‐monetary public benefits
Operate a flight training and ground
school; Provide commercial
Aeronautical Activities (flight training,
aircraft rental, facilitation
20‐May‐16 Stanford Flying Club No Month to Month N/A 530 $26,9822021
8‐Dec‐ 1978
1‐Jan‐ 2016
thereof)
Provide a beneficial service to the youth
and communityThe Stanford Area Council
Boy Scouts of America17 Lucie Stern No
No
50
10
7‐Dec‐ 2028 2,246 $‐
Offer memberships, classes,
recreational activitiesPalo Alto
Lawn Bowls
31‐Dec‐18 Palo Alto Lawn Bowls Club 70,000 $
$
15,1282025
Operate a historical museum and a park
open to publicMuseum of American
Heritage
Williams
property
30‐Apr‐
204319No25
40
1‐May‐ 2017 6,565
8,733
1
1
Perform the project by developing and
operating a facility to house EV's offices
and programs and to provide various
educational and
Sea Scout
Base
23‐Oct‐
2008
22‐Oct‐
204820 Environment al Volunteers Yes $
training programs
ATTACHMENT C
A
Separate
Service
Agreement
Total Space
Leased
in Sq. Ft.
B
Current Lease
Terms (Yrs)
Lease End
Date*
Annual Rent
(7/1/2024)No.Organization/Tenant Location Non‐monetary public benefits
Rent is waived in consideration of
SUBLESSEE's
Lease Start Date
continued book and other Library sales
which benefit and provide funds for
Palo Alto Public
Friends of Palo Alto Library
(Ground Lease 2009)21 Cubberley Yes
Yes
Month to Month
Month to Month
9‐Dec‐ 2009 8‐Dec‐ 2014
9‐Dec‐ 2015
5,000 $
$
‐
‐
Libraries
Rent is waived in consideration of
LESSEE's continued book and other
Library sales and LESSEE's mission to
provide funds for CityFriends of Palo Alto Library
(Ground Lease 2010)
10‐Dec‐22 Cubberley 5,0002010Libraries
Space for book storage,office space and
book and other Library related salesFriends of Palo Alto Library
(2012)
31‐Dec‐23
24
Cubberley
Cubberley
Yes
Yes
Month to Month
Month to Month
6‐Nov‐ 2012
1‐Feb‐ 2017
2,496
345
$
$
24,8302014
Space for book storage,office space and
book and other Library related salesFriends of Palo Alto Library
(2017)
31‐Dec‐3,3302019
Provide support services to
organizations and individuals dedicated
to youth wellbeing and suicide
prevention.
26‐Oct‐
2020
25‐Oct‐
202525 PROJECT SAFETY NET Cubberley
Downtown
Yes
Yes
Month to Month 469 $
$
1
Provide support services to older adults
and their caregivers; a broad range of
activities and services responsive to the
interest and needs of26 Avenidas 50 1‐Jan‐ 2015 1‐Jan‐ 2065 17,400 1
senior citizens
ATTACHMENT C
A
Separate
Service
Agreement
Total Space
Leased
in Sq. Ft.
B
Current Lease
Terms (Yrs)
Lease End
Date*
Annual Rent
(7/1/2024)No.Organization/Tenant Location Non‐monetary public benefits
Provide support services to older adults
and their caregivers
Lease Start Date
27 Avenidas H‐ 5 Cubberley Yes
Yes
Yes
Month to Month 7‐Jul‐ 2020 6‐Jul‐ 2025
31‐Aug‐27
1,395 $
$
23,963
17,950
‐
Administration
PA Alto support for benefits of providing quality
theater work for the
residents
28 Players‐ Peninsula Center Lucie Stern
Ventura
3 1‐Jul‐ 2015
1‐Jul‐ 2016
500
Stage
Provide child care related uses, services
and activitiesPalo Alto Community Child
Care
30‐Jun‐
202829
30
31
Month to Month 21,000 $
Provide child care related uses, services
and activities
Palo Alto Community Child
Care
College
Terrace
31‐Dec‐Yes
Yes
Month to Month 1‐Jul‐ 2016
1‐Jul‐23
2,000 $‐2028
Provide child care related uses, services
and activitiesPalo Alto Community Child
Care PAUSD 2 25‐Jul‐25 15,240 $86,126
Habitat restoration and maintenance
services to and operating a native plant
nursery
32 Acterra Foothills Park
Lucie Stern
No
No
5
3
1‐Sep‐05
1‐Apr‐11
21‐Aug‐21
14‐Mar‐14
23,087
8,472
$
$
‐
‐
Provide for Girl Scout and certain other
public activitiesGirl Scouts of Northern33California
ATTACHMENT C
A
Separate
Service
Agreement
Total Space
Leased
in Sq. Ft.
B
Current Lease
Terms (Yrs)
Lease End
Date*
Annual Rent
(7/1/2024)No.Organization/Tenant Location Non‐monetary public benefits
Construction and operation of Project
HomeKey, an 88‐unit emergency
temporary housing shelter
Lease Start Date
34 LifeMoves LATP Yes 9 1‐Jul‐23 30‐Jun‐32 59,242 $1
Renovate the Roth Building and operate
a historic museum
35 Palo Alto History Museum
Ada's Café
Roth Building
Mitchell Park
Cubberley
No
Yes
No
40 12‐Dec‐22
6‐Dec‐19
1‐Oct‐16
31‐Dec‐62
5‐Dec‐24
31‐Dec‐19
17,784 $1
6,180
8,455
Employment opportunities for adults
with developmental disabilities36 5 578 $
Classes, programs, and services for
participants having cardiovascular
disease and other medically‐related
conditions
37 HeartFit for Life Month to Month 2,146 $
* Under the Holding Over provision, an expired lease continues on a month‐to‐month basis subject to all terms and conditions of the expired lease until the parties execute a written extension to the lease or lessee
surrenders the property.
October 28, 2024 www.cityofpaloalto.org
Nonprofit Relationships Study Session
2
Purpose and Goal of Study Session
That Council provide feedback on the
overall guiding principles and structure
for nonprofit relationships
3
Proposed Sequence of City Non-Profit Partnerships Review
•City Goals
•Identification of ResourcesPrinciples
•Individual Council Actions
•Administrative practicesPractices
•Defined Funding Programs
•Administrative Policies
•CommunicationsProducts
4
Nonprofit Relationship Principles
1.Impact oriented focus and accountability
2.Service alignment
3.Fairness and open access
4.Equity and inclusion
5.Flexibility for special circumstances
5
Principle 1: Impact oriented focus and accountability
Partnerships will identify intended outcomes and prioritize unmet needs, and
incorporate appropriate measures and reporting, while reflecting the nature of
the engagements and avoiding unnecessary administrative processes.
Practice Examples:
•City’s engagement on org. and fiscal management
•Risk mitigation through training
•City engagement in nonprofit governance
•Measurable goals and performance measures
•City’s responsibilities are clear and achievable
•Guidelines for underperformance
Product Examples:
•Depending on significance to nonprofit’s budget, require ongoing annual reporting
•Council liaison assigned to nonprofit governance where City is a major funder
•Appropriate measurable goals and key performance indicators for all
•City funding is leveraged and not significant financial source
6
Principle 2: Service alignment
Programs and services should align with the Council's priorities and identified
community needs
Practice Examples:
•Regularly evaluate community needs and supporting services and providers
•Funding based on alignment with Council priorities, impact and nonprofit capacity to deliver services
Product Examples:
•Consider aligning Council priorities, community surveys and needs assessments prior to making new funding decisions
7
Principle 3: Fairness and open access
The City will maintain visibility and consistency in its partnership processes, to both
the nonprofit community and public at large
Practice Examples:
•Periodically review overall nonprofit funding and below market leases, as a precursor to new decisions
•Broadly communicate funding availability
•Financial reporting aligned with goals and expectations for funding use
•Subsidies consistently applied based on public benefit
Product Examples:
•Develop publicly available summary and calendar of funding opportunities
•Annually report overall nonprofit funding and lease subsidies
•Agreements for ongoing direct funding (non-grant) will be periodically reviewed to ensure continued alignment in the context of other available service providers
8
Principle 4: Equity and inclusion
Resource allocations will consider and prioritize accessibility of the resulting
services to all community members, with particular attention to underserved
and vulnerable populations
Practice Examples:
•Maintain high standards and transparency in decision-making and award process
•Where appropriate, engage boards and commissions
•Consider conflict of interest policies for disclosure of relationships with nonprofit applicants
•Solicit feedback after each funding cycle
Product Examples:
•The HSRAP program will continue the Human Relations Commission’s role in grant recommendations to Council
•Consider policy that significant direct funding decisions be reviewed by applicable board or commission
9
Principle 5: Flexibility for special circumstances
Council has the discretion to consider special circumstances
Practice Examples:
•Identify circumstances and procedures through
which agreements/grants are awarded outside of
the established processes
•Requests that fall outside these circumstances would require more extensive review
Product Examples:
•Develop a policy for managing one-off requests
•Create a Council emerging needs earmark within its contingency fund
11
Proposed Engagement Process
Following Council’s initial review and feedback, the City will
engage with stakeholders, especially the nonprofit
community. Staff will use nonprofit engagement to inform
recommendations that will return to Council
11
That the Council provide feedback on the overall framework for
strengthening the City’s practices in nonprofit relationship
engagement, funding, support, and evaluation, informed by the
2022 Nonprofit audit
Staff Recommendation
Lupita Alamos, Assistant to the City Manager
Kristen O’Kane, Community Services Director
Lauren Lai, Chief Financial Officer
October 28, 2024
Item No. 2. Page 1 of 1
City Council
Supplemental Report
From: Ed Shikada, City Manager
Meeting Date: October 28, 2024
Item Number: 2
Report #:2410-3671
TITLE
Nonprofit Relationships Study Session - Supplemental Report
RECOMMENDATION
Council to receive a report and provide feedback on a framework for strengthening the City’s
practices in nonprofit relationship engagement, funding, support, and evaluation, informed by
the 2022 Nonprofit Audit insights and recommendations.
BACKGROUND
Staff inadvertently included an incorrect link for the Public/Private Partnerships policy in the
published staff report. The functional link is
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/city-manager/misc/la/1-25-mgr-public-
private-partnerships-8-07.pdf.
APPROVED BY:
Ed Shikada, City Manager
POLICY AND PROCEDURES 1-25/MGR
REVISED: AUGUST 2007
1
PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
POLICY STATEMENT
The City of Palo Alto encourages the formation of public/private partnerships for the benefits
the community receives. For the purposes of this policy, “public/private” also encompasses
“public/nonprofit” partnerships.
Definitions
Public/private partnership: A public/private partnership is an agreement between the City and
a nonprofit or private organization to provide services or to assist in funding of public facilities
and programs. Such partnerships may take various forms, including:
• Acceptance of or solicitation of service or facility proposals
• Facilitation of such proposals through the City's regulatory process
• Waiver of City General Fund fees to help reduce project costs.
• Contributions of City matching funds for construction of facilities to be owned and
controlled or operated by the City.
• Provision of facilities to the private partner at no charge or at a subsidized rent.
Public/private partnerships typically fall into one of three categories: co-sponsorship, alliances
or joint ventures.
Co-Sponsorships: This is the most common type of public/private partnership. An
organization furthers the mission of the City by supporting a City activity or program in
conjunction with pursuit of that organization’s own mission or program. Co-sponsorships can
take the form of one-time events or annual agreements. Some examples of co-sponsorships
include the Palo Alto Tennis Club use of City courts to provide a youth tennis program and
American Youth Soccer Organization’s use of space in a City facility to train referees. Co-
sponsorships are entered into by staff and normally have no or minimal financial impact.
Alliances: This type of public/private partnership involves organizations that have been
created for the sole purpose of supporting a City program or an array of City programs. The
organization does not expect to receive any direct financial benefit or to alter City policy
and/or operations, but undertakes to work closely and cooperatively with staff to implement
City goals. Alliance organizations include the Recreation Foundation, the Art Center
Foundation (Project Look or Cultural Kaleidoscope), the Friends of the Children’s Theatre (the
Magic Castle), the Library Foundation and the Friends of the Palo Alto Library (financial
assistance with the renovation and expansion of the Children’s Library). Alliances are
approved by the Council if there are any staffing or budgetary implications to the partnership.
POLICY AND PROCEDURES 1-25/MGR
REVISED: AUGUST 2007
2
Joint Ventures: This type of partnership involves organizations which have programs or
missions independent of the City and involve the City entering into a contractual relationship
with the public or nonprofit organization with both parties contributing to the partnership for
their mutual benefit. Each joint venture is uniquely negotiated by the staff and approved by
the City Council. Examples of Joint Ventures include TheatreWorks, Palo Alto Players and
West Bay Opera’s use of the Community Theatre and use of the former police station by older
adult service provider, Avenidas.
PROCEDURES
Initiation of partnerships: Public/private partnerships may be initiated in one of three
ways:
• By staff: Staff identifies an opportunity for such a partnership and undertakes
an informal or formal request for proposal process to identify partners.
• By Council: The City Council directs staff to work with a private or nonprofit
organization to develop such a partnership.
• By a private or nonprofit organization: An organization makes a partnership
proposal to the staff or City.
City Manager Review: If the partnership proposal involves more than one City
department, the City Manager’s Office will appoint a team with representatives of all
City departments who are stakeholders in the partnership proposal. The team will
analyze the proposal and inform the City Manager of the resource implications of the
proposal, including staffing and monetary commitments. This would include proposed
fee waivers. If the proposal will require a re-ordering of department priorities that have
already been approved by the Council in setting its annual priorities or in the budget
process, Council approval will be required prior to commitment to the partnership.
Council approval will also be required if the partnership requires a new or adjusted
allocation of operating or capital funding. Note: Co-sponsorships usually only involve a
single department and do not necessitate the formation of an interdepartmental
committee, the involvement of the City Manager’s Office or the approval of the City
Council.
City-Initiated Partnerships: Such partnerships will be guided by existing policies and
procedures governing purchasing and outsourcing, using “requests for proposals” and/or
bid processes as the method of initiating a partnership. A City-initiated partnership may
incorporate incentives including naming rights, waiver of non-enterprise fund building
and planning fees, reduced lease rates, free use of space, subsidies, and staff resources.
All incentives may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
POLICY AND PROCEDURES 1-25/MGR
REVISED: AUGUST 2007
3
Evaluation of Viability of Partnering Organization: Staff will provide the City Manager
and/or City Council with its assessment of the viability of the proposed partnership, based
on the partnering organization’s possession of sound organizational, administrative and
fiscal management, and its demonstrated experience to achieve and sustain project tasks,
such as fundraising and building community support. For proposed facility improvement
or expansion initiatives, the nonprofit or private organization should have the ability and
commitment to make a substantial pledge to the project’s cost.
Facilities Proposals:
• If a City facility is to be renovated, expanded or otherwise be directly affected by
the partnership, the Infrastructure Management Plan will have to be adjusted
appropriately.
• Long-term staffing, operational and maintenance costs must be identified in the
proposal. The project’s applicable costs and funding sources for furnishings,
fixtures and equipment will be identified.
• The parties will negotiate the joint or separate financial responsibility for any
project cost overruns on a project-by-project basis.
• Staff may recommend that any standard City processing or use fee authorized
under the Municipal Fee Schedule, excluding fees and charges levied by City of
Palo Alto Utilities or other City enterprise fund programs, should be waived as a
condition of the City's participation. Waiver of fees may be granted by the Council
and limited to those fees associated with a construction or capital improvement
project which, upon its completion, results in a new or improved public facility,
building or park, or some portion thereof, that will be solely owned or controlled
by the City. In the event that only a portion of a construction or capital
improvement project will result in a new or improved City facility, building or
park, or portion thereof, then the Council may waive only that portion of any
associated fee directly relating to the construction, improvement or enhancement
of the City facility, building or park. As appropriate, the summary and
recommendation in the report to the Council will include a staff recommendation
on waiving fees which the Council can approve or reject.
• The City will determine whether the nonprofit or private organization shall use or
may forego a formal or informal competitive selection process in the hiring of
professionals who will perform the management, design and/or construction
phases of the project. The City shall review and approve the requirements for and
the performance of all phases of design, planning and construction work for the
project.