HomeMy WebLinkAboutYellowstone Business Partnership presentation.pdf
Commission Memorandum
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Chris Saunders, Interim Planning Director
Natalie Meyer, Grant Administrator
Chris Kukulski, City Manager
SUBJECT: Yellowstone Business Partnership (YBP) presentation re sustainable
communities grant possibility
MEETING DATE: July 26, 2010
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Action.
RECOMMENDATION: Consider presentation and give direction to staff to work with YBP to
submit sub-grant application for projects selected by the Commission.
BACKGROUND: A grant opportunity has been identified that emphasizes working on issues
of regional importance. The Yellowstone Business Partnership works in the three state Greater
Yellowstone region to encourage economic and community activity and sustainability. YBP is
interested in working with the City to develop a grant/sub-grant package.
The City Commission work plan has several items which appear to meet the funding criteria.
These include but are not limited to: the study of downtown transportation and associated
economic and social changes item or the implementation of the City’s water conservation plan.
Related projects could include partial funding for the methane capture and reuse system at the
WRF, development of a best practices manual for storm water control, or trail links as part of a
valley wide system.
As noted in the attached materials from YBP, they are looking for City participation as a pilot
project in the Greater Yellowstone Framework. Planning staff and Grants staff have looked at
this program and believe that many of the requirements are already met by existing City
programs and standards and that it is achievable.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES: Should the City participate in this grant opportunity.
ALTERNATIVES: 1) Participate in the grant application
2) Don’t participate in the grant application.
FISCAL EFFECTS: Undetermined at this time.
Attachments: Email from Jan Brown
Consortium invitation letter
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Grant description
YBP pilot participation description
Report compiled on: July 21, 2010
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Chris Saunders
From:Sean Becker [sbecker@bozeman.net]
Sent:Thursday, July 15, 2010 9:49 PM
To:Chris Saunders; Chris Kukulski; Allyson Bristor
Cc:Stacy Ulmen
Subject:Fw: Request for Bozeman to join YBP Consortium for Grant Application
Attachments:Consortium Invitation letter-(7-15).docx; HUD Sustainable Communities Grant Fact
Sheet.pdf; GYF Government Pilot Agreement Terms July 2010.doc
FYI: since you're familiar with this program, we might need your help navigating this decision. Thanks!
Sean Becker
Bozeman City Commissioner
406-581-7571
sbecker@bozeman.net
Sent via mobile phone with tiny keys.
Note: e-mails are public record.
From: "jbrown" <jbrown@yellowstonebusiness.org>
Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:03:22 -0600
To: Jeff Krauss<jkrauss@bozeman.net>
Cc: Sean Becker<sbecker@bozeman.net>; Carson Taylor<ctaylor@bozeman.net>; Chris
Mehl<cmehl@bozeman.net>; Cyndy Andrus<candrus@bozeman.net>; Heather
Higinbotham<heatherh@yellowstonebusiness.org>
Subject: Request for Bozeman to join YBP Consortium for Grant Application
Greetings:
Attached please find a letter from the Yellowstone Business Partnership formally inviting the City of Bozeman to
participate in the multi‐jurisdictional consortium that soon will apply for a $2 million Sustainable Communities Regional
Planning Grant. A full explanation of our request is in the letter; attached fact sheets explain in detail the grant
opportunity and the YBP Sustainable Development Framework program for local governments. I will be in Bozeman on
Monday, July 26, and would be pleased to appear before the Commission that evening to explain our request and
answer questions.
Thank you. Jan Brown
For more information on recent YBP accomplishments go to:
2009 YBP Annual Report: http://www.yellowstonebusiness.org/datafiles/YBP_2010_annual_report_summer.pdf
2010 UnCommon Sense graduate profiles (Three Bozeman businesses graduated this year)
http://www.yellowstonebusiness.org/datafiles/UCS_2010_Report‐Final.pdf
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Janice M. Brown, Executive Director
Yellowstone Business Partnership, Idaho Office
151 N. Ridge Ave. Suite 260
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
208‐528‐0269; 406‐579‐3853 cell
jbrown@yellowstonebusiness.org
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July 14, 2010
Mayor Jeff Krauss
Bozeman City Commission
PO Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771
Dear Mayor Krauss and Bozeman City Commissioners:
The Yellowstone Business Partnership (YBP) is forming a Greater Yellowstone consortium of local governments,
federal agencies, private businesses and nonprofit organizations to apply for a $2,000,000 Sustainable
Communities Regional Planning Grant to benefit our tri-state area. I have enclosed a detailed description of this
new federal program, administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in partnership
with DOT and EPA. Together the agencies seek to improve multi-jurisdictional planning efforts that integrate
housing, economic development and transportation decisions, and that increase the region’s capacity to improve
land use, infrastructure and environmental quality.
We are inviting the City of Bozeman to join this regional consortium for the following reasons:
1. The City of Bozeman has been an active YBP member since 2006 and was the first municipality in
Greater Yellowstone to enroll in our UnCommon Sense sustainability leadership program. The City has
already seen savings by integrating sustainable business practices into routine city operations such as bulk
purchases of green cleaning and paper products, and reducing dumpster size and frequency of collection
at the Library and City Hall; City employees estimate the trash component alone will save upwards of
$1,200 per year. The City is on target to graduate from the program in April 2011. Your city manager
and elected officials have attended past YBP annual conferences, and since Bozeman is our home base,
we hope the city will want to pursue sustainability as a matter of ongoing policy.
2. Several city employees (Chris Saunders, Allyson Bristor) were key contributors in creating the Greater
Yellowstone Framework for Sustainable Development (2006-07) and last year Natalie Meyer joined Chris
in modifying the Framework’s pilot certification requirements – originally designed for private
development – to better suit the needs of local governments. Thanks to their efforts and those of
community leaders in Idaho and Wyoming, our cities and counties may now achieve pilot certification in
this nationally-recognized LEED-inspired program using a rating system more applicable to our region.
3. Bozeman already leads Southwest Montana in the sustainable development arena by virtue of your
Streamline Bus system, Community Growth Plan and Climate Action Plan. In addition to securing funds
to allow for Bozeman’s full participation as a GY-Framework pilot community, the HUD grant could help
fund a “catalytic” infrastructure project that would benefit Bozeman and the surrounding region.
Every community member of the consortium is being asked do the following by August 13th:
· Affirm your pilot project status with the GY-Framework. In Bozeman’s case this means signing a
statement of intent/support and paying a $500 pilot registration fee. Because HUD grant funds will reduce
the cost of final certification for all registered pilots, Bozeman’s final cost for certification should be
minimal (no more than $2,000). In addition, YBP will be treating local government pilots as a separate
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group from our current commercial pilots, and thus we will extend the local government pilot phase
through the 36-month HUD grant period.
· Prepare a commitment letter to be submitted with the HUD Sustainable Communities Grant proposal,
confirming your intent to participate in the Greater Yellowstone consortium
· Submit a description and budget for one catalytic infrastructure project. We are especially interested
in Bozeman’s innovative stormwater treatment project as an outstanding example of water quality
protection and the City’s watershed stewardship. Up to 50% of the project cost may be requested.
· Attend the August 13 grantwriting session in West Yellowstone. Consortium members will pull
together the final proposal elements and budget, and decide upon region-wide projects of mutual interest.
These are expected to include model codes that communities could use to implement the GY-Framework,
housing affordability bands for each participating community, and regional support for Linx, the new
transportation co-op that is linking public and private systems across the tri-state area. Each consortium
member will be able to review the final HUD proposal; the proposal submission deadline is August 23rd.
Thank you for considering our request for Bozeman’s participation in this exciting project. I will be pleased to
address the City Commission and other interested boards/advisory committees when I am in Bozeman on July 26
to further discuss this invitation and answer any questions. In the meantime, you may contact YBP Sustainability
Programs Manager Heather Higinbotham at 406-600-6617.
Janice M. Brown
Executive Director
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FACT SHEET on HUD’s Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program
The FY2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act (Public Law 111‐117) provided $100 million to the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for a new Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant
program, of which $2 million will be reserved for capacity support grants distributed separately, and not less
than $25 million will be awarded to regions with populations of less than 500,000. HUD announced the
availability of funding for this program on June 24, 2010. To view the announcement visit
www.hud.gov/sustainability
The Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program will support regional planning efforts that
integrate housing, land use, economic and workforce development, transportation, and infrastructure
investments in a manner that empowers jurisdictions to consider the interdependent challenges of economic
competitiveness and revitalization; social equity, inclusion, and access to opportunity; energy use and climate
change; and, public health and environmental impacts. The program will place a priority on investing in
partnerships, including nontraditional partnerships (e.g., arts and culture, philanthropy, etc.) and bringing new
voices to the regional planning process.
The grant program is a centerpiece of the Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities, a joint effort
between HUD, the US Department of Transportation, and the US Environmental Protection Agency to leverage
long‐term development and reinvestment that advances improved environmental and economic sustainability
and to engage stakeholders and citizens in meaningful decision‐making roles. HUD has chosen to make the
Partnership’s six Livability Principles central to the program outcomes discussed in the NOFA:
1. Provide More Transportation Choices.
2. Promote Equitable, Affordable Housing.
3. Enhance Economic Competitiveness.
4. Support Existing Communities.
5. Coordinate Policies and Leverage Investment.
6. Value Communities and Neighborhoods.
The Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program will support a number of activities related to the
development and implementation of integrated long‐range regional plans such as, but not limited to,
A) identifying affordable housing, transportation investment, water infrastructure, economic development,
land use planning, environmental conservation, energy system, open space, and other infrastructure
priorities for the region;
B) establishing performance goals and measures;
C) providing detailed plans, policies, and implementation strategies to be implemented by all participating
jurisdictions over time to meet planning goals; and,
D) engaging residents and stakeholders substantively and meaningfully in the development of the shared
vision and its implementation. For a full list of eligible activities please refer to the published NOFA.
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Recognizing that areas are in different stages of achieving sustainability, HUD established two funding categories
for the Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant program.
Category 1 Funds can be used to support the preparation of Regional Plans for Sustainable
Development.
Category 2 Funds can be used to support efforts to fine‐tune existing regional plans so that they address
the Partnership’s Livability Principles, to prepare more detailed execution plans for an adopted Regional
Plan for Sustainable Development, and limited predevelopment planning activities for catalytic
project/projects.
Grants will be made to regional consortia consisting of local governments, metropolitan planning organizations,
educational institutions and non‐profit organizations. The end product of a regional planning initiative will be a
Regional Plan for Sustainable Development or a Detailed Execution Plan and Program for a Regional Plan for
Sustainable Development that will provide a blueprint for investment decisions, both public and private, that
will support a more sustainable future for a region. The size of awarded grant amounts is determined by the
whether the applicant represents a large metropolitan region, a medium‐sized region, or a small‐sized region,
rural communities or small towns areas.
Grant applications are due August 23, 2010. Applicants for funding should carefully review the requirements
described in the NOFA and HUD’s General Section.
Specific questions regarding the Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program requirements
should be directed to: sustainablecommunities@hud.gov or may be submitted through the
www.hud.gov/sustainability website.
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GREATER YELLOWSTONE FRAMEWORK for
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Who: The Yellowstone Business Partnership (YBP) is a nonprofit organization working to resolve the major
cross-boundary sustainability challenges facing businesses and communities in the Yellowstone-Teton
region. YBP believes that to achieve long-term profitability in this place, businesses must be leaders in
fulfilling their social and environmental responsibilities, and caring for the region as a whole.
What: The Greater Yellowstone Framework for Sustainable Development (GY-Framework) is a voluntary
ecosystem-based rating system for builders modeled on the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. This regional rating system was developed by YBP
volunteers in 2006-07 in cooperation with LEED staff, in order to protect the nationally significant natural
and cultural values found in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. In 2008 the Rocky Mountain Chapter of
the American Public Works Association recognized the GY-Framework with its annual Innovation Award,
and the new rating system was featured at the USGBC Greenbuild conference in Boston later that year.
The original GY-Framework certification requirements were designed for commercial developments in areas
of biodiversity, land use and conservation, transportation, cultural and recreation resources, public service
and infrastructure, and community vitality. Ten registered pilot projects are currently active in the program
including the remodels of the Lake and Tower General Stores in Yellowstone National Park.
In 2009 the Framework prerequisites and credit requirements were modified so that interested cities and
counties could also seek GY-Framework pilot certification. The City of Pocatello, Idaho, registered as the
first local government pilot last year, and more jurisdictions are being invited to join the program in 2010.
When: The commercial pilots must certify under the GY-Framework by May 2011; however, the local
government pilot phase will run through the fall of 2013 to allow registered cities and counties adequate time
to achieve certification.
Where: The study area includes Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks and the 27 Idaho, Montana
and Wyoming counties that surround them. All city jurisdictions located within these 27 counties are
eligible to register as pilot communities.
How: Over the next three years, local government pilots will use the GY-Framework as a guidance
document as they administer routine municipal functions such as land use and transportation planning, and
improve community and public works infrastructure. Where applicable and affordable, each pilot
government will demonstrate how the GY-Framework credits can be practically achieved on the ground in
order to earn the maximum certification points.
To learn more:
http://www.yellowstonebusiness.org/our_programs/growth_challenges/
heatherh@yellowstonebusiness.org;
406-600-6617
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COMMITMENT TERMS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT PILOTS
YBP commitments to pilot participants:
· Greater flexibility and personal assistance provided during the pilot stage
· Mentoring and coaching from regional professionals and consultants
· Use of economic analysis tools to measure cost and communicate other benefits
· Awareness of incentives as they become available; early opportunity to benefit from anticipated grants
· Sense of contributing to a regionally-relevant program with long-term sustainability goals
· Speaking opportunities at YBP events and visibility through YBP publications and website
· Media exposure through YBP press releases, articles and community events
· Opportunity to utilize credits developed under revised versions of the rating system
· Certification review and applicable award and publicity, if successful
· YBP will maintain its relationship with the USGBC, attending its events and continuing to pursue the
status of a LEED Application for the GY-Framework
Expected commitments from pilot participants:
· Become an official partner in the HUD Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Proposal;
provide letter of commitment and identify catalytic projects/implementation needs in community
· Maintain Yellowstone Business Partnership membership; acknowledge YBP and the GY-Framework
through use of the logo in signage and literature
· Utilize the GY-Framework as a guidance document in development of growth plans, codes, and policies
within jurisdiction and in collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions
· Collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions in implementation strategies and information sharing
· Communicate to YBP staff what worked and didn’t work at meaningful stages in the pilot; disclose costs,
time burdens and obstacles as well as positive aspects of system implementation
· Be willing to host tours and participate in case study presentations as invited
· Agree to work/cooperate with YBP staff, consultants, task forces and independent evaluators who are
interested in the YBP process and your experience as pilots
· Contribute to the list of proven strategies and technologies to achieve each credit; demonstrate new
innovations and help others learn from your experiences
· To prepare for certification, document all prerequisite and credit achievements, and provide
supplementary documentation such as site plans, brief narratives or project tables/charts
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