Memorandum
Date: April 27, 2021
To: The Honorable Bruno Sabatier, Chair, Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Carol J. Huchingson, County Administrative Officer
Subject: a) Consideration of Resolution Adopting Cannabis Equity Assessment and Adopting the Local Equity Program and Program Manual Pursuant To the California Cannabis Equity Act Of 2018; and b) Consideration of motion to direct County Administrative Officer to sign Grant Agreement designated as Exhibit A
Executive Summary: (include fiscal and staffing impact narrative):
On March 15, 2021, the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) announced its intent to award $888,173.18 Type II Funding grant, with $844,138.18 available for program use, to Lake County to implement a Cannabis Local Equity Program. In order to complete, the grant agreement Go-Biz requires a slightly modified version of the resolution previously adopted by your Board.
Once this funding is made available, the County will be able to implement selected portions of the Local Equity Plan. The overall amount of funding made available by the State for these programs was approximately 50% less than last year, so given the size of the award and the grant requirements the authorized budget is allocated as follows:
Assistance with application, licensing and regulatory fees: $644,539.33
Fixtures and Equipment: $100,000.00
Capital Improvements: $100,000.00
While the broader criteria discussed in the adopted Local Equity Program (LEP) manual must be followed, there is some discretion regarding how to proceed, especially given the limited funds. The primary concern identified through the Equity Assessment process at this time is assisting applicants through the CEQA and permitting processes. With this funding allocation, targeting equity applicants that are awaiting a CEQA review process would be the highest priority. These funds can be distributed in the form of direct grants to applicants, and unde...
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