HomeMy WebLinkAbout3C - PresentationTurf Conversion Rebate MatchingAgenda Item #3C
October 27, 2022
OFFICE OF
SUSTAINABILITY
Item 3C - 1
Turf Conversion Proposal Summary
Approve an appropriation of $150,000 from the General Fund’s non-departmental fund to match the Desert Water Agency (DWA)’s $3 per square foot rebate, making $6 per square foot available with limitations:
•Projects would be required to avoid the use of artificial turf
•Program will be administered by DWA and divided $100,000 to HOAs and $50,000 to individual residences
OFFICE OF
SUSTAINABILITY
Item 3C - 2
Turf Conversion - Background
•The City of Palm Springs offered a lawn buyback program from 2011-2016 providing grants up front with cash match requirements. 110 projects were supported and $140,000 was awarded.
•This fiscal year, the cities of Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, and Indian Wells are offering matching rebates.
OFFICE OF
SUSTAINABILITY
Item 3C - 3
Turf Conversion –Program Design
•For this fiscal year, City staff have identified $150,000 that can be allocated from the current budget.
•The Sustainability Commission reviewed incentive options and set a goal to incentivize as many projects as possible with the limited funding.
OFFICE OF
SUSTAINABILITY
Item 3C - 4
Turf Conversion –Program Design
•The Commission recommended providing a full match to encourage projects that may be unlikely to take place otherwise, such as those in HOAs.
•For consistency with other Sustainability efforts, the Commission also recommended against supporting projects featuring artificial turf.
•In order to maximize projects that can be supported, the Commission proposes a $5000 cap.
OFFICE OF
SUSTAINABILITY
Item 3C - 5
Turf Conversion –Implementation
•Staff has worked with DWA to ensure that DWA will be able to administer the matching funding.
•In order to provide time to prepare for the expanded program launch, we recommend launching on December 1.
OFFICE OF
SUSTAINABILITY
Item 3C - 6
Turf Conversion –Additional Options
•Program Size: Staff, DWA staff, and the Commission agree that the funding is likely to be expended quickly. An expanded program this fiscal year could be possible but would limit capacity to add other new climate action programs.
•Low-income Priority: DWA is exploring an expanded rebate for low-income customers that the City could also match.
OFFICE OF
SUSTAINABILITY
Item 3C - 7
Turf Conversion Rebate MatchingAgenda Item #3C
October 27, 2022
OFFICE OF
SUSTAINABILITY
Item 3C - 8