Subject:     PLUGGED IN GRANT APPLICATION

 

COUNCIL DISTRICT:   5

                                                                                                                    

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

Adopt a resolution requesting grant funding to replicate the Plugged In Program in San Jose by:

 

  1. Approving an application to the State Department of Parks and Recreation for a grant to replicate the Plugged In. 
  2. Authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute all documents relating to the grant application and the associated funding agreement.
  3. Direct staff of the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services to complete the grant application and to submit it to the State Department of Parks and Recreation.

 

BACKGROUND

 

The 1999/2000 State Budget contained a one-time grant allocation to the City of San Jose for replicating the Plugged In Program, a nationally recognized community computer center program that was established to bridge the technological gap between East Palo Alto and the Silicon Valley.  The original State proposal requested $200,000 for three purposes: 1) $50,000 to hire a consultant to assist in developing a franchising plan which would assist in replicating Plugged In in other communities; 2) $100,000 for salaries and benefits for two fellowships positions for East San Jose Community residents to begin training for a Plugged In East San Jose Franchise Pilot; and 3) $50,000 to hire a consultant to develop a marketing/fundraising plan for Plugged In East San Jose and a capital campaign for a relocated Plugged In Headquarters in East Palo Alto.  However, a grant of $100,000 to the City of San Jose was approved by the State, but no criteria were established for its uses in replicating the Plugged In Program, except that the program takes place in East San Jose.

 

ANALYSIS

 

The City and its non-profit agencies, businesses and educational partners are establishing a collaborative network of technology centers and projects throughout the City of San Jose.  The City and it’s collaborative will open seven new technology centers in fiscal year 2001-2002.

 

Plugged In can play a lead role in assisting the City of San Jose and it’s partners (Family and Community Technology Centers) to meet the collaborative’s mission.  This mission would be to increase the access, skill attainment and practical applications of computer and internet technology for the City’s constituents.   Therefore, the State grant will fund:

 

·        $50,000 for documentation of Plugged In’s vision, methodology, and best practices for distribution to community technology organizations in San Jose and throughout the country;

·        $50,000 for consultation in establishment of a network of community technology initiatives in San Jose and training of San Jose-based community technology staff in Plugged In’s programs, vision, and methods.

 

COST IMPLICATIONS

 

This grant will augment City funding in developing seven new technology centers.

 

PUBLIC OUTREACH

 

No public outreach has occurred to the proposed action.  However, the City and its partners are committed to bridge the digital divide by providing access to computer and internet technology.

 

COORDINATION

 

This memorandum has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office, and Plugged In.

 

 

Mark Linder

Director of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services