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ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT $126,997 CALTRANS CLEAN CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY CLEANUP AND EMPLOYMENT PATHWAY (CCEP) GRANT
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a grant agreement in the amount of $126,997 with the California Department of Transportation.
2. Authorize the City Manager to appropriate grant revenues and expenditures for the Caltrans Clean California Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway (CCEP) Grant in the amount of $126,997.
It is also recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take any necessary and appropriate actions to carry out the purpose and intent of the resolution.
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Summary
The Clean California Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway (CCEP) Program is administered by California Department of Transportation. The Stockton Youth Environmental Stewardship (SYES) program is a collaborative initiative led by the Environmental & Sustainability Division, in partnership with the Public Works. Building on the success of the Youth Employment Summer Success (YESS) program, SYES is designed to engage middle school youth in environmental education, civic pride, and hands-on community service. Over the grant period the program will run four cohorts, each consisting of 20 youth participants who will take part in a four-week workforce development experience. Each cohort will commence with a community cleanup activity that will allow youth to utilize their new skillsets. Participants will receive a stipend, educational training in sustainability and civic engagement, a personal tool kit including gloves, litter grabbers, and safety gear, and public recognition for their contributions. In addition, the City of Stockton will hire three Youth Environmental Leadership Assistants to gain leadership experience and provide program support.
Staff are seeking City Council’s authorization to accept the grant funding in the amount of $126,997 for the CCEP Program (Attachments A-D).
DISCUSSION
Background
The Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway (CCEP) Grant Program is a signature initiative under the Clean California Program, administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). This grant program is designed to support litter abatement and public space beautification efforts on locally owned public right-of-way while creating workforce development opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment.
Through competitive grants, the program provides funding to local agencies (including federally recognized tribal governments) to conduct targeted litter cleanup and graffiti removal activities, complemented by educational and engagement efforts that foster community pride and long-term maintenance. The program places strong emphasis on serving disadvantaged and underserved communities and encourages local commitment through participation in the Clean California Community designation pledge.
A core component of this program is the creation of employment pathways through partnerships with workforce development organizations or use of existing employment development departments. These partnerships will connect justice-impacted individuals, those experiencing homelessness, at-risk youth, and others with meaningful job training and paid transitional employment opportunities focused on litter abatement, landscaping, and environmental stewardship.
Present Situation
Stockton, California faces persistent challenges related to urban blight, illegal dumping, and high unemployment, particularly among youth. Many neighborhoods are burdened by visible litter, neglected public spaces, and frequent instances of illegal dumping, which not only degrade the environment but also erode community morale and public safety. These conditions are especially prevalent in underserved areas, where residents often lack the resources or support to address these issues independently. The Environmental & Sustainability Division, in recognizing these challenges, has identified a critical need for programs that simultaneously address environmental degradation and youth development.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The City and its subcontractors will pay for project related expenses in full and then submit documentation for reimbursement through this grant. All related costs will be supported by the grant funding. No matching funds are required for this grant. An appropriation of revenue and expenditures of $126,977 is necessary in the City Manager’s Special Grants Fund - Reimbursement, General Administration Division.
Attachment A - CCEP Award Letter
Attachment B - CCEP Contract Checklist
Attachment C - CCEP Program Grant Proposal
Attachment D - CCEP Signed Memo