Sponsor: Parks & Recreation
Title
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Grant Agreement with Metropolitan Council for the Equity Grant Program
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Recommendation
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1. Accept a grant award and approve a grant agreement with the Metropolitan Council for the Equity Grant Program for Tuj Lub & Sepak Takraw courts at Keller Regional Park for the period of grant execution through June 30, 2027.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to approve and execute the grant agreement.
3. Authorize the County Manager to enter into agreements and execute amendments to agreements in accordance with the county’s procurement policies and procedures, provided the amounts are within the limits of the grant funding.
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Background and Rationale
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In 2023, the Metropolitan (Met) Council authorized over $2 million in Parks Interest Earnings for the Equity Grant Program. These dollars may be used to fund capital projects and program operating costs by Regional Park Implementing Agencies. The 2023 Equity Grant Program emphasizes partnership building, equity programming efforts, internal and inter-agency collaboration, and designing accessible capital projects that not only meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, but provide innovative ways to bring meaningful, rich experiences to users.
The “Premiere Tuj Lub & Sepak Takraw Courts at Keller Regional Park” Equity Grant is a capital project grant that will support construction of amenities onsite at the new Tuj Lub courts, set for Spring 2025 construction.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
Racial equity is at the heart of this grant and will have very positive benefits toward racial equity in the county, particularly for the Hmong and Southeast Asian Communities. Within a two-mile radius of the new courts, the population is 61% racially and ethnically diverse residents, with 37% of the overall population identifying as Asian or Pacific Islander. The project is anticipated to be used by participants from the Hmong and Southeast Asian communities regionally and nationally.
Community Participation Level and Impact
The Tuj Lub design process had a robust engagement with the Tuj Lub Association of Minnesota.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☒ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The $200,000 Equity Grant from the Met Council will contribute to the overall construction costs of the Tuj Lub and Sepak Takraw courts. No county match is required. The overall cost of the project is $2.3 million, including funding from the Parks & Trail Legacy Amendment fund, as well as the Arts & Cultural Heritage Legacy Amendment fund. These funds are accounted for within the capital project budget.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
1. Tuj Lub Equity Grant Agreement