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THE CITY OF 13 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT pL E ASANTON. February 16, 2010 Operations Services TITLE: ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PLEASANTON TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CALIFORNIAFIRST PROGRAM OFFERED BY THE CALIFORNIA STATEWIDE COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY SUMMARY California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA) is a California Joint Powers Authority (JPA), of which the City is already a member. CSCDA is currently developing a statewide sustainable energy financing pilot program called CaliforniaFIRST under the framework of AB 811. The CaliforniaFIRST program creates a mechanism for property owners to finance renewable energy, energy efficiency, and water efficiency projects. If the City Council approves the City's participation in CaliforniaFIRST, property owners within Pleasanton can participate in the program on a voluntary basis. CaliforniaFIRST imposes no substantial financial or administrative burdens on the City, but it expands financing alternatives for both residential and commercial property owners, and by encouraging energy and water efficiency, will help the community reduce its environmental footprint. RECOMMENDATION 1. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing City of Pleasanton Participation in the CaliforniaFIRST Program for Financing of Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Water Projects. FINANCIAL STATEMENT Participation in CaliforniaFIRST has a maximum direct cost of $20,000. If all Alameda County jurisdictions join, the cost of participation falls to $15,625. It should also be noted that CSCDA, in collaboration with Sacramento County, is submitting a grant application to the California Energy Commission (which Council is being asked to support in a separate agenda item) that would eliminate all set -up fees for the City if it is successful. There would likely be some positive impact on City revenues because providing a financing option could encourage property owners to purchase renewable energy or energy /water efficient equipment they might not otherwise purchase, generating new economic activity and possibly sales tax revenue for the City.