Title
Authorization to Apply, Accept, Disburse Funds and Enter into Agreements for a National Science Foundation Civic Innovation Challenge Grant (Ordinance S-48544)
Description
Request approval for the City Manager, or his designee, for the City of Phoenix Office of Environmental Programs (OEP) to submit a grant application, in partnership with Arizona State University, to the National Science Foundation for a Civic Innovation Challenge grant to continue and enhance the Phoenix Backyard Garden Program, currently funded by American Rescue Plan Act funds. Further request to authorize execution of all contracts and Intergovernmental Agreements necessary to accept and disburse the grant funds. Additionally request to authorize the City Treasurer to accept, and the City Controller to disburse, all grant funds related to this item in accordance with the terms of the aforementioned grant and agreement. The total value of the grant will not exceed $50,000.
Report
Summary
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Civic Innovation Challenge (CIVIC) grant is a research and action competition that accelerates the transition to the practice of civic-engaged research. CIVIC funds projects that pilot state-of-the-art solutions over 12 months, following a six-month planning phase, and have the potential for lasting impact in the community as well as the potential to be scaled and implemented in other communities. CIVIC requires a coalition of civic partners and stakeholders and a multi-disciplinary set of researchers to co-create and execute pilot projects.
Grant Focus
The current American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) -funded Phoenix Backyard Garden program will be the focus of the grant. This program was requested from the community during preparation of the 2025 Food Action Plan as a solution to address food insecurity. During the pandemic, further interest was expressed. Since the ARPA funds are temporary, OEP is seeking other funding resources that could continue this program. Application to this planning grant provides the opportunity to compete for $1 million for implementation. This CIVIC planning grant will enable further community engagement to gather input from existing Backyard Garden participants, to understand current needs, how we can improve the existing program, and explore ways to enhance the program with food waste education, developing economic opportunities, and increasing community connections.
Grant Partnerships
OEP will partner with Arizona State University (ASU) for this grant, which is an existing partner in the Phoenix Backyard Garden Program providing data collection and analysis. Additional relevant stakeholders, such as public health, community and grassroots organizations, and nonprofits will be invited as key partners as well. This CIVIC grant will help facilitate relationships and idea sharing between educational institutions, municipalities, and other organizations working toward a more sustainable food system in Phoenix.
Grant Goals
Improving the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of the food system in Phoenix is crucial as our desert city faces rapid population growth, water shortage issues, racial inequality, and climate change. Focusing on the issues related to food access, availability, utilization, and stability, this proposal will solicit input from community stakeholders to identify barriers to food production and consumption. Specifically, the following areas are identified as key themes in this project:
- The reduction of and education around food loss and waste;
- Mechanisms that facilitate sale and consumption of local food;
- Water efficient technologies for the local food industry;
- Promoting well-being and increasing community health; and
- Community relations and social networks around food.
The CIVIC grant will aid in achieving the goals established in the 2025 Phoenix Food Action Plan and 2021 Phoenix Climate Action Plan. The grant will provide a greater understanding on how to promote food system justice and social resilience in large cities facing multiple socioeconomic and environmental challenges.
The grant will be managed by OEP in coordination with ASU. The grant application deadline is May 5, 2022. Award announcements are expected within 30-60 days.
Contract Term
The grant term is for six months.
Financial Impact
No match or general fund monies are required for this grant.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Karen Peters and the Office of Environmental Programs.