Authorize Bureau of Planning and Sustainability Director to execute grant agreement for $400,000 with SOLVE for FY 2024-25

The City of Portland ordains: Section 1. The Council finds: As Portland continues to struggle with litter and illegal dumping in parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas, the need for community involvement in our response is incredibly high. SOLVE is a statewide nonprofit that brings Oregonians together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. SOLVE organizes and leads volunteer events and provides training and support for community volunteers to lead their own environmental stewardship events. SOLVE seeks to actively create a space that is safe, welcoming, inclusive and affirming for people of all diversities to engage in environmental volunteerism. Section 9 of the residential franchise agreement requires the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) to conduct an annual rate review to determine the rate franchisees may charge their residential customers for collection services. Since 2018, SOLVE has expanded its litter cleanup efforts in Portland through the Keep It Pretty, Rose City project (funded through City contract #30006989). With funding from a $400,000 grant from the City for Fiscal Year 2023-24 SOLVE has supported over 362 projects, engaged more than 6,900 volunteers, and removed 250,000 pounds of trash across the city. The FY 2024-25 Bureau of Planning and Sustainability Approved Budget includes $400,000 to support volunteer cleanup efforts led by SOLVE. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs: The BPS Director is authorized to execute a grant agreement with SOLVE in a form substantially similar to Exhibit A for an amount not to exceed $400,000. BPS and the Office of Management & Finance Grants Division are authorized to perform all administrative matters in relation to the grant application, grant agreement or amendments, requests for reimbursement from SOLVE and to submit required grant documents on the Director’s behalf. The BPS Director is authorized to execute amendments to the grant agreement, provided such modifications do not increase the City’s financial obligation or risk. Any modifications that increase the City’s financial obligation or risk must be authorized by the City Council. The City Council waives the competitive application process required in FIN 2.04 – Budget. SOLVE is uniquely positioned to carry out the scope of the grant because of SOLVE’s extensive experience organizing volunteer litter cleanup projects.