Agenda Item Wording:
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Grant Award - Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-14 accepting a grant award in the amount of $2,000,000 from the Board of State and Community Corrections Board of the California Violence Intervention and Prevention authorize the City Manager to execute the grant agreement documents and appropriate a total of $2,000,000.
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Agenda Date: 03/16/2026
Prepared by: Jason Glick Parks & Recreation Director jason.glick@visalia.gov (559)713-4042.
Department Recommendation: Approve Resolution No. 2026-14 accepting a grant subaward in the amount of $2,000,000 from the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Board of the California Violence Intervention and Prevention (Cal VIP) and appropriate a total of $2,000,000.
Summary:
On July 21, 2025, the City Council authorized submission of an application for the California Violence Intervention and Prevention (Cal VIP) Grant.
On February 12, 2026, the City was notified that its Cal VIP Cohort 5 proposal was recommended for funding in the full award amount of $2,000,000 over three years. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-14 will authorize acceptance of the grant award and implementation of the program in partnership with Community Services Employment Training (CSET), which will serve as the grant administrator.
Background Discussion:
The Cal VIP grant program, initially known as Cal GRIP (California Gang Reduction, Intervention & Prevention), was established in 2017 to fund community-based violence reduction initiatives. The program aims to support evidence-based strategies to reduce gun violence in communities disproportionately affected by violence. The State allocated $103 million for this funding cycle (Cohort 5).
The purpose of the grant is to disrupt cycles of violence and retaliatory actions in order to lower the rates of homicides, shootings, and aggravated assaults in affected communities.
The proposed program will focus on youth and families affected by violence, including those experiencing geographic or economic barriers. Grant funds will support participation in recreation programs, enrichment activities, and family-centered events designed to strengthen family connections, expand positive opportunities for children and teens, and promote long-term community stability.
Staff are proactively engaging with at-risk youth and their families to prevent gun violence through a combination of structured activities and educational initiatives. The police department may refer at-risk or violence-affected youth to CSET for supportive and intervention services and can also connect resources provided through this grant with at-risk youth participating in the police department’s Police Activities League (PAL). Looking ahead, staff anticipate valuable opportunities for local organizations to join this effort by offering complimentary programs. Together, the City and its partners aim to build a comprehensive, community-driven response that supports and uplifts children and families most affected by violence. This collective effort seeks to create a meaningful, lasting change through coordinated services, targeted programming, and strong local partners.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: The total grant award is $2,000,000 over a three-year period. Annual staff costs associated with program administration and oversight are estimated at approximately $95,000 per year and will be reimbursed through the grant. In addition, all other City costs associated with the grant will be reimbursed as expenditures are incurred.
Prior Council Action: On July 21, 2025, City Council authorized Community Services Employment Training (CSET) to write and submit an application for the Cal VIP grant on behalf of the City of Visalia to fund recreation programming opportunities for impacted families and children in the Visalia community.
Alternatives: Not accept the grant award.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to approve Resolution 2026-14, authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant award in the amount of $2,000,000 from the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Board of the California Violence Intervention and Prevention (Cal VIP) and appropriate a total of $2,000,000.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 03/16/2026
Attachments: Resolution 2026-14
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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