*Authorize application to Oregon Department of Emergency Management for Emergency Management Performance Grant Program to administer an integrated all-hazard emergency management program for $406,078
The City of Portland ordains:
Section 1. The Council finds:
- The Oregon Department of Emergency Management’s (ODEM) Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program provides financial and technical assistance through their Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 23/24) grant for the development of an all-hazard emergency management capability to promote planning, response, exercise, training, and community outreach.
- The City of Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) wishes to apply for the EMPG Fiscal Year 2023 grant.
- Funds are requested to support staff salaries and benefits, rent, and materials and services for established bureau programs.
- City of Portland matching funds up to the amount of $406,078 shall be in the form of salary, benefits, and materials and services in the PBEM FY23/24 budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs:
- The Mayor is hereby authorized to make application to ODEM for a EMPG grant in the amount of $406,078.
- The Mayor is authorized to provide such information and assurances as are required for the grant period.
- The Office of Management & Finance Grants Management Division is authorized to perform all administrative matters in relation to the grant application, grant agreement or amendments, requests for reimbursement from the grantor, and to submit required online grant documents on the Mayor’s behalf.
- The Director of the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management is authorized to accept on behalf of the City of Portland any subsequent modifications to the ODEM EMPG grant, provided such modifications do not increase the City of Portland’s financial obligation or risk. Any modifications that increase the City of Portland’s financial obligation or risk must be authorized by Portland City Council.
Section 2. The Council declares that an emergency exists because of critical deadlines in the grant application process; therefore, this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by the Council.
Official Record (Efiles)
An ordinance when passed by the Council shall be signed by the Auditor. It shall be carefully filed and preserved in the custody of the Auditor (City Charter Chapter 2 Article 1 Section 2-122)
Passed by Council
Auditor of the City of Portland
Simone Rede
Impact Statement
Purpose of Proposed Legislation and Background Information
This ordinance allows the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) to apply for an Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.
Grant funds will be requested to provide funding for staff salaries, rent, Bureau of Technology Services charges, and materials and services that support PBEM’s existing emergency management program.
The grant requires a 50% match, which will come from PBEM’s appropriated FY 2023-24 General Fund. The grant also requires PBEM to submit and follow an annual work plan. The plan is aligned with the current work plan.
EMPG funding is distributed to qualifying Oregon jurisdictions according to an established formula that relies primarily on population. PBEM has applied for and received the EMPG every year since 2007. Most counties and large cities in Oregon receive EMPG money.
EMPG funds have declined in recent years, and because of changes in federal priorities, it is not clear that Portland’s EMPG funding will continue. However, PBEM will continue to seek and accept funding designated to support local emergency management when it is available.
Financial and Budgetary Impacts
EMPG funds support basic operating expenses such as salaries, rent, and telephone service for PBEM program staff.
This ordinance does not affect the FY24 Adopted Budget.
Community Impacts and Community Involvement
This grant supports PBEM’s operating expenses. The bureau’s work improves citywide preparedness and, in this way, benefits the entire community of the Portland Metropolitan area.
This grant was anticipated in PBEM’s budget process. No public concerns are anticipated.
100% Renewable Goal
Not applicable.
Financial and Budget Analysis
This ordinance authorizes PBEM to apply to ODEM for an EMPG grant in the amount of $406,078. The grant requires a 50% match, which will come from PBEM's FY 2023-24 General Fund appropriation. If awarded, EMPG funds will support basic operating expenses such as salaries, rent, and materials and services for existing bureau programs. PBEM has received EMPG funding annually since 2007, but acknowledges that EMPG funds have declined in recent years. Especially given the uncertainty of continued funding from what has been a reliable revenue source, CBO notes the inherent risk in depending upon grant funding for ongoing expenses.
Document History
Item 601 Consent Agenda in July 19, 2023 Council Agenda
City Council
Passed
- Aye (4):
- Rene Gonzalez
- Mingus Mapps
- Dan Ryan
- Carmen Rubio
- Absent (1):
- Ted Wheeler