Lake Forest Community Preservation Program Notice of Funding Availability

The City has earmarked $50,000 in grant funds to appoint a consultant ("Consultant") who will offer professional guidance and manage a Community Preservation Program (“Program”).

The purpose of the Lake Forest Community Preservation Program is to improve the quality of life and enhance the appearance of the City through volunteer-based projects that assist homeowners in need and beautify private spaces. This Program will provide property maintenance assistance at no cost to homeowners who are identified by code enforcement or through other community input as needing immediate help.

The Consultant's role is ensuring successful program management and includes engaging the community to identify and assist qualified applicants in need by facilitating a team of skilled volunteers for various tasks. The Consultant will work with government agencies (e.g., City, Fire Authority, Sheriff's Department, OC Health Care Agency), non-profits, faith-based community, and businesses to mobilize resources and establish volunteer groups. Key responsibilities also include recruiting, training, and matching volunteers to services, managing the budget, and implementing tracking and reporting mechanisms to measure the Program’s impact and success.

The Consultant's responsibilities also encompass developing a compelling name for the Program, conducting an in-depth assessment of community needs, designing detailed plans for the initiative, engaging with stakeholders, recruiting and training volunteers, promoting the Program, managing operations and logistics, evaluating progress, and exploring opportunities for sustaining and expanding the Program. The success of the Program hinges on the Consultant's ability to effectively manage these tasks, ensuring that the community’s needs are met and that the Program’s benefits are sustained over time.

Upon selection, the qualified Consultant for this Project shall be required to enter into an agreement with the City. Deliverables will be subject to City staff review and approval. This may include templates for volunteer's, insurance, and other documentation as outlined in the Scope of Work.

Project Description

The Community Preservation Program focuses on providing property maintenance assistance to homeowners in need at no cost to them. Response would be focused on a case-by-case basis to people in immediate need of assistance. This may typically include those who have been identified by need at the City’s senior center, through code enforcement for property maintenance issues, or brought to the attention of staff from other agencies, or from community input. By implementing this Program, the City strives to create a comprehensive approach that addresses local neighborhood needs while also uniting the community in broader citywide efforts.

Purpose

The purpose of the Lake Forest Community Preservation Program is to improve the quality of life and enhance the appearance of the City through volunteer-based projects that assist homeowners in need.

Goals

The Program strives to create a lasting impact and value for the City and its residents, by improving the physical and social conditions of the neighborhoods and by fostering a culture of community service and civic pride. The goals of the Program are to:

• Provide property maintenance assistance to homeowners who are elderly, disabled, low-income, or facing code enforcement violations
• Encourage community involvement and civic pride among residents and volunteers
• Increase the attractiveness and value of the City’s neighborhoods
• Promote environmental sustainability and conservation practices
• Aim to be self-sustaining

The Program’s goals can be further described as follows:

1. Assist Residents in Need: The primary objective of the Program is to provide meaningful support to residents in Lake Forest who are unable to maintain their properties due to physical or financial limitations. By addressing property maintenance needs, the Program aims to enhance the living conditions of vulnerable individuals and promote a sense of pride in their homes and neighborhood.
2. Foster Community Engagement: The Program seeks to foster a strong sense of community engagement by encouraging residents, local government agencies, non-profits, churches, and businesses to actively participate in the volunteer Program. Through collective action, the Program aims to build connections, foster relationships, and create a culture of caring and mutual support within the community.
3. Improve Neighborhoods: By addressing property maintenance issues, the Program aims to improve the overall appearance and livability of Lake Forest residential neighborhoods. Aesthetically appealing and well-maintained properties contribute to a positive community atmosphere, enhancing property values and creating a safer and more welcoming environment for residents.
4. Provide Sustainable Solutions: The Program aims to create local community ambassadors and establish a long-lasting Program. The initiative seeks to ensure the continued success of the Program beyond its initial launch by developing efficient operational processes, building partnerships with local stakeholders, mobilizing community resources, and building a sense of self-accountability and pride in their neighborhood.
5. Self-Sustaining Program: Program funding is limited and is intended to support initiation, but the Program should become self-sustainable through donations, contributions, volunteerism, and other methods of raising revenue. Consider grants, individual donors, sponsors, or a wide variety of other methods. For example, apply for grants that align with the Program’s mission and goals, and that offer flexible or renewable funding. Partner with other agencies who have Programs to support community preservation Programs (e.g. CalTrans - Clean California Community Days), solicit donations from local and large businesses who regularly donate to such programs (e.g., Home Depot).

Benefits

The benefits of the Program are to:

• Improve the living conditions and safety of homeowners in need
• Reduce the costs and time of code enforcement and compliance for minor landscaping and similar issues
• Foster a sense of community and social cohesion among residents and volunteers
• Enhance the aesthetic appeal and reputation of the City

Statement of Qualifications

All Statement of Qualifications shall be submitted by no later than 5:00 pm on Monday, October 28, 2024 . Late Statement of Qualifications will not be accepted. The City reserves the right to waive any irregularity, informality, or technicality in the Statement of Qualifications if determined to be in the City’s best interest. The issuance of and response to this NOFA is not a guarantee of award of funds or that the City will proceed with a project. There is no reimbursement for costs associated with responding to this NOFA.

About the City
The City of Lake Forest is located in southern Orange County, California, in the area commonly referred to as the Saddleback Valley, with a population of approximately 85,000. It is the County's thirty-first city and the second largest city within the Saddleback Valley, encompassing 16.6 square miles. The City of Lake Forest's fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.

The City was incorporated in 1991, operates under the Council/Manager form of government and is considered a contract city. The five members of the City Council are elected by district. They serve staggered four-year terms, with the Mayor being selected annually from among the Council Members. The Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.

City Hall is located at 100 Civic Center Drive, Lake Forest, California 92630. The telephone number is (949) 461-3400, and the fax is (949) 461-3511. The City website address is http://www.lakeforestca.gov .