Hello Menlo Park City Council,
I am writing with respect to Item G-2 regarding the Belle Haven
Electrification Program. City Staff has done a great job thinking through
alterations to the program to ensure its effectiveness. CRC wanted to offer
some feedback and perspectives related to these items to ensure the program
is maximally effective and Menlo Park is able to access all the proposed
funding.
The Staff reports sets forth proposed alterations A-G. CRC strongly
supports A, D, E, F, and G.
In particular, G (incentive program for referrals) and F (expanded CBO
outreach) will dramatically increase program uptake in Belle Haven. The
successful implementation of this program requires a great deal of trust,
something best facilitated by residents receiving successful installations
and CBOs with long-standing relationships and constituencies.
*G.) * An incentive program will help inspire residents who have
received the services to recruit their neighbors and ensure the program
benefits Belle Haven residents who have the greatest need.
*F.)* Engaging more Belle Haven CBOs will maximize the reach and
constituencies available. This program should also include a renewed focus
on workshops for the Belle Haven neighborhood - current strategies have
relied heavily on canvassing, which has a limited success rate when the
program relies heavily on a trusting relationship. Workshops allow
residents the chance to ask questions to representatives on the spot and
CBOs a dedicated space for enrollment.
Additionally, increasing funding for *E.)* the rental electrification
program will help ensure more Belle Haven residents can participate in the
program.
When it comes to citywide expansion (*A.*) CRC is also supportive as long
as the income limits are not further revised higher. That being said,
if the program expands citywide, it is still important to focus outreach
and engagement in the Belle Haven neighborhood. In addition to justice and
equity concerns, on a purely practical basis, this is where the
overwhelming majority of the income eligible households will be.
CRC is not opposed to B or C but we believe the City may find marginally
better returns if the funding proposed for B and C were distributed among
the other programs (A, D, E, F, G).
Thank you for your time and attention,
Cade
--
Cade Cannedy (he/him)
Director of Programs
575-776-7667
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