BOARD MEETING DATE: September 5, 2008
AGENDA NO. 15

PROPOSAL:

Extend the Cordoba Corporation Contract to Continue the Implementation of the Air Quality Institute

SYNOPSIS:

Since January 2006, the Board has authorized the implementation of several Air Quality Institute (AQI) programs to disseminate information and educate community, business, and industry leaders and elected officials on air quality issues. On June 1, 2007, the Board approved the last phase of the AQI, through a contract with Cordoba Corporation, with options for two one-year term renewals, upon satisfactory performance, and at the Board's discretion. Much progress has been made in this area, and it is important to keep up the momentum, with focus on special interest groups and policy leaders in future. Since the previous contract expires in September 2008, staff recommends the approval of the first extension of the Cordoba Corporation contract to continue the implementation of the AQI, at a cost not to exceed $135,300, which represents the amount authorized last year plus a CPI increase.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, July, 18, 2008, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the Chairman to extend the existing contract with Cordoba Corporation for a one-year term, beginning October 2008, at a cost not exceed $135,300.
 

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

Since January 2006, the Board has authorized the implementation of several Air Quality Institute (AQI) programs for education and outreach to community organizations, business and industry leaders, and elected officials on air quality issues. In June 2007, the Board approved the last phase of the Air Quality Institute (AQI). The objective of the AQI is to educate and inform the public, and, in particular, first-tier policy makers, including, but limited to, elected and appointed officials, business and community leaders, editorial boards, media representatives, and faith-based organizations, about relevant air quality issues.

During the last year, the AQI was instrumental in disseminating information on the Board’s initiatives and priorities with emphasis on the critical need to reduce mobile source emissions. Several sessions of the AQI were conducted, including one session in Washington D.C., and others within the AQMD’s jurisdiction with elected officials, labor groups, faith-based organizations and port communities.

The curriculum for the AQI included discussions on ports and goods movement as it relates to air quality impact and solutions; air quality health studies including, MATES III, the USC Children’s Health Study, health effects of diesel exposure, and environmental justice issues. The AQIs have also provided the attendees with information and tools for action necessary to support our clean air mission.

In general, each training session consisted of a two to four-hour seminar, focused on: 1) Air Quality Overview; 2) Environmental Justice and Public Health; and 3) Effects on the Southland Economy and Clean Technology Solutions. The training sessions were highly successful, with participation of over 250 leaders from different sectors. Participants included federal and state elected and non-elected officials, labor and community leaders and several mayors and city council members from local cities.
 

Proposal

The goal of the AQI is to partner with different stakeholder groups to prepare educational briefings targeted at key stakeholders and leaders, with the intent of working together towards mutual public policy goals.

The focus of the proposed AQI briefings will be mobile source emissions reductions, goods movement and ports emissions, and climate change issues as related to air quality, including the So Cal Climate Solutions Exchange.

Eight (8) AQI meetings, with at least two (2) in each county within the AQMD’s jurisdiction, and each briefing will reach out to an average of 30 to 40 key leaders from specific stakeholder groups. The sessions will be designed to educate participants on the specific air quality challenges faced by our region, to listen to their concerns, and to cooperate with each other for ongoing partnership.

The total amount of the contract will be $135,300 for a one-year period, which represents a CPI increase over the amount of the previous contract for the AQI. The proposal, along with a brief progress report, prepared by the contractor, is attached for information.
 

Resource Impact

There are sufficient funds available in the Public Affairs 2008-09 budget.
 

Attachment (DOC, 54k)

Proposal from Cordoba Corporation