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Memo to Mayor and Council - BCBS Active living Grant App April 20, 2006 Page 2 of2 . For additional information and to view a complete copy of the RFP, please visit thc BCBS website at http://www.preventionminnesota.com/communitv funding dctaiJ.cfm?oid~4778 Discussion If our application is selected, we will bc required to enter into a one-year contract with BCBS to conduct planning that accommodates and encourages morc activc lifcstyles. We will either conduct comprehensive planning or focus on a single-subset of a comprehensive plan. At the end of the contract period, wc are expected to have a Comprehensive Plan or component thereof that contains clear and strong principles that guide several elements (i.e., zoning changes, land use policies, infrastructure investments) specifically designed to encouragc active lifestyles among community members. If selected, staff will be rcquired to attend approximately four training scssions and presentations on how to incorporatc active living into planning. As well as having the opportunity to review existing community plans, examine community necds and opportunities, conduct a health impact assessment, produce a draft Comprehensive Plan, and develop a strategy for ordinancc revision. . As part of this process, BCBS provides a Technical Assistant for advice, questions, and information to provide support to the selected applicants to strategize, organize, and conduct planning that encourages physically activc lifestyles. Staff has worked diligently to prepare the attached grant application, with input and assistance from the PTRC. Staff has also shared information regarding this grant opportunity with the Planning Commission and the Economic Development Commission. In preparing the budget for this grant application, staff noted that, unlike most grants, this grant is intended to support and encourage jurisdictions to incorporatc active living principles into a document that is already required to be updated ("The purpose of RFP #499 is to provide technical assistance and funding to municipaJitics.. ..to help them incorporatc active living principles into their comprehensive development plans."). Therefore, a good portion of the budget is for what may be considered "replacement" funds. Funds havc also been requested for consulting services and community outreach efforts, as wclJ. Staff Recommendation Staff recommends Council authorize staff to submit the BlueCross BlueShield Active Community Grant Application requesting funding and assistance to incorporatc Active Living Principles into the City's Comprehensive Plan Update for 2008. Staff is also rcquesting the Mayor and Council sign a Ictter of commitment, if they so choose, to be submitted with the grant . application.