REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on a Resolution Accepting the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Alcohol Policing Partnership Grant in the Amount of $89,220 and Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Execute the Grant Agreement and Related Documents, and to Approve the Related Budget Amendment
Report
BACKGROUND
The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is responsible for licensing, education, and enforcement of the state’s alcoholic beverage laws to promote public safety.
In 1995, ABC began a grant assistance initiative to expand alcoholic beverage law enforcement through partnerships with cities and counties. The Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) Program works with local law enforcement agencies to develop comprehensive strategies to address alcohol-related crime and public safety concerns through enforcement, education, prevention, training, and other activities.
The City has received ABC grant funding for the past three fiscal years, as shown below:
|
Fiscal Year |
Award Amount |
|
2023/24 |
$ 75,068 |
|
2024/25 |
$ 75,381 |
|
2025/26 |
$ 91,311 |
|
TOTAL |
$241,760 |
In March 2026, the Police Department (Department) submitted an ABC grant application requesting $89,220 for FY 2026/27. On June 2, 2026, the Department was notified that its application was selected for funding. The Department received the grant agreement on August 19, 2026, confirming an award of $89,220 for the grant term of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
DISCUSSION
Santa Clara experiences ongoing alcohol-related enforcement and public safety concerns associated with licensed establishments and underage access to alcohol. These concerns include the sale or furnishing of alcohol to minors, over-service, public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and other alcohol-related violations.
ABC grant funding will support compliance with alcoholic beverage licensing requirements and enforcement, training, and education activities aimed at reducing alcohol-related violations and enhancing public safety. The Department’s Community Response Team (CRT) will lead implementation of the grant activities, in coordination with ABC and other Department personnel as appropriate.
During FY 2026/27, the Department will focus on the following grant goals and activities:
|
Goals |
Objectives / Activities |
|
Reduce underage access to alcohol |
Conduct Minor Decoy and Shoulder Tap operations to address illegal alcohol sales and furnishing alcohol to minors. |
|
Increase compliance at ABC licensed establishments |
Conduct IMPACT inspections to address licensing, regulatory, and alcohol-related violations and promote compliance with applicable laws and license conditions. |
|
Reduce alcohol-related violations and associated public safety concerns |
Conduct General Enforcement operations, including proactive vehicle, bicycle, and foot patrols, in areas with elevated alcohol-related activity, including the Santa Clara University area. |
|
Increase officer knowledge and enforcement capabilities |
Provide roll call training on alcohol-related laws, enforcement strategies, and emerging trends. |
|
Promote public awareness and voluntary compliance |
Disseminate public information through press releases, the Department’s website, and social media regarding alcohol laws and grant-funded activities. |
|
Coordination with ABC |
Maintain regular communication with ABC District staff, coordinate enforcement strategies, participate in the required APP Conference, and complete required grant reporting. |
The grant will supplement existing resources and strengthen the Department’s ability to proactively address alcohol-related public safety concerns throughout the City. As a condition of the award, ABC requires the City to adopt a Resolution authorizing the City to enter into the grant agreement with the State and identifying the person authorized to execute the agreement. Approval of the recommended actions will allow the Department to carry out grant activities through June 30, 2027.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
ABC grant funding will support personnel costs, equipment, and other eligible expenses associated with enforcement, compliance, training, and education activities aimed at reducing alcohol-related violations and enhancing public safety. The table below details the FY 2026/27 budget action recommended as part of this report.
Budget Amendment
FY 2026/27
|
|
Current |
Increase/ (Decrease) |
Revised |
|
Police Operating Grant Trust Fund |
|
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
Grant Funding |
$0 |
$89,220 |
$89,220 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenditure |
|
|
|
|
Alcohol Policing Partnership Grant 2026/27 |
$0 |
$89,220 |
$89,220 |
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Finance Department, Police Department, and City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Adopt a Resolution accepting the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) Grant for FY 2026/27 in the amount of $89,220 and authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the grant agreement and any other documents required to accept and administer the grant; and
2. Approve the FY 2026/27 budget amendment in the Police Operating Grant Trust Fund to recognize grant funding in the amount of $89,220 and establish an Alcohol Policing Partnership Grant 2026/27 appropriation in the amount of $89,220 (five affirmative Council votes required to appropriate additional revenue).
Staff
Reviewed by: Cory Morgan, Chief of Police
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. ABC APP Grant Agreement 26-APP38
2. Exhibits
3. 2026 ABC Resolution