R2023-120 Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate Terms and Execute an Agreement Between the City of Decatur and Good Samaritan Inn for an Urban Ag Project

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Policy Memorandum Date: May 11,2023 To: Scot Wrighton, City Manager Decatur, IL From: Shaunna Tonelli, Masters Student Indiana University, O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs Re: Policy Considerations for Repurposing Urban Land Use within the City of Decatur for Agriculture. The City of Decatur has an opportunity to develop urban agricultural programs to optimize the benefits of under-utilized residential lands inside the city for agricultural production in various communities. Utilizing urban agriculture programs in Chicago, IL, and additional urban land use ideas from St. Louis, MO, Cincinnati, OH, and Philadelphia, PA, as diffusion models,the following recommendations stem from their successes and lessons learned. This Memorandum focuses on Short-Term and Long-Term Goal policy considerations. Background The city was able to acquire a contiguous tract of land incorporating one full city block and one half of the adjacent block. Further land acquisitions may be able to expand the lot in a third direction. Because this is a pilot program for the city, the policies put in place will be a foundation for future, and possibly varied partnership programs in the future. Short-Term Goal Considerations: - Policy for Pilot Implementation Structure:The current project involves a non-profit partner, Good Samaritan, who has experience implementing"mercy gardens",a small-scale community garden, and will provide the primary implementation of the agricultural program. The policy considerations below should be tracked as the pilot program develops so that the city can develop and provide the code structure,the land acquisition structure, and the regulations needed for future successful projects. - Consider the Information/Contribution Networks: several stake holders within the various city departments will be needed early (and possibly continuously) in the process to help prepare the infrastructure. Utilizing open communications, developing a central information hub, valuing input, and leveraging credit to the various departments for the program's success can be instrumental in gaining momentum and cooperation.