R2023-121 Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate Terms and Execute an Agreement between the City of Decatur and Old King's Orchard Community Center for an Urban Ag Project and Community Services

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Wrighton, Scott W. April 24, 2023 Page 2 of 5 participating in the Macon County Juvenile Redeploy Illinois(JRI)program.' A copy of OKO Green's business plan is attached as Exhibit A. By expanding the program to include urban gardens, we will not only provide sustainable revenue but also donate a portion of our harvest to Decatur families in and around the OKO district. Keeping with the overall mission of OKO, OKO Green will also assist seniors and disabled residents in the OKO neighborhood with their lawns. The goal is simple—raise the pride of residents in the OKO community by improving the look and feel of the entire OKO neighborhood. And because participants in the JRI system come from all over Decatur, life skills developed through the OKO Green initiative will broadly touch and improve our entire community. OKO has met with professionals and educators from Richland Community College and the University of Illinois extension office. Plans are currently being developed to determine the exact products that will be grown at which locations. Pain will be taken to ensure that whatever crops are grown do not overlap the efforts being undertaken by our neighbor, Good Samaritan. The OKO project will complement and in no way compete with or supplant the amazing fresh produce work being undertaken at Good-Sam. The initial cost to create the OKO urban gardens is $135,000. This cost includes soil testing, fertilizer, soil, seeds,plants,transportation costs, fencing and water for irrigation. OKO is seeking funds in the amount of$135,000 from the City to develop this urban oasis project. None of this funding will go towards operations, the cost of which will be primarily covered by OKO's JRI grant as outlined in the OKO Green business plan. The OKO Green initiative represents a bold and innovative approach to addressing the challenges faced by at-risk youth participating in the JRI program. By combining meaningful employment opportunities, skill development, mentoring, and financial incentives,the program has the potential to significantly improve the lives of its participants and contribute to the overall well-being and vitality of Decatur's urban core. With the support of the JRI grant,the City of Decatur,and other funding sources,OKO Green can serve as a model for effective, community-based interventions that promote social inclusion, economic empowerment, and personal growth for at-risk youth. We are excited to embark on this journey together and look forward to seeing the transformative impact of the OKO Green initiative in the years to come. 1 The JRI program offers a lifeline for young people who have had encounters with the criminal justice system. By involving them in OKO Green,we are providing these youth opportunities to learn valuable skills,gain work experience,and make a positive impact on their community.Siblings of the offenders are also included as part of wrap-around services for the program.