Dear Friend of City Farm SLO:  

We are asking for your help in response to growing security problems and of access and development opportunities offered by the dramatic growth of bordering neighborhoods. Please support City Farm's Proposal for Public Safety, Access and Purpose-Critical Infrastructure Support- 

For ten years, the 501(c)3 non-profit City Farm SLO has managed a 19-acre parcel of City-owned land on the Calle Joaquin Ag Reserve. City Farm SLO has filled a critical niche in addressing disparities by providing infrastructure,
mentorship and sustainable management of arable land to allow opportunities for small-scale farmers to maintain a livelihood that results in locally grown, high quality produce. Since 2013, City Farm SLO has also partnered with schools and community organizations to provide education to SLO County youth, and has reached thousands of students via twice-weekly classes for high schoolers, farm field trips, and weekly therapeutic horticulture sessions for students with disabilities. The City of SLO acknowledged these accomplishments in January 2022 by extending its lease with City Farm SLO for 40 years.

Despite City Farm’s achievements, site security has become an increasing challenge. During the last two years, over ten thousand dollars’ worth of theft and vandalism by intruders have created financial hardship for the non-profit and for tenant farmers. Confrontations with mentally and drug-impaired individuals, some of whom camp along the Farm’s borders, have threatened the health and welfare of tenants, staff and students. City Farm SLO has met with City police and completed their CPTED assessment, with Rangers, and with SLO’s Homelessness manager and has acted upon their advice by building and repairing fences, locking gates, sheds and stored equipment, installing motion sensor lights and cameras, and developing long-range plans to enhance site security.

The SLO City Council has begun its Goal Setting and Budget process for the coming two years, 2023-2025. For the first time in its ten years of existence,  City Farm SLO has submitted a proposal for funding to help develop infrastructure to address site security and development. Although City Farm SLO continues to sustain its expanding agricultural, educational, and environmental programs with produce sales, donations and grants, this infrastructure development will require financial engagement by the City of San Luis Obispo. 

View the full proposal here: https://tinyurl.com/CFSproposal2023

Please sign our petition to support City Farm SLO's Proposal for Public Safety, Access, and Purpose-Critical Infrastructure Support