Announcements regarding hearings, grants, and public comment notices of importance to California's rural counties.
CPUC Engagement Survey For Local Governments
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is requesting feedback from local governments, community-based organizations, tribes, and others on effective communication strategies as well as prior engagement experiences with the CPUC. The survey can be found here; responses are requested by May 31, 2022.
CPUC to Host Webinar on Broadband Funding
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will be hosting a webinar on June 1, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to discuss the broadband funding programs administered by the CPUC. The one-hour meeting will review the goals and anticipated application release for the following programs:
- Broadband Technical Assistance - $50 Million
- Loan Loss Reserve - $750 Million
- Federal Funding Account - $2 Billion
- California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) – up to $150 Million per year
For more information and register for the webinar, click here.
Upcoming Webinar on County Drought Planning Requirements for Domestic Wells and State Small Water Systems
In September 2021, Senate Bill 552 (SB 552) was signed by Governor Newsom and enacted into law. SB 552 includes new responsibilities and requirements at both the state and local level to help small water systems and rural communities reduce their risk of inadequate water supply amid a water shortage event. This is the first of three virtual workshops to inform and solicit input from stakeholders on the development of a guidebook to support the preparation of County Drought Plans which focus on state small water systems and domestic wells as required under SB 552. During this first workshop, DWR and State Water Board staff will review the SB 552 requirements for counties and the plan to develop a guidebook as technical assistance, and solicit input on needed tools and considerations that could help counties meet the requirements. The virtual workshop is open to County Office of Emergency Services, County Environmental Health Programs, County Planners, other county programs and other interested parties.
Date: June 2, 2022
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Zoom
Career Opportunities
- Shasta County - Public Works Director
Shasta County invites applications for the position of Public Works Director. Information about the position is available here, Apply online here. Final Filing Date: June 27, 2022 at 8:00 a.m.
- Inyo County - Deputy Director for Public Health and Prevention (Health and Human Services)
Inyo County is seeking a Deputy Director for Public Health and Prevention. Under the direction of the Health and Human Services Director, the Deputy Director initiates, organizes, directs, and coordinates the design and development of multiple public health and prevention programs including related client services through a trauma informed lens. The Deputy Director will encourage and support the design and development of integrated service plans among Health and Human Services divisions and programs, as well as with other care providers as appropriate. The Deputy Director will identify needs and goals and strategies to accomplish these goals. The Deputy Director will participate in the development and monitoring of department budgets, direct the investigation and resolution of complaints/concerns, and provide leadership and participate in a variety of committees and task forces within and outside of the Health and Human Service Department. The ideal candidate is technically knowledgeable in the health care and related fields and demonstrates continual learning. They will be able to grasp new information and business models to support agency and team growth. Apply by June 24, 2022. For more information, view the brochure here. Apply online here.
- Del Norte County - Deputy Director for the Community Development Department - Public Works Branch
Del Norte County seeks a Deputy Director for the Community Development Department - Public Works Branch. This position has branch level administrative responsibility of the department (Public Works Branch), including a variety of contract management and intra- and inter-agency coordination activities under general direction of the Community Development Department Director. Under an administrative team concept, plans, organizes, coordinates and directs work of personnel in the Public Works Branch which includes the Engineering and Surveying Division, Roads Division, County Service Area (sewer collection system), and Flood Control District. Additional information is available here, or view details and apply online.
Institute for Local Government Launches New Digital Planning Commissioner Handbook & Regional Trainings
The Institute for Local Government (ILG) recently released an updated version of their Planning Commissioners Handbook. This handbook is designed to support planning commissioners, their staff, and other officials interested in land use and planning; to help local officials understand the planning process; and provide a glimpse of some potential planning challenges commissioners may experience during their terms. The handbook describes the major terms, plans, and policies that make up the framework of local planning, as well as typical stakeholders in the process and the basics of reviewing applications for development.
In conjunction with this release, ILG is hosting regional training sessions for planning commissioners. These interactive sessions will take place in person at various locations throughout the state and will cover topics such as the role of a planning commission, how to work effectively with staff and the governing board, effective community engagement, CEQA basics, required planning documents, and local and regional planning challenges and opportunities. Each session will give participants the opportunity to engage with experts in the field and fellow planning commissioners to hear best practices, emerging trends, and lessons learned. All sessions are FREE but space is limited and registration is required. Find a full schedule and register here.
Next training: Imperial County, June 16, 2022 - Planning Commissioner Training
Access the State Grants Portal for a Multitude of Funding Opportunities
Billions of dollars are up for grabs to public agencies and other entities, including tribes and businesses. Grant seekers can access a centralized portal of grant and loan opportunities here, or sign up to receive new grant opportunities delivered straight to your inbox.