Announcements regarding hearings, grants, and public comment notices of importance to California's rural counties.
Grant Funding Opportunity - Wildfire Recovery and Forest Resilience Directed Grant Program
The Sierra Nevada Conservancy has launched the second cycle of its $50 million Wildfire Recovery and Forest Resilience Directed Grant Program.
Last year, the California State Budget appropriated $50 million to the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) to address wildfire- and forest-resilience priorities. In June, SNC made awards totaling $21 million to forest resilience and wildfire recovery projects and approved guidelines for up to an additional $23,700,000 in local-assistance grants next fiscal year.
To be eligible for the $23 million in funding, applicants must be a public agency, nonprofit organization, or a tribal entity. Projects must be located within, or provide services to, the Sierra Nevada Region as defined by SNC governing legislation—an area including the mountains and foothills of Sierra Nevada range, much of California’s Cascade range, the Mono Basin, Owens Valley, and parts of the Klamath Mountains.
Concept proposals must be submitted by July 29, 2022. If invited, full proposals will be due October 28, 2022, and project awards will begin in March 2023. Projects must be completed by January 1, 2028.
Applicants interested in submitting a concept proposal must first discuss the idea with an SNC Area Representative.
Grant Funding Opportunity - America the Beautiful Challenge
The America the Beautiful Challenge is a public-private grant program for locally led ecosystem restoration projects that invest in watershed restoration, resilience, equitable access, workforce development, corridors and connectivity, and collaborative conservation, consistent with the America the Beautiful Initiative.
The America the Beautiful Challenge will seek to advance conservation and restoration projects that are consistent with the principles outlined in the Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful report and that focus on at least one of the following core areas of need:
- Conserving and restoring rivers, coasts, wetlands, and watersheds
- Conserving and restoring forests, grasslands, and other important ecosystems that serve as carbon sinks
- Connecting and reconnecting wildlife corridors, large landscapes, watersheds, and seascapes
- Improving ecosystem and community resilience to coastal flooding, drought, and other climate-related threats
- Expanding access to the outdoors, particularly in underserved communities
Applicants are encouraged to develop large landscape scale and/or cross jurisdictional projects that advance existing conservation plans or are informed by Indigenous Traditional Knowledge.
America the Beautiful Challenge proposals are due July 21, 2022. The full Request for Proposals can be found here: https://www.nfwf.org/programs/america-beautiful-challenge/america-beautiful-challenge-2022-request-proposals
Inyo County Employment Opportunities
- County Administrative Officer
Inyo County is seeking a County Administrative Officer to lead a team of professionals dedicated to improving public services in a small, close-knit community and a ruggedly beautiful area. If you possess strong interpersonal and leadership skills, a passion for people and beautiful outdoor spaces, and enjoy challenges, this is the right position for you! Find more information about the county and this opportunity, see the job announcement here. This position will remain open until filled. Applicant information will be reviewed periodically. To be considered during the first review, a cover letter and resume/CV must be received by in the Personnel Office, P.O. Box 249, Independence, CA 93526 or by email at koney@inyocounty.us or personnel@inyocounty.us by 8:30 a.m. on June 27, 2022.
- 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.
Basin Irrigation and Drainage Authority (BIDA) Seeks Financial Operations Manager
BIDA is seeking an experienced and dynamic individual with good people skills to support the General Manager in all matters of the Basin Irrigation and Drainage Authority, the Sutter Mutual Water Company, and the Reclamation District 1500. Submit resume and cover letter to Apply@solutions-MRG.com no later than Tuesday June 21, 2022. For more information, view the announcement here.
Career Opportunity in Plumas County
The County of Plumas seeks a County Administrative Officer. The CAO is a contracted, at-will position both appointed by and accountable to the Board of Supervisors and is responsible for enforcement of all County codes, ordinances and regulations, the conduct of all financial activities, and the efficient and economical performance of the County’s operations. For additional information and to view the job posting click here.
Shasta County Seeks 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.
Del Norte County Seeks 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.