Announcements regarding hearings, grants, and public comment notices of importance to California's rural counties.
El Dorado County Seeks Chief Administrative Officer
El Dorado County is accepting applications for the position of Chief Administrative Officer through August 7, 2022. To be considered for this opportunity, submit your application online here and respond to the required supplemental questions. For additional information, see the recruitment brochure here.
Reminder: Counties Must File Secure Rural Schools Election Allocation Paperwork by September 30th
As a reminder, counties must file Secure Rural Schools (SRS) election allocation paperwork by September 30, even if the intent is to keep the percentages as they are. Counties that do not file SRS election allocation paperwork by the deadline will go to the default allocations as laid out under the statute. For more information on SRS election allocations, the USDA training slideshow and webinar recording are available here.
Farm Bill Listening Sessions
CDFA (California Department of Food and Agriculture), in partnership with the California Department of Public Health, California Natural Resources Agency and Cal EPA (California Environmental Protection Agency), is leading listening sessions with all farm bill stakeholders to inform California’s priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill.
The 2023 Farm Bill is an opportunity for California farmers and ranchers to influence national agricultural policy to maximize the benefits for all Californians – from farmers and ranchers to consumers. Although California agriculture traditionally leads the country in production value and sustainable agriculture, we are currently facing a wide range of challenges and your input on farm bill programs and policies is more important than ever.
For more information, farm bill resources, and the option to submit comments online, visit the CDFA website here.
Calendar of Listening Sessions
(see flyer here)
Virtual Listening Session
August 10, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Spanish translation provided.
Register here
Live / Virtual Hybrid
August 16, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Neighborhood House
Copley Conference Room
5660 Copley Drive
San Diego, CA 92111
Spanish translation provided.
Register here
Live Only
August 23, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Fresno County Farm Bureau
1274 W. Hedges Avenue
Fresno, CA 93728
Live Only
September 7, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Urban Tilth (North Richmond Farm)
323 Brookside Drive
Richmond, CA 94801
California Air Resources Board Offers Webinars on Regulatory Compliance Training
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has several new regulatory programs that will help the State become carbon neutral in the future. These programs are going through the public process designed to get input from people and industries affected by the eventual requirements.
The New Programs and Regulations at CARB class will cover the requirements of existing regulations and then the new programs that will eventually be in effect.
Date: August 10, 2022
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Register Here
California Air Resources Board (CARB) has several regulations designed to reduce emissions from diesel vehicles and equipment operating in California. The Air Regulatory Overview for Public Agencies in California course is an overview of air regulations that public agencies in California have compliance requirements including:
- Idling Limitations;
- On-Road Public Fleet Regulation;
- In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation;
- Periodic Smoke Inspection Program; and
- Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP).
Date: August 25, 2022
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Register Here
Upcoming Workshop on County Drought Plan for Domestic Wells and State Small Water Systems (SB 552), Guidebook Development
On August 31st, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) is hosting the second of four 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 webinar, DWR will review portions of the draft guidebook covering key content related to:
(1) Establishing a county drought and water shortage task force
(2) Conducting a drought risk assessment
(3) Plan development for emergency and interim drinking water solutions
The webinar is intended for County Office of Emergency Services, County Environmental Health Programs, County Planners, other county programs and other interested parties.
Date: August 31, 2022
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Register Here
Additional information, is available on the DWR website here.
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: Alpine, Mono and Inyo Counties, August 12, 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.