Announcements regarding hearings, grants, and public comment notices of importance to California's rural counties.
GO-Biz Announces Cannabis Equity Grants Available for Eligible Local Jurisdictions
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has announced $15 million is available in FY 2022-23 for eligible cities and counties to promote equity and eliminate barriers to populations and communities that were disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. Local jurisdictions can be awarded up to $75,000 for assistance on cannabis equity program development, or up to $5 million for cannabis equity program applicants and licensees to gain entry to the state’s regulated cannabis marketplace. Grant applications must be received by December 14, 2022 and will be awarded no later than March 31, 2022. For more information on this grant and how to apply, see here.
2022 CAL FIRE County Coordinator Statewide Grant Program Opening in October
California Fire Safe Council (CFSC), in partnership with CAL FIRE, is pleased to announce the opening of the 2022 CAL FIRE County Coordinator Statewide Grant Program application. The application will be open from October 3rd, 2022, through November 15th, 2022.
The objective of the 2022 CAL FIRE County Coordinator Statewide Grant Program is to educate, encourage, and develop county-wide collaboration and coordination among various wildfire mitigation groups. Up to 21 counties will receive a one-time grant of $175,000 to be used to cover administrative costs relevant to county-wide coordination efforts, including but not limited to the salary, support, and administrative costs for a designated County Coordinator.
Eligibility:
The 2022 Statewide County Coordinator Grant Program application is intended for the remaining counties who did not receive funding as part of the 2021-2022 Northern or Southern Region County Coordinator Grant Program. To apply, counties must be the starting point and invested in the scope and goals of the project. However, counties may choose to direct the application process and funds to the non-profit or public agency that they feel are best equipped to execute the project. Local fire mitigation groups are not eligible to apply unless their county designates them as the primary applicant and provides a letter of support. Only one application per county will be accepted.
To Apply:
Applications open October 3rd, 2022. Visit the California FireSafe Council website here to learn more. Applications will not be available for viewing until October 3rd, 2022. Applications will close on November 15th, 2022, at 11:59PM PST.
View the 2022 County Coordinator Statewide Grant Opportunity Announcement in its entirety here.
This grant program and publication are funded in full by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) as part of the California Climate Investments Program.
California Energy Storage Alliance Safety Series
The California Energy Storage Alliance (CESA) is excited to announce the Energy Storage Safety Series looking to advance safe installation of energy storage devices in California and across the Western US.
The first Roundtable on October 12th, "Staying Current, How do we create and maintain safety as energy storage technology evolves?", will be discussing the challenges of standards and codes keeping up with evolving energy storage technologies as well as best practices in managing these transitions. This event is being held in conjunction with CESA’s Business Development Forum.
Date: October 12, 2022
Time: 12:00-3:00 PM PT
Location: River Terrace Inn, Napa, CA
Lunch will be provided.
Panelists:
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Charles Picard, Senior Engineer of Energy Products, Tesla
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Katherine Balanza, Director of HSE, esVolta
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Jignesh Maun, Deputy Fire Marshal, Santa Clara Fire Department
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Mark Neuburger, Legislative Representative in Housing, Land Use and Transportation, California State Association of Counties
Register for the October Roundtable here
Save the Date: Drought to Flood – Building Resilience for California’s Climate Extremes
Save the date, Monday, October 17th from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, for an event hosted by the California Department of Water Resources, “Drought to Flood: Building Resilience for California’s Climate Extremes”
The event will feature the latest data about climate extremes and the increased risk of drought and floods; actions to take now that can help prepare for inevitable weather extremes; discussions about developing flood management equity; and insights about meeting funding needs now and in the future.
Location
In Person: California Natural Resources Agency (715 P Street, Sacramento)
Virtual also available
Register to attend in-person or virtually here.
Career Opportunities
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State Water Resources Control Board is currently accepting applications for two positions, open through October 31, 2022:
- Shasta County invites applications for County Health Officer to maintain primary responsibility for the enforcement of public health laws in both the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the County. For more information or to apply online see here (view brochure) Closing Date: November 28, 2022, 7:59 am.
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: Humboldt, Mendocino, Del Norte and Lake Counties, October 14, 2022
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.