Announcements regarding hearings, grants, and public comment notices of importance to California's rural counties.

 

Bureau of Land Management Meeting Dates for Proposed Public Lands Rule

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced a schedule for five public meetings that will provide forums across the country for the public to learn more about the proposed Public Lands Rule and have questions answered.

The proposed Public Lands Rule, which was announced in late March, would provide tools for the BLM to protect healthy public lands in the face of increasing drought, wildfire and climate impacts; conserve important wildlife habitat and intact landscapes; better use science and data in decision-making; plan for thoughtful development; and better recognize unique cultural and natural resources on public lands.

Members of the public will have an opportunity to ask questions that facilitate a deeper understanding of the proposal. The dates and cities of upcoming meetings are:

  • Thursday, May 25, 2023 - Denver, Colorado
    Denver West Marriott, 1717 Denver West Blvd, Golden, Colorado
    Time: 5:00 PM -7:00 PM MT
     
  • Tuesday, May 30, 2023 - Albuquerque, New Mexico
    Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th Street NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico
    Time: 5:00 PM -7:00 PM MT
     
  • Thursday, June 1, 2023 - Reno, Nevada
    Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4950 S Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada
    Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM PT
     
  • Monday, June 5, 2023 - Virtual Meeting
    Time: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM MT
    Register at https://swca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QwRH6XZeS6amUDI70FzriA

 

Career Opportunities

Shasta County

  • Deputy County Counsel II/III/Senior Deputy County Counsel ($102,300.00 - $174,144.00 Annually). Click here for the job bulletin or see here for more information and to apply.
  • Health Officer ($201,588.00 - $257,304.00 Annually). Click here for the job bulletin or see here for more information and to apply.

Sierra County

  • The County of Sierra is seeking a Director of Health and Social Services, responsible for the management and administration of Department of Health and Social Services.  A full description and qualifications are available here. For more information, visit the county website here or call (530) 289-2879.
  • The Sierra County Department of Transportation is recruiting for a Transportation Planner II or III, depending on qualifications. This position is open until filled. For more information, see the county website here or call 530-289-2879

 

Yolo County

  • The County of Yolo County Counsel’s Office is recruiting to fill a full-time position in the class of Deputy County Counsel III or Senior Deputy County Counsel, scheduled to close Friday, May 12, 2023.  Salary range is from $133,515 - $190,486. The candidate selected will be placed at the appropriate level, depending on their background and experience, and at the discretion of the appointing authority.  The full job announcement can be found here.

  • The County of Yolo is recruiting to fill one (1) regular, full-time position in the class of Public Information Officer (PIO) at the County Administrator's Office. The role of the Public Information Officer is to manage the County’s communications with the public through press releases, social media, videos, live media and the County website. The PIO informs and engages the community and other stakeholders regarding County activities, services, and strategies.  The PIO also functions as the County Spokesperson which requires knowledge of County programs and policies. As a member of the County Emergency Operations Center personnel, the PIO also acts in a lead capacity in disseminating information during an emergency. The full job announcement can be found here. This position is open until filled.

 

UC ANR

  • Alameda/Contra Costa Area County Director – Job ID 51253 (https://ucanr.edu/About/Jobs/?jobnum=2486) The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) is seeking a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area County Director to provide leadership in support of applied research, extension and outreach programs across Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Our mission is to bring the programs and resources of UC directly to all Californians through research and education programs that support:
    • Sustainable, safe, and nutritious food production and delivery
    • Economic success in a global economy
    • A sustainable, healthy, and productive environment
    • Science literacy and youth development

The Area County Director is responsible for the coordination and overall operation of UCCE programs, in cooperation with county government, in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. The Area County Director oversees management of the physical plant and human resources. They will increase the visibility of UCCE through community engagement, including but not limited to, needs assessments, representing UC ANR in local and/or regional initiatives, participation in relevant policy development, and communicating the positive impacts and benefits realized by the citizens and workforce of the local counties, region and state from the activities and contributions of local UCCE programs. The Area County Director will endeavor to make sure that the programs and resources of the University of California are available to residents of both counties.

 

NRCS California Allocates $2 Million to Assist Farmers Recover from Floods

Beginning April 26, 2023, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California is setting aside $2 million in federal financial assistance to help California’s agricultural producers recover from recent flooding. This funding is in addition to recent USDA funding allocated through the USDA Emergency Watershed Protection Program (administered by NRCS) and the USDA Emergency Conservation Program (administered by the USDA Farm Service Agency).  The deadline to apply is June 16, 2023. For more information, see here.

 

USDA Grants Available to Help Rural California Repair Their Homes Damaged By Floods and Fires in 2022

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announces the availability of grants to help people repair their homes that were damaged by severe weather or natural disasters in 2022, including the California Mosquito, Oak, Coastal, Fairview, and Mill fires as well as severe winter storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides.

People living in identified counties in California may be eligible for the funding. The homes must be located in presidentially declared disaster areas.

The grants will be available through supplemental disaster funding under the Rural Disaster Home Repair Grant Program. Through this program, people may apply to receive grants of up to $40,675 directly from USDA to repair their homes.

Funds will be available until expended. They may be used to:

  • Pay for home repair expenses that were a result of a presidentially declared disaster in calendar year 2022.
  • Prepare a site for a manufactured home.
  • Relocate a manufactured home.

To be eligible:

  • Applicants must have household incomes that do not exceed the low-limits based on their household size and county.
  • Homes must be located in an eligible rural area.
  • Homes must be located in a presidentially declared disaster areas 2022.

Residents in the following counties may be eligible for the funding: Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Inyo, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Ventura, and Yolo

For more information on how to apply, visit the USDA website here.

 

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