Title
a. Authorize and approve the Director of the Emergency Management or designee to submit a grant application to the 2026 State Fire Capacity Grant Program for a total amount not to exceed $200,000 with a 24-month performance period of October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2028, to fund the development of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan, as well as potential hazardous fuels reduction and maintenance projects on non-federal lands and wildfire prevention and mitigation education and outreach efforts; and
b. Authorize and approve the Director of Emergency Management or designee to execute all necessary forms and documents for the application to this grant; and
c. Direct Department of Emergency Management staff to return to the Board of Supervisors for approval prior to acceptance of any grant awards.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
a. Authorize and approve the Director of the Emergency Management or designee to submit a grant application to the 2026 State Fire Capacity Grant Program for a total amount not to exceed $200,000 with a 24-month performance period of October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2028, to fund the development of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan, as well as potential hazardous fuels reduction and maintenance projects on non-federal lands and wildfire prevention and mitigation education and outreach efforts; and
b. Authorize and approve the Director of Emergency Management or designee to execute all necessary forms and documents for the application to this grant; and
c. Direct Department of Emergency Management staff to return to the Board of Supervisors for approval prior to acceptance of any grant awards.
SUMMARY:
Department of Emergency Management (DEM) intends to submit an application to the 2026 State Fire Capacity Grant Program for an estimated amount not to exceed $200,000 with a 24-month performance period of October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2028. Funding for the 2026 State Fire Capacity Grant is provided for California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) from the Cooperative Fire Program of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Department of Agriculture, Pacific Southwest Region.
DISCUSSION:
California Fire Safety Council (CFCS) announced funding for the 2026 State Fire Capacity (SCF) Grant Program. The State Fire Capacity Program serves as a mechanism to help California communities respond to the growing concern over catastrophic wildfire and exemplify efforts to create fire-adapted communities through hazardous fuels reduction and maintenance projects on non-federal lands, Community Wildfire Protection Plans and other wildfire mitigation plans or assessments, as well as wildfire prevention and mitigation education and outreach efforts.
DEM will utilize funds to develop a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), as well as potential hazardous fuels reduction and maintenance projects on non-federal lands and wildfire prevention and mitigation education and outreach efforts. The CWPP is an essential tool for wildfire management as it provides a comprehensive assessment of wildfire risk countywide and a coordinated strategy to reduce risk, protect lives and property, and improve community resilience through prioritized mitigation actions, fuel reduction, and emergency planning.
DEM is committed to working together with its partners and the fire prevention community to ensure the County of Monterey has an evidence-based, data-driven, and community-informed CWPP to reduce wildfire risk and enhance overall resilience. This will enhance the Operational Area capacity and lead efforts to unify, implement mitigation strategies, support county-wide wildfire planning, and contribute to statewide data and preparedness initiatives.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
County Counsel, Auditors and Contracts Purchasing review documents in relation to the grant and approve as to form.
FINANCING:
Applying to this grant program will not impact the Department of Emergency Management’s FY 2026-27 Adopted budget. DEM will return to Board of Supervisors to request an increase in appropriations upon award approval by the granting agency. This grant requires the awardee to provide a cost share or in-kind 1:1.5 match. DEM will provide an in-kind match from existing non-federal sources. The award amount is estimated not to exceed $200,000, is reimbursement-based, and includes management and administration costs.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) 2026 State Fire Capacity Grant Program supports the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Goals by enhancing the county’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and emergencies. Through CFSC funding, the county strengthens local planning, community engagement, and coordination, ensuring public safety and community resilience align with the Board’s priorities for effective governance and a safe, well-prepared community.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals [Include one or two sentences referencing the Ordinance, Code, Board Order/Resolution, etc. in relation to this selection]:
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
_X _ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
_X _ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
If does not fall under any of the above Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals (Other):
The 2026 State Fire Capacity Grant Program directly supports the Monterey County Board of Supervisors' strategic initiative of Safe and Resilient Communities by supporting efforts to enhance wildfire preparedness, coordinate mitigation projects, and reduce fire risk to protect lives and property. It also aligns with Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future by promoting long-term resilience through proactive land management and hazard reduction efforts.
Prepared by: Maeh Al-Shawaf, Management Analyst III, x1973
Approved by: Kelsey Scanlon, Director of Emergency Management, x1902
Approved by: Michael Beaton, Assistant County Administrative Officer, x3835
Attachments:
Attachment A: Resolution