Title
a. Adopt a resolution authorizing the Department of Emergency Management to accept the Fiscal Year 2025 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) award in the amount of $480,737, subject to the County’s stated exception to the requirements of Executive Order 14248, Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections.; and
b. Adopt a resolution authorizing the Department of Emergency Management to execute the necessary documents and administer the grant in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and County requirements, except to the extent expressly excluded by the County’s stated exception.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Adopt a resolution authorizing the Department of Emergency Management to accept the Fiscal Year 2025 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) award in the amount of $480,737, subject to the County’s stated exception to the requirements of Executive Order 14248, Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections.; and
b. Adopt a resolution authorizing the Department of Emergency Management to execute the necessary documents and administer the grant in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and County requirements, except to the extent expressly excluded by the County’s stated exception.
SUMMARY
On November 4, 2025, per Resolution No. 25-420, the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors authorized the Department of Emergency Management to submit an application for the purpose of obtaining financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) for the FY 2025 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). This application resulted in an award from HSGP to the County of Monterey in the amount of $480,737 with a performance period of September 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. The Department of Emergency Management requests authorization to receive the FY 2025 HSGP award of $480,737, funded by grant revenue from HSGP.
DISCUSSION:
The Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) provides critical federal funding that strengthens the County’s ability to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other threats. The program provides resources to support implementation of the National Preparedness System and the National Preparedness Goal of achieving a secure and resilient nation, while advancing risk-driven, capabilities-based State Homeland Security Strategies that address a comprehensive range of preparedness activities. Grant funds are used to support the purchase of specialized equipment and training for fire, law enforcement, public safety agencies, and other local emergency management and response organizations.
The FY 2025 HSGP Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) introduced new and significantly revised National Priority requirements, including Border Crisis Response and Enforcement Support (IJ 04) and revised Election Security requirements (IJ 10). These priorities reflect changes in federal homeland security policy and establish additional requirements for eligible HSGP investments, including minimum funding allocations and, for Election Security, requirements associated with Executive Order 14248, Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections.; and
Acceptance of the FY 2025 HSGP award will allow the Department of Emergency Management to continue administering and managing these grant funds on behalf of local agencies, providing sustained support for regional preparedness initiatives and strengthening the County’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from large-scale emergencies, disasters, and other hazardous events.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
The Department of Emergency Management will coordinate applications and reporting efforts with HSGP Program Representatives. County Counsel’s Office, the Auditor-Controller’s Office, and Risk Management have reviewed and approved as to form.
FINANCING:
Approval of this action will not impact the Department of Emergency Management’s FY 2026-27 Adopted budget and does not require matching funds. Projects will be initially funded through HSGP appropriations (1320-104003) and reimbursed upon project completion and when grant requirements are met.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
Applying for the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) supports the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Plan by enhancing public safety, emergency preparedness, and community resilience through regional collaboration and resource-sharing. Leveraging federal funding reduces local costs while strengthening the County’s ability to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from threats and hazards.
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):
____ Administrative [Include one or two sentences referencing the Ordinance, Code, Board Order/Resolution, etc. in relation to this selection]
Link to the Strategic Plan:
<https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=139569>
Prepared by: April Rodriguez, Management Analyst II, x1923
Approved by: Kelsey Scanlon, Director of Emergency Management, x1902
Approved by: Michael Beaton, Assistant County Administrative Officer, x3835
Attachments:
Attachment A: Board Resolution
Attachment B: FY2025 Allocation Letter
Attachment C: FY2025 Hold Release Letter
Attachment D: Grant Addendum 1
Attachment E: Homeland Security Grant Program FY 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity