Title
a. Authorize and approve the Director of the Department of Emergency Management or designee to submit a grant application to the California Fire Safe Council 2025 Wildfire County Coordinators Grant Program for a total amount not to exceed $151,500 with a performance period of January 1, 2026, to July 31, 2026, to establish a full-time, permanent Wildfire County Coordinator position dedicated to enhancing wildfire resilience through stronger local planning, community engagement, and coordination with state and local fire protection districts and other partners; and
b. Authorize and approve the Director of Department 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 Department of Emergency Management or designee to submit a grant application to the California Fire Safe Council 2025 Wildfire County Coordinators Grant Program for a total amount not to exceed $151,500 with a performance period of January 1, 2026, to July 31, 2026, to establish a full-time, permanent Wildfire County Coordinator position dedicated to enhancing wildfire resilience through stronger local planning, community engagement, and coordination with state and local fire protection districts and other partners; and
b. Authorize and approve the Director of Department 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 California Fire Safe Council for the 2025 Wildfire County Coordinators Grant Program for an estimated amount not to exceed $151,500 with a performance period of January 1, 2026, to July 31, 2026. The grant objective is to educate, encourage, and develop county-wide collaboration among wildfire mitigation groups.
DISCUSSION:
California Fire Safety Council (CFCS) announced additional funding for the Wildfire County Coordinator Grant Program which enhances wildfire resilience through stronger local planning, community engagement, and coordination. DEM will establish a full-time, permanent County Coordinator position to conduct wildfire mitigation planning and project implementation, including but not limited to, Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) updates and implementation.
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. This new role will coordinate efforts with state and local fire protection districts, Monterey County Fire Safe Council, the Resource Conservation District of Monterey County, and Monterey County Housing and Community Development to ensure a coordinated, cross-agency approach to wildfire mitigation.
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 2025-26 Adopted budget. Upon award and approval to accept the award by the Board of Supervisors, DEM will request an appropriation of funds for the awarded amount as well as approval to add the new position to DEM’s budget. This grant does not require matching funds from the awardee. The estimated award amount not to exceed $151,500 is reimbursement-based and provides 12% of the award for indirect management and administration costs. DEM intends on applying for a continuance of this grant program for the FY 2026-27 cycle, for an additional 18-month performance period.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) 2025 Wildfire County Coordinators 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 grant-funded Wildfire County Coordinator position directly supports the Monterey County Board of Supervisors' strategic initiative of Safe and Resilient Communities by enhancing wildfire preparedness, coordinating mitigation projects, and reducing 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, Chief Assistant County Administrative Officer, x3835
Attachments:
Attachment A: Resolution
Attachment B: Board of Supervisor Support Letter