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 for the 2025 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) County Coordinator Grant Program Extension for an additional amount not to exceed $151,500 with an amended performance period of July 1, 2026, to October 15, 2027, to build on the current goals of the program and support the 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 the Department of Emergency Management or designee to execute all necessary forms and documents for the application to this grant; and
c. Direct and authorize Department of Emergency Management staff to accept an award upon approval without returning to the Board of Supervisors.
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 for the 2025 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) County Coordinator Grant Program Extension for an additional amount not to exceed $151,500 with an amended performance period of July 1, 2026, to October 15, 2027, to build on the current goals of the program and support the 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 the Department of Emergency Management or designee to execute all necessary forms and documents for the application to this grant; and
c. Direct and authorize Department of Emergency Management staff to accept an award upon approval without returning to the Board of Supervisors.
SUMMARY:
Department of Emergency Management (DEM) intends to submit a grant application to the California Fire Safe Council for the 2025 CAL FIRE County Coordinator Grant Program Extension for an additional amount not to exceed $151,500 with an amended performance period of July 1, 2026, to October 15, 2027. This is an extension from the original grant period of performance. The Department of Emergency Management is a current 2025 CAL FIRE County Coordinator Grant Program subrecipient with an abbreviated 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 2025 CAL FIRE County Coordinator Grant Program which enhances wildfire resilience through stronger local planning, community engagement, and coordination. The County Coordinator Program Extension will build on the goals of earlier County Coordinator funding cycles, supporting County Coordinators as they maintain a census of all active wildfire mitigation groups in their county; continue to analyze gaps in county-wide wildfire resiliency and emergency preparedness and develop recommendations to fill these gaps; and develop mechanisms to improve outreach and coordination efforts. This program extension will include an increased emphasis on county-wide collaboration and cross-sector partnerships to support wildfire resilience planning and implementation statewide.
With this program extension, DEM will continue to build and expand efforts to enhance wildfire resilience through stronger local planning, community engagement, and coordination with state and local fire protection districts and other partners. 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 DEM’s FY 2026-27 Adopted budget. With Board of Supervisors approval of this resolution, DEM will request as needed an increase in appropriations upon award approval by the granting agency. This grant does not require matching funds. The award, not to exceed $151,500, is reimbursement‑based and includes 12% for indirect management and administrative costs.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) 2025 CAL FIRE 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 CAL FIRE 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, Assistant County Administrative Officer, x3835
Attachments:
Attachment A: Resolution