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

 

Registration Open for RCRC Annual Meeting - Early Bird Pricing Through July 31st

Registration is now open for RCRC’s 2023 Annual Meeting! The conference will be held September 20 –22, 2023 at the Portola Hotel and Spa at Monterey Bay in Monterey County. This year’s program will feature experts discussing a wide range of topics from politics today to the plight of rural hospitals. Join us for an examination of critical issues shaping California’s future. Don’t wait - Register by July 31st to receive the “Early Bird” rate!

 

California Water Commission Drought Strategies Workshops 

In support of Action 26.3 in California’s Water Resilience Portfolio, the California Water Commission is developing proposed strategies to protect communities and fish and wildlife during drought. At these workshops, the Commission will gather information regarding the impacts of drought on communities and species and will discuss drought strategies. The public is encouraged to share their ideas and opinions. 

  • Workshop 1: Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Noon to 3 p.m. (Register here)

  • Workshop 2: Tuesday, July 25, 2023. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Register here)

  • Workshop 3: Thursday, July 27, 2023. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Register here)

 

PPIC Hosting Virtual Broadband Policy Conference

The Public Policy Institute of California is hosting a three-day virtual broadband policy conference on July 18, 19, and 20th. The topic is “Bridging California’s Digital Divide”, with daily 1-hour sessions on the state’s investment in broadband, local innovations, and ensuring equity. 

For more information and to register, see here.

 

Career Opportunities

  • Mendocino County is seeking applicants for the position of Nutritionist in Ukiah, California (Annual salary $62,254.40 - $75,670.40). For details about the position or to apply, see here. Posting closes on July 11, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.
     
  • Shasta County is seeking applicants for the open positions of:
    • Health Officer (Annual salary $201,588.00 - $257,304.00). For details about the position or to apply, see here. The position is open until filled. Download the job bulletin here.
    • County Counsel (Approximate monthly salary $14,943 - $19,073). For details about the position or to apply, see here. The position closes August 4, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. Download the job bulletin here.
    • Deputy District Attorney I/II/III (Annual salary $82,512.00 - $139,080.00). For details about the position or to apply, see here. The position is open until filled. Download the job bulletin here. 
       
  • Joint Water Districts is seeking candidates for the position of Watermaster (Annual Salary range: $75,000 - $105,000 depending on experience and qualifications). View the job description and read the position announcement at www.JointWaterDistricts.com. The application deadline is July 15, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

 

NACo Offers Workplace Mental Health Training

The National Association of Counties (NACo) is proud to offer an exclusive mental health training to the NACo membership in partnership with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing (NCMW). This training focuses on identifying, evaluating and responding to signs and symptoms of a mental wellbeing crisis or substance use scenario in the workplace. Equip your workforce with the skills and tools necessary to foster a supportive, high performing environment. If you are interested in learning more about the training program to see how the NACo Mental Health Workplace training may support your county, please sign up for an introduction here.

 

Department of Conservation Monthly Discussions on Williamson Act Key Topics

Join Department of Conservation staff for a monthly discussion on key topics under the Williamson Act. County staff and members of the public are invited to these hour-long, virtual sessions where staff from DOC’s Division of Land Resource Protection (DLRP) discuss select topics, provide technical assistance, and invite questions on Williamson Act implementation.

Upcoming sessions in 2023 include:

  • August 17th – Public Acquisitions
  • September 21st – Solar Use & WA Contracts
  • October 19th – WA Enrollment Finder
  • November 16th – Open Question Hour

For questions, contact LCA@conservation.ca.gov. For more information, please visit www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/wa.

 

EPA Announces Over $50 Million to Assist Small, Underserved, and Disadvantaged Communities in Accessing Clean and Safe Drinking Water 

On June 26th, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $50.4 million in annual funding to support projects and activities in underserved, small and disadvantaged communities to access and invest in water infrastructure and comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). California received an 11.8% increase in funding over 2022.  

  •  For FY 2022 and FY 2023, the EPA is also applying a waiver of the statutory 10 percent cost share to all grant applicants due to continued supply chain issues, increased costs, and addressing compliance with the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act and will be provided at the discretion of EPA. Applications are accepted through https://www.grants.gov. This is an ongoing process.

  • The regions will approve the final grant application package prior to submittal of the final application into grants.gov.  

  • Participating states should consult with their EPA regional SUDC point of contact for questions. The Region 9 contact is Daria Evans-Walker, who can be reached at evans-walker.daria@epa.gov

 

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