CITY MANAGER ROUND UP AUGUST 2026
MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
City Manager Roundup One of my top priorities is keeping our community informed and engaged. The City Manager’s Update is a monthly digital newsletter designed to keep you connected with what’s happening in Fort Bragg. Each edition includes timely updates on City news, programs, projects, and upcoming events, all in one place. I hope you find this newsletter useful and informative as we continue working together to build a stronger, more vibrant community. Thank you for staying connected!
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OUR MISSION
Fort Bragg is a small town nestled between the coast and the redwoods with a strong sense of community that seeks to preserve its environment while providing resilient public facilities and infrastructure and supporting a safe and vibrant economic, multi-cultural, and recreational experience for both locals and visitors alike.
OUR VISION A California coastal destination with rich natural resources and rugged beauty, is transforming our future by weaving together our people, ecosystems, and economy to create community prosperity. We are making our mark in the 21st Century by creating climate-ready water and energy independence, housing and economic opportunities, accessible health care, community public safety, and education for all
OUR CORE VALUES INNOVATION
SERVICE-ORIENTED
HONESTY & INTEGRITY
Drives our city forward, encouraging creative solutions and continuous improvement by embracing new ideas and technologies to enhance quality of life.
Responsive to the public and to each other to demonstrate our genuine commitment to create a Fort Bragg that serves us today and readies us for a successful tomorrow.
Emanate throughout our community to engender the trust, transparency, responsibility, and accountability that our citizens deserve.
COLLABORATION
FAIR & ETHICAL
Nourish civic pride and celebrates the diversity of our city and the meaningful municipal services that our residents and businesses rely on.
Principles and practices, Fort Bragg promotes an inclusive community culture of unity and equality that openly invites everyone to enjoy our unique coastal enclave.
CITY MANAGER
CELEBRATING THE 2026 SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
This summer, seven talented Fort Bragg students stepped into City Hall, rolled up their sleeves, and became an important part of our team. We’re proud to celebrate everything these interns accomplished, and the energy, ideas, and commitment they brought to the City organization.
From day one, our interns immersed themselves in real City projects. They supported department operations, designed outreach tools, assisted with research, and learned firsthand how local government works behind the scenes. Their curiosity, teamwork, and readiness to jump into any task made a lasting impact across Administration, Community Development, Public Works, Finance, and Public Engagement.
CITY MANAGER
CELEBRATING THE 2026 SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM This year’s cohort didn’t just help us move projects forward: they helped shape what comes next. Their work directly contributed to new youth‑focused initiatives, including the upcoming Fort Bragg Youth Council. During the program, interns in Community Development created a first‑of‑its‑kind “by teens, for teens” community survey to gather youth perspectives that will guide future City priorities and Youth Impact Fund decisions. Their insights will help ensure Fort Bragg’s next generation has a strong voice in shaping the community. Throughout the summer, staff across departments expressed how valuable the interns were: improving workflows during a busy season, advancing key projects, and bringing fresh perspectives to City operations. Meanwhile, the interns built professional skills, explored career paths, and strengthened their confidence working in public service. The Leading the Next Wave of Leaders Internship Program continues to be a powerful investment in Fort Bragg’s future workforce. By providing paid work experience, mentorship, and hands‑on learning, the City is helping local youth grow, lead, and find pathways into meaningful careers. In closing out the 2026 program, we want to extend a heartfelt thank‑you to our seven interns. Their hard work, creativity, and dedication made this a standout year, and we can’t wait to see how they use the skills and experience they gained to make waves in their next endeavors.
CITY MANAGER
CITY MANAGER YOU’RE INVITED TO THE GREAT
FIESTA LATINA Music, Latin American food, salsa competition, folkloric dancing and much more!
400 Block of Franklin Street, Fort Bragg SATURDAY
26
3-7 P.M.
SEPTEMBER
CITY MANAGER
CITY MANAGER
CITY COUNCIL City of fort Bragg presents
l l e W s ’ r o y Ma s d r a w A e n o D Join us in celebrating our community! Nominate a project that enhances Fort Bragg’s appearance, character, and identity and helps make our community a better place to live, work, and visit.
Award Categories: Business Window Displays ADU Garage Conversions Public Facility Renovation Residential Construction Commercial Renovation Gardens & Green Spaces Community Project Murals Scan the QR code to submit your nomination! Nominations open
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CITY COUNCIL
PROCLAMATIONS
Celebrating Women’s Equality Day!
💜
On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote, a victory made possible by generations of courageous women who refused to give up. On August 24, 2026, the Fort Bragg City Council honored the 106th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment and recognized the women who fought for our voices to be heard. Thank you to the suffragists who paved the way. May we continue to honor their legacy by using our voices and our votes. Fort Bragg Blues Festival Weekend!
💙🎶
The City of Fort Bragg is proud to designate the first weekend in May as Fort Bragg Blues Festival Weekend! Since its debut in 2025, the festival has quickly become a beloved community tradition, bringing great music, visitors, and economic energy to our city while celebrating the arts and musical heritage of the Mendocino Coast. The City of Fort Bragg was proud to honor Volunteer Extraordinaire Ranger Ron White at the August 24 City Council meeting. Ranger Ron’s years of dedication, service, and commitment to our community have made a lasting difference. A plaque honoring his contributions will be placed at the Tribal Learning Center as a permanent reminder of his incredible service. Thank you, Ranger Ron, for all you have done for Fort Bragg
CITY COUNCIL CORNER AUGUST 2026 On August 10th, 2026, City Council Adopted a Resolution Approving Professional Services Agreement with WRA, Inc. for Biological Compliance and Monitoring Services for the Raw Water Line Replacement Project (WTR‑00016), and Authorized the City Manager to Execute the Contract (Amount Not to Exceed $84,970); No New MND or EIR Required Pursuant to CEQA Sections 15162 and 15061(b)(3). On August 10th, 2026, City Council Adopted a Resolution Amending and Confirming the Pay Rates and Ranges for All City of Fort Bragg Established Classifications Effective July 12, 2026, Incorporating the Fort Bragg Police Association 3% Cost‑of‑Living Adjustment. On August 10th, 2026, City Council Adopted a Resolution of the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District Board Approving a Contract Change Order with Akeff Construction Services, Inc. for Emergency Sewer Repairs at North Harbor Drive, Approved Budget Amendment 2026/27‑01, and Authorized the City Manager to Execute the Contract (Amount Not to Exceed $26,510). On August 10th, 2026, City Council Received Report on Leading the Next Wave of Leaders: Summer Internship Program Update and Introduction of Expanded Youth Engagement Initiatives. On August 10th, 2026, City Council Received Report and Adopted a Resolution Authorizing Updated Community Engagement and Evaluation of a Partnership and Site‑Control Framework for the Timberwolf Stadium Track and Multipurpose Athletic Field Improvement Project. On August 10th, 2026, City Council Received Report and Adopted a Resolution Authorizing Submittal and Acceptance of a Community Resilience Centers Round 2 Planning Grant for C.V. Starr Community Center Phase III and Authorized the City Manager to Execute Related Documents. On August 10th, 2026, City Council Received Report and Adopted a Parks & Recreation Strategic Service Delivery and Coordination Policy. On August 24th, 2026, City Council Received a Presentation of the California State University Long Beach Master of Science in GIS Students’ Thesis Project, “City‑Wide Sign Inventory and Survey 1‑2‑3 Data Collection Portal.” On August 24th, 2026, City Council Received a Presentation of a Proclamation Honoring the First Weekend in May as Blues Fest Weekend. On August 24th, 2026, City Council Received a Presentation of a Proclamation Recognizing Women’s Equality Day. On August 24th, 2026, City Council Adopted a Resolution Approving the Blues Festival and Authorized the City Manager to Execute a Contract with Pam Bell Productions (Amount Not to Exceed $53,500). On August 24th, 2026, City Council Approved a Support Letter for Mendocino County’s C.O.R.E. 2.0 Program Measure B Funding.
CITY COUNCIL CORNER AUGUST 2026 On August 24th, 2026, City Council Adopted a Resolution Approving the Third Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Lumos & Associates for On‑Call Engineering and Surveying Services, and Authorized the City Manager to Execute the Contract (Amount Not to Exceed $141,097.95). On August 24th, 2026, City Council Adopted a Resolution Establishing a Compensation Plan and Terms and Conditions for C.V. Starr Employee Classifications Effective July 12, 2026. On August 24th, 2026, City Council Accepted the Certificate of Completion for the C.V. Starr Center HVAC System Replacement and Improvements Project and Directed the City Clerk to File the Notice of Completion. On August 24th, 2026, City Council Received and Filed Minutes of the Visit Fort Bragg Committee Meeting of June 9, 2026. On August 24th, 2026, City Council Received and Filed Minutes of the Special Visit Fort Bragg Committee Meeting of June 15, 2026. On August 24th, 2026, City Council Received and Filed Minutes of the Public Works and Facilities Committee Meeting of May 14, 2026. On August 24th, 2026, City Council Approved Minutes of the Special Meeting of August 10, 2026. On August 24th, 2026, City Council Approved Minutes of the August 10, 2026 Regular Meeting. On August 24th, 2026, City Council Received a Report, Held a Public Hearing, Received the Planning Commission’s Recommendation, and Considered Submission of an LCP Amendment to Update the Coastal Land Use and Development Code, and Introduced, by Title Only, and Waived Further Reading of Seven Ordinances Including Regulations for Cannabis Businesses, Short‑Term Rentals, Formula Businesses, Animal Keeping, Telecommunications Facilities, Density Bonus & Affordable Housing Incentives, Inclusionary Housing, Signs, Landscaping, Accessory Uses & Structures, and Definitions (CEQA Exemption 15265(c)). On August 24th, 2026, City Council Received a Report, Held a Public Hearing, Received the Planning Commission’s Recommendation, and Introduced, by Title Only, and Waived Further Reading of Two Ordinances Amending the Inland and Coastal Land Use and Development Codes to Support Economic Development Goals, Including Expanded Allowable Uses, Clarified Limited‑Term Permits, Modified Minor Use Permits, Revised Non‑Conforming Use Requirements, and Implementation of Housing Element Program H‑2.5.8 (CEQA Guideline 15164 Addendum and CEQA Exemption 15265). On August 24th, 2026, City Council Received, Approved, and Filed the 2026 Wastewater Collection System Master Plan Report by HDR (CEQA Exemption 15262).
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CITY OF FORT BRAGG MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM
REVITALIZE YOUR BUSINESS WITH DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT GRANTS Enhance Curb Appeal and Attract New Customers Matching Grants from $1,000 to $20,000 for Façade Improvements, Outdoor Elements, Signage, Interior Upgrades, and more.
If your building needs any of the following upgrades, apply now! This program is ends December 31, 2026. Siding Repair and Repainting Fire Sprinker Installation Roofing Signage or Window Display Updates Energy Conservation Improvements See Program Guidelines for full list of eligible activities. If your planned upgrade is not listed, please reach out and staff can assist you in determining eligibility.
Apply now at fortbraggbiz.com. Questions? Send us a message at ed@fortbragg.com.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CITY OF FORT BRAGG
BUSINESS LOAN PROGRAMS We offer business loans with flexibleterms, interestrates from 2.5% - 5%, and junior liens considered. Our loans can be a great option for startups or other businesses that might not qualify for a standard bank loan. Our loans can also paired with bank or private loans to fill a funding gap.
Business Boost Loans
CDBG Business Assistance Loans
Up to $200,000
Up to $210,000
Modest Loan Fees
No Loan Fees
Help boost local economy
Must create or retain jobs
You can apply for both loan programs if your funding needs warrant it. Loans can also be paired with our Downtown Improvement Matching Grants.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.FORTBRAGGBIZ.COM OR EMAIL: ED@FORTBRAGGCA.GOV
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
HUMAN RESOURCES CELEBRATING NEW HIRES
We are excited to welcome our newest team members to the City of Fort Bragg and extend heartfelt congratulations as they begin their roles with us. Each new hire brings valuable skills, fresh ideas, and a strong commitment to serving our community. Their arrival strengthens our organization and supports the City’s ongoing efforts to provide responsive, high‑quality public service. We look forward to the contributions they will make and are proud to have them join the Fort Bragg team. New Hires For the month of August Carson Word – Police Transport Officer Dorothy Jess – City Clerk & HR Analyst Alexander Renteria – Systems Technician Broadband – Transitional Rylan Lotten - Lifeguard I, CV Starr Ryley Jones – Lifeguard I, CV Starr George Caccamo - Lifeguard I, CV Starr Troy Bohlen – Lifeguard I, CV Starr
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT The Community Development Department is pleased to share that the State of California has officially recognized the City of Fort Bragg as a Prohousing Designated Community. This designation reflects the City’s sustained commitment to modernizing housing policies, removing barriers, and expanding opportunities for housing at all income levels. Fort Bragg is one of just ten jurisdictions statewide to newly earn this designation since October 2025, placing the community among only 75 Prohousing cities and counties in California. This recognition strengthens the City’s ability to pursue competitive state funding programs that support housing development. Over the past two years, the Community Development Department has made housing a central priority by updating policies, improving clarity in development procedures, and working closely with applicants to streamline the housing entitlement process. Pursuing state Prohousing designation was an intentional part of this strategy, ensuring that Fort Bragg continues to align local actions with state priorities to support responsible growth. A key milestone in this effort was the approval of an 84‑unit market‑rate housing project last year. Projects of this scale have been rare in Fort Bragg, and its approval marked significant progress toward expanding the community’s housing supply to meet both residential and workforce needs. The State awards Prohousing status to communities that demonstrate leadership in reducing development barriers, accelerating housing production, and supporting a diverse range of housing opportunities. Fort Bragg’s designation signals to residents, developers, and partner agencies that the City is committed to fostering responsible housing development through thoughtful policy updates and supportive processes. The Community Development Department will continue its work to create a more accessible and efficient development pathway, ensuring that applicants can navigate requirements effectively and that housing projects are supported from concept through completion. This designation underscores the City’s proactive approach and demonstrates that even a small rural coastal community can take meaningful steps to address long‑standing housing challenges.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT SIGN UP FOR PAPERLESS BILLING! ALREADY HAVE AN XPRESS BILL PAY ACCOUNT? Step 1: Goto www.xpressbillpay.comand log in Step 2: Click “View Bill” under the account you would like to be paperless Step 3: Locate the “Paperless (O)” button Step 4: Click the button to turn “Paperless (On)”
REGISTER AND SIGN UP FOR PAPERLESS: Step 1: Goto www.xpressbillpay.com Step 2: Click “Sign Up” on the top of the screen Step 3: Fill in your email and password, then click in the “I’m not a robot” box and follow prompts Step 4: Complete the short registration form and click “Next” Step 5: Go to your inbox and open the verification email, click “Verify Email” and “Continue” to log in Step 6: Select your billing organization Step 7: Enter your account number and last name, then click in the box to opt in for paperless and select “Locate Bill” and select “Locate Account”
TURN ON AUTO PAY AND STOP WORRYING ABOUT BILLS! Ournewonlinebillpayoptionsavesyoutimeandgivesyoumoreflexibility in how you pay your bill. When you sign up for online bill payment you’ll create a secure password that you use to access your personal account at www.xpressbillpay.com.
MORE WAYS TO PAY Call(888)2632130to make a payment over the phone 24/7 using our Interactive Voice Response (IVR). This service is in English and Spanish.
FOR ASSISTANCE Call (801)692-0379 for help setting up or navigating your account.
PUBLIC SAFETY
JOIN OUR TEAM
2026 brought another wonderful National Night Out, giving law enforcement and community members the chance to step away from the usual day-to-day and simply connect. The evening was filled with good conversations, familiar faces, new connections, and plenty of opportunities to spend time with the residents, families, and local partners who make our community special. National Night Out is about more than just one evening: it’s about building relationships, strengthening neighborhood connections, and creating opportunities for law enforcement and community members to get to know one another. This year’s event was another great reminder that a safer and stronger community starts with connection, conversation, and showing up for one another. Want to be part of what comes next? Scan the QR code to learn more about starting a career with the Fort Bragg Police Department or apply to serve your community through our Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program. Whether you’re looking to kick-start a career in law enforcement or simply want to lend a hand and serve your community, there’s more than one way to get involved!
PUBLIC SAFETY
YOUTH DROP-IN CENTER
This month, Project Right Now launched our new Youth Drop-In Center at the C.V. Starr Community Center! The space provides TAY (Transitional Aged Youth) ages 15–24 with a welcoming, judgment-free place to hang out, connect, and enjoy a variety of activities, including games, a free mini library, art supplies, and more. In addition to recreational activities, we offer supportive resources such as referrals, SMART Recovery, and connections to other community services. The Youth Drop-In Center is open Mondays from 3:00–5:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1:00–4:00 p.m. You do not need to be receiving services through Project Right Now to visit; any TAY youth ages 15–24 is welcome to stop by, hang out, and enjoy the space!
PARKS & CV STARR RECREATION
PARKS & CV STARR RECREATION
CV STARR PARKS & RECREATION
PARKS & CV STARR RECREATION
PARKS & CV STARR RECREATION