Yea Rev 2025
MESSAGEFROMTHECITYMANAGER
DearFortBraggResidentsandBusinessOwners,
HappyNewYear andwelcometo2026.Ihopeyouwereabletoslowdownovertheholidays,spend timewithfamilyandfriends,andenjoywhatmakesthisplacespecial—ourcoastline,ourredwoods,and thestrongsenseofcommunitythatshowsuphereeveryday.OnbehalfoftheCityofFortBraggandCity Council,thankyoufortheprideyoutakeinourtownandforthemanywaysyousupportoneanotherand ourlocalbusinesses.
Lookingbackon2025,wemaderealprogresstogether butwealsohadsometoughstretches.The recentwinterstormshitourstreetshard,andmanyofyouhavehadtonavigatepotholes,roughroad conditions,andrepairs Weknowthebroadbandconstructionhasaddedtothedisruption torn-up sectionsofroadway,detours,andahardertimegettingaroundforresidents,visitors,andbusinesses If you’vefeltfrustrated,you’renotalone.We’veheardyou,andwetakethoseimpactsseriously.
In2026–27,wewillprioritizerepairingstreetsimpactedbyrecentworkandfollowaclearplantoensure streetandsidewalkrestorationmeetsthestandardthiscommunitydeserves.Whiletheconstruction impactsarereal,webelievethelong-termpayoffwillbeworthit:alocallyownedbroadbandutility builtfor FortBragg,operatedhere,anddesignedtodeliverreliable,moreaffordableinternetforresidentsand businesses,alongwithneweconomicdevelopmentopportunitiesforourcommunity
Hereareafewhighlightsfrom2025:
MillSitePlanningandMOU
CityCouncildirectedashifttoacooperativeMillSitestrategy pursuingaMasterDevelopment Agreement(MDA)andLocalCoastalProgram(LCP)amendmentasapracticalpathforward Following thelitigationstay,theCityadvancedPhases1and2,combiningdecadesofplanningwithnewanalysisby Economic&PlanningSystems(EPS).WesharedtheDraftMillSiteDevelopmentStrategyatapublic workshopandrefinedtheillustrativeplanthroughthreecommunitymeetings.
We’recontinuingtoworkwithMendocinoRailwaytoaddresslong-standingissues,advancethe CategoricalExclusion(CatEx)processandanMOU,andkeepprogressmovingtowardrezoninganda clear,community-informedfutureforthesite AMillSiteandeconomicdevelopmentsurveywillbe availableinearlyQ12026onlineandincludedwithutilitybilling—yourinputwillhelpguidenextsteps
DowntownFortBraggandeconomicvitality
Economicdevelopmentremainedacentralpriority TheCity’sEconomicDevelopmentDepartment continuedsupportinglocalbusinessesthroughourBEARStrategy—BusinessExpansion,Attraction,and Retention—whilestrengtheningdowntownvitality In2025,weexpandedbusinesstoolsandresources, strengthenedprogramsliketheFortBraggBusinessBoostFund,andadvancedfaçadeimprovement grantstoreinvestinourcommercialdistricts Wealsomadevisibleimprovementsdowntown—adding wayfindingsignage,expandingmuralsintheCentralBusinessDistrict,andenhancingbeautificationwith hangingflowerbaskets
WesupportedsignaturegatheringslikeTheLongestTableandcontinuedgrowingtheCity’sevents calendarincludingtheBluesFestival,whileadvancingpoliciestoactivatedowntown,includinglaunching ourEntertainmentZoneframework Toaddresspersistentvacancies,theCityCouncilalsoapproveda VacantStorefrontRegistryOrdinancetobringfocusandaccountabilitytolong-termvacantproperties.
Housing:increasingsupplyandremovingbarriers
Housingremainedacriticalfocusin2025.TheCityappliedfortheState’sPro-housingDesignationand advancedpracticalreformstoreducebarriers suchaswaivingminimumparkingrequirements, expandingministerialdesignreviewwhereappropriate,andstreamliningprocessestoimprove predictabilityandtimelines.
CityCouncilalsoapprovedtwomajorhousingprojects:86newmarket-rateunitsand45affordableunits importantstepstowardexpandinghousingoptionsforarangeofincomes.
Municipalbroadband:autilitybuiltforFortBragg
In2025,theCityacquiredMendocinoCoastNetwork(MCN) bringinglocalbroadbandoperationsunder communityownershipandpositioningFortBraggtooperatebroadbandasatruepublicutilityfocusedon service,reliability,andlong-termcommunitybenefit.Constructionisunderway,andwearetargeting completionoftheprimarybroadbandbuildbyMarch2026.
This$16.9millioninvestmentinMunicipalbroadbandwillsupportsmallbusinesses,enableremotework, expandaccesstoeducationandtelehealth,andstrengthenFortBragg’scompetitivenessforbusiness attractionandretention.
ImprovingserviceatCityHall
InsideCityHall,wefocusedonimprovingthecustomerexperienceandincreasingefficiency.We increasedouropeninghoursandcreatedaPublicExperienceLiaisonpositiontohelpresidentsand businessesnavigateCityservices,andwecontinuedimplementingAccelatostreamlinelicensingand permitprocessing.Wealsoexpandedplan-checkandinspectioncapacitythrough4Leaftoreducedelays.
In2026,wewilllaunchbusinesslicensemodernizationtomakeapplying,renewing,andpayingonline easierandmoreuser-friendly.
Strongfinancialfooting
Financially,theCitymaintained30%GeneralFundreservesandinvestedover$3millionintothe Section115Trusttoprepareforlong-termpensionobligations.Toaddresschallengesidentifiedin theCity’smulti-yearforecast,theCityCouncilplacedMeasuresTandUontheNovember2024 ballot,andvotersapprovedbothmeasureswith$13millionofadditionaltaxrevenues strengtheningtheCity’sabilitytoprovidecriticalservicesandremainfinanciallyresilient Our commitmenttostrongfinancialpracticeswasalsorecognizedthroughtheGFOABudgetAward andExcellenceinFinancialReporting.
InvestinginourCityteam
Noneofthisworkhappenswithoutthepeoplewhoshowupeveryday—oftenbehindthescenes— toserveFortBragg.Inthelastcoupleofyears,wemadeadeliberateinvestmentinourcultureand inthelong-termstrengthofourorganization:expandingtrainingandprofessionaldevelopment, strengtheningteambuilding,andimproving oneteamwithsharedstandardsandshare
Wealsotookconcretestepstosupport retentionandstabilitythroughCOLA adjustmentsandlong-termlaboragreements, whileexpandingwellnessinitiatives because ahealthy,supportedteamisessentialtoa high-performingCity.Mostimportantly,we’re buildingaculturerootedinourvalues: accountability,professionalism,respect,and continuousimprovement.
ThankyoutoourCityCouncil
IalsowanttorecognizeandthankourMayorJasonGodeke,ViceMayorMarciaRafanna,and CouncilmembersLindyPeters,ScottHockett,andTessAlbin-Smith-fortheirleadershipand steadycommitmenttoFortBragg.ServingontheCityCouncilisvolunteerpublicservice,andit requirescountlesshoursofpreparation,communityconversations,anddifficultdecision-making oftenoutsideofregularworkandfamilytime.I’mgratefulforthetimetheygive,thecarethey bringtothiswork,andtheirdedicationtodoingwhat’sbestforourcommunity.
ReflectingonmysecondyearasCityManager,I’mtrulygratefulfortheopportunitytoserveFort Bragg.MyfamilyandIhavecalledthisplacehomeforthepast12years,andIfeelluckytolivehere, raiseourkidshere,andbepartofacommunitythatcaressodeeplyaboutoneanother.
Whatinspiresmemostistheopportunityinfrontofus especiallywiththeMillSiteredevelopment. It’saonce-in-a-generationchancetothoughtfullyaddresslong-standingcommunityneeds: expandinghousingoptions,strengtheningourlocaleconomy,openspace,improvingpublicaccess andinfrastructure,andshapingawaterfrontthatreflectsFortBragg’svaluesandournextchapter. Doneright,thisworkcandeliverreal,lastingbenefitsforresidents,families,andlocalbusinesses.
Thankyouforyourtrust,yourfeedback,andyourpartnership.Iwillcontinuetoleadwithurgency, care,andaccountability andI’llkeeppushingtoensurewe’renotonlyaddressingtoday’sneeds butsettingFortBraggupforthenextgeneration.
Withgratitudeandoptimism,
Isaac Whippy
CityManager
OURCOREVALUES OURMISSION OURVISION
FortBraggisasmalltownnestledbetweenthecoastandtheredwoodswithastrong senseofcommunitythatseekstopreserveitsenvironmentwhileprovidingresilientpublic facilitiesandinfrastructureandsupportingasafeandvibranteconomic,multi-cultural, andrecreationalexperienceforbothlocalsandvisitorsalike.
ACaliforniacoastaldestinationwithrichnaturalresourcesandruggedbeauty,is transformingourfuturebyweavingtogetherourpeople,ecosystems,andeconomyto createcommunityprosperity.Wearemakingourmarkinthe21stCenturybycreating climate-readywaterandenergyindependence,housingandeconomicopportunities, accessiblehealthcare,communitypublicsafety,andeducationforall
INNOVATION SERVICE-ORIENTED
Drives our city forward, encouraging creative solutions and continuous improvement by embracing new ideas and technologies to enhance quality of life.
COLLABORATION
Nourish civic pride and celebrates the diversity of our city and the meaningful municipal services that our residents and businesses rely on
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
FAIR & ETHICAL
Principles and practices, Fort Bragg promotes an inclusive community culture of unity and equality that openly invites everyone to enjoy our unique coastal enclave.
HONESTY & INTEGRITY
Emanate throughout our community to engender the trust, transparency, responsibility, and accountability that our citizens deserve.
CITYCOUNCIL
OnAugust11,2025,theCityCouncilapproved providing$40,000fromPoliceAsset ForfeitureFundstotheMendocinoCoast HumaneSociety.Withthissupporttheycan continuetoprovideintake,medicaltreatment, andadoptionservicesforstrayand surrenderedanimals!
FortBragg'scutestresidentsarealways lookingforvolunteers,fosters,andthose wishingtoadopt. Visittheirwebsitetoday: https://mendocinohumane.org/
MayorGodekeonbehalfoftheCityofFort Braggproudlypresenteda$58,000checkto theFortBraggFoodBank,followingCity CouncilapprovalonJuly14,2025
Thisfunding madepossiblethroughtheCity’s FY2024-25budgetsurplus willstrengthen foodsecurityservicesforFortBraggresidents andhelptheFoodBankcontinueitsincredible workservingfamiliesacrossourcommunity
AbigthankyoutotheFortBraggFoodBank teamfortheirtirelesseffortsinensuringno neighborgoeshungry.Forvolunteer opportunitiespleasevisit: https://wwwfortbraggfoodbankorg/
CITYMANAGER DOWNTOWNREVITALIZATION
1.CENTRALBUSINESSDISTRICTDOWNTOWNIMPROVEMENTGRANTS
FaçadeImprovementGrantsarehelpingstrengthenthelookandvitalityofourdowntownbypartnering directlywithlocalbusinessesonexteriorupgrades.Throughthisprogram,eligiblepropertyandbusiness ownerscanapplyformatchinggrantsofupto$25,000tosupportimprovementssuchaspaint,lighting, signage,windows/doors,accessibilityenhancements,andothercurb-appealupgradesthatmake storefrontsmoreinviting.Thesereinvestmentssupportsmallbusinesses,improvetheoverallstreetscape, andcontributetoamorevibrant,walkableCentralBusinessDistrict.
2.FORTBRAGGBUSINESSBOOSTPROGRAM
TheFortBraggCityCouncilapproved$650,000toestablishtheFort BraggBusinessBoostFund arevolvingloanfunddesignedtohelp localbusinessesaccessaffordablecapital.
Smallandmedium-sizedbusinessesoftenfacerealbarriersto financing,includinghighinterestrates,strictqualification requirements,andlimitedtraditionallendingoptions Intoday’s economicclimate wherecostsarerisingandcreditmarketsremain tight thesechallengesfallhardestonsmallerenterprises Formany businesses,affordablecapitalcanbethedifferencebetween expanding,maintainingoperations,orclosingtheirdoors.The BusinessBoostFundisintendedtohelpfillthatgapbyprovidinga practical,localresourceforbusinessesworkingtogrowandremain resilient.
In2025,theprogrambegandeliveringresultsbyassistingtwolocal businesseswithaccesstothisfund supportingreinvestment, stability,andjobretentionrighthereinFortBragg.Thisinitiativealso buildsontheprovenimpactoftheCity’sCDBGBusinessAssistance Program,whichhelpedfundsixlocalbusinesses,createdorretained 13jobs,andstrengthenedlocaleconomicactivity.
LoanProgramDetails:
InterestRate:2.5%-4%+Loan UnderwritingFees
RepaymentTerms:2–5years
LoanAmounts:Minimum
$10,000Maximum$200,000
Formoreinformation/application
PleasecontactourEconomic DevelopmentTeam: lpeterson@fortbragg.com smcormick@fortbragg.com (707)9612823Ext.108 416N.FranklinStreet,FortBragg,CA 95437
3.DOWNTOWNBEAUTIFICATION-HANGINGFLOWERBASKETS
ToenhancethelookandfeelofourCentralBusinessDistrict,theCityalso introducedhangingflowerbasketsalongkeydowntowncorridors.Thesebaskets addcolor,warmth,andcurbappeal helpingcreateamorewelcoming,walkable environmentforresidents,shoppers,andvisitors It’sasimplebutvisible investmentthatsupportslocalprideandcomplementsourbroaderdowntown revitalizationefforts,includingmurals,wayfinding,andfaçadeimprovements
CITYMANAGER
DOWNTOWNREVITALIZATION
4.DOWNTOWNBUSINESSROUNDTABLE-FIRSTWEDNESDAYOFEACHMONTH Tostrengthencommunicationandpartnershipwithourdowntowncommunity,theCitylaunched aDowntownBusinessRoundtablein2025heldonthefirstWednesdayofeachmonth.Thisforumis designedasalisteningsessionwherebusinessownerscanshareconcerns,ideas,andon-thegroundfeedbackdirectlywithCityleadershipandstaff.TheRoundtablehelpsusstayconnected toreal-timeconditionsdowntown,identifyissuesearly,andcollaborateonpracticalsolutionsthat supportavibrantandresilientlocaleconomy.
5.MURALS-PUBLICART
TheCityofFortBraggwasproudtounveilthe TheGrayWhaleMuralinKelp,designedbyLarry FosterandpaintedbyMartaAlonsoCanillar—atNorthCoastBrewingCompanyinAugust2025.This incrediblepiecebecameourlargestmuraltodateandmarkedamajormilestoneintheCity’s DowntownRevitalizationwork.
ThismuralwaspartofourpartnershipwiththeAlleyArtsProjecttoexpandpublicartdowntown celebratinglocalidentity,enhancingkeycorridors,andcreatingamorevibrant,walkableCentral BusinessDistrict.
SpecialthankstoLiaWilsonandNorthCoastBrewingCompanyforhelpingbringthisvisiontolife. Lookingahead,theCityplanstoaddthreemoremuralsin2026,continuingthismomentumand expandingpublicartinmeaningful,visibleways.
CITYMANAGER
DOWNTOWNREVITALIZATION
6.ENTERTAINMENTZONE
FortBragg’sEntertainmentZone(EZ)isanevent-basedtooltohelpactivatedowntown,support localbusinesses,andcreateamorevibrant,walkableCentralBusinessDistrict.Theprogramwas madepossiblethroughCaliforniaSenateBill969,whichexpandedtheabilityforcitiestoestablish designatedentertainmentzonestiedtocommunityevents.Locally,theFortBraggCityCouncil approvedadowntownEntertainmentZonepilotonSeptember22,2025,settingtheframeworkfora well-managedprogramwithclearboundariesandrules.
Importantly,FortBragg’sEZcanonlybeactivatedwhenpairedwithotherCity-approvedevents, ensuringitisusedintentionallyandwithappropriatecoordinationandoversight.Whenactivated, theEZoperatesFridaythroughSunday,12:00p.m.to9:00p.m.TheCitylaunchedtheEntertainment ZoneinNovember2025,andtheinitialrolloutwasahugesuccess,demonstratinghowthoughtful downtownactivationcanboostfoottrafficandenhancetheoverallexperiencewhilemaintaining clearexpectationsforsafetyandcompliance.
CITYMANAGER
InMay2025,FortBragghosteditsinauguralFortBraggBluesFestival,bringingthreedaysoflive musicanddowntownenergytothecommunity KickingoffalongsideFirstFriday,thefestival helpedactivatetheCentralBusinessDistrict drawingresidentsandvisitorsintolocalvenues, restaurants,andshopsandcreatingthekindoflively,welcomingatmospherethatsupports smallbusinessesandcommunitypride.
Buildingonourstrongfirstyear,theCityisexcitedtowelcometheBluesbackwiththeSecond AnnualFortBraggBluesFestival,May1–3,2026,continuingthemomentumandgrowingthisevent intoanannualtraditiononthecoast.
CITYMANAGER COMMUNITYBUILDINGEVENTS
THELONGESTTABLE
TheLongestTablebeganasasimple,powerfulideathatstartedinNewYorkCity oneeveningeach year,alongtableissetinapublicspaceandneighborsareinvitedtosittogether,shareameal, andhaverealconversations Thegoalisstraightforward:reduceisolationandbuildconnection oneseatatatime.
HereinFortBragg,welaunchedTheLongestTableinOctober2025,andtheideaquicklytookona lifeofitsownbecauseitfitswhoweare.Itbecameameaningfuldowntowngatheringwhere families,friends,andnewfacessatside-by-sideandwereremindedthatcommunityisn’t somethingwetalkabout it’ssomethingwepractice It’smeaningfulbecauseitcreatesspacefor belonging:youdon’tneedaninvitation,youdon’tneedtoknowanyone youjustshowup,and you’repartofit.Momentslikethat sharingatable,alaugh,aconversation arewhatmakeFort Braggfeellikehome.
Lookingahead,theCityisexcitedtobringbackTheLongestTablein2026andbuildonthe momentumwithasecondgatheringthatcontinuesstrengtheningconnectionandcommunityin theheartofdowntown.
HOUSING
OURBIGGESTHOUSINGDEVELOPMENTINADECADE
In2025,theCityofFortBraggachievedmajormomentumonhousing advancingbothmarketrateandaffordableprojectswhiletakingconcretestepstomakeiteasiertobuildhousinglocally. TheCityapprovedan83-unithousingdevelopmentonSouthMainStreet,withapprovalssecured fromboththeFortBraggCityCouncilandtheCaliforniaCoastalCommission Thisproject representsthefirstnewmarket-ratehousingonthecoastindecadesandisanimportantstep towardexpandinghousingoptionsandincreasingoverallsupply.
TheCityalsoadvanced45unitsonHazelwoodfocusedonseniorandlow-incomehousing, helpingaddresstheneedsofresidentsonfixedincomesandstrengtheninghousingstabilityfor someofourmostvulnerablecommunitymembers.
HOUSING PRO-HOUSINGDESIGNATION&REDUCINGBARRIERS
IncreasinghousingsupplyremainedatopCityCouncilpriorityin2025,alignedwiththeCity’s 2024–2028StrategicPlangoalofadding200+housingunitsby2026.WithFortBragg’sgrowing appealasaplacetolive,retire,andwork andapersistentshortageofbothrentalandfor-sale homes theCitytookconcretestepstoreducebarriers,improvecertainty,andaccelerate housingapprovals
Tosupportthiswork,theCityusedARPAfundingthatwasreallocatedfollowingacommunity prioritiessurvey dedicating50%($800,000)towardhousing-relatedefforts,includingordinance updatesandtheCity’sPro-HousingDesignationinitiative.InOctober2024,CityCouncildirected stafftopursuePro-HousingDesignationthroughtheState,aprogramthatrewardscitiesfor adoptingzoningandlandusepracticesthatmakehousingeasier,cheaper,andfastertobuild andexpandseligibilityandcompetitivenessforstatehousingandinfrastructurefunding.
Key2025actionstoqualifyforPro-HousingDesignationincluded:
Parkingreformtosupporthousingfeasibility(March24,2025):CityCounciladoptedan ordinanceestablishingdensitybonuslawparkingrequirementsforallmultifamilyhousing projects,regardlessofwhetheraffordableunitsareincluded.Thisreducedregulatoryburden andremovedacommoncostdriverinmultifamilydevelopment.
KeepinglocalcodesalignedwithStatehousinglaw(June9,2025):CityCounciladopted zoningupdatesforboththecoastalandinlandcodesreflectingnewandevolvingState requirementsrelatedtoemergencyshelters,grouphomes,low-barriernavigationcenters, supportivehousing,andupdatesconnectedtodensitybonusprovisions. Morepredictableapprovalsthroughobjectivestandards+ministerialdesignreview(June 23,2025):CityCouncilapprovedchangesrequiringministerialdesignreviewformultifamily housingandupdatedtheCitywideDesignGuidelinestoincludeobjectivestandardsfor multifamilyprojects helpingimproveclarity,consistency,andapprovaltimelines.
Beyondpolicychanges,theCityalsocompletedthetechnicalgroundworkneededtoapply reviewingandself-certifyingcompliancewithkeyStatehousingandCEQAstreamlining requirements,includingtimeframesunderthePermitStreamliningActandnewerCEQAprovisions thatcanreducedelayandlegalriskforqualifyinginfillmultifamilyprojects.
Whythismatters:Pro-HousingDesignationismorethanalabel—it’sapathwaytoresources.If awarded,FortBraggbecomeseligibletopursueadditionalstatefundingopportunitiesandcan receiveprioritypointsorprocessinginseveralcompetitiveprograms.TheCityisalsopositionedto applyforthePro-housingIncentiveProgram(PIP)(Round4),withapplicationsdueMarch31,2026, andtobemorecompetitiveforprogramssuchasAHSC,IIG,andotherhousingandinfrastructure grants
Together,theseactionsreflectacleardirection:FortBraggisreducingredtape,increasing predictability,andusingavailablefundingstrategicallytosupporthousingproductionandlongtermcommunitystability.
VISITFORTBRAGG
THELONGESTTABLE
FortBraggsfirsteverlongesttable eventtookplacethisSeptemberand communityconnectionswere strengthenedthroughasharedmeal andopenconversation.
ENTERTAINMENTZONE LAUNCHPARTY
ThefirsteverFortBraggEntertainment Zoneincludedalaunchpartyon Franklinstreettocelebratethisnew waytoconnectwithoneanotherwhile supportinglocalbusinesses.
THEMAGICMARKET
TheMagicMarketwasa spooktaculareventthisyear includingcostumecontests, Magicalvendorsandincredible liveperformances
WINTERWONDERLAND
Theannualtreelighting,Festivalof TreesandSanta’sarrivalattheguest housemadeforajoyousnightforall involved!
VISITFORTBRAGG
THEFORTBRAGGBLUES FESTIVAL
TheFirstAnnualFortBraggBluesFestival wasthebiggestpartyoftheyear.Blues loversfromalloverflockedtothecoastto joinourlocalaficionadosinthelargest musicfestivalFortBragghaseverseen!
SUMMERKICKOFF
TheSummerKickoffcelebratedthearrival ofsunnydaysandthestartofsummer vacationforlocalkids!
4THOFJULYFIREWORKS
Ourannualfireworksshowoverthe pacificoceangatheredthecommunity undersparklingskies!
FIESTALATINA
ThisannualcelebrationofLatinxculture (putoninpartnershipwiththeLatino Coalition)celebratestreasuredtraditions, whilecreatingnewmemoriesforthe communityatlarge!
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BUSINESS-FRIENDLYPOLICYCHANGES-BEARSTRATEGY
AdvancingaStrongerLocalEconomy
In2025,theCityproposedasetofbusiness-friendlypolicychanges—someadoptedandothers stillinprocess—focusedonmakingiteasierforbusinessestostart,grow,andstayinFortBragg. TheseeffortswereshapedthroughmultipleCityCouncildiscussionsandalignwiththeCity’s 2024–2028StrategicPlanprioritytoinvigorateeconomicopportunityandcommunityvibrancy To strengthenthiswork,theCityManagercreatedadedicatedEconomicDevelopmentDepartment inJuly2024,guidedbytheCity’sBEARframework BusinessExpansion,Attraction,andRetention. Buildingonthatfoundation,theCityevaluatedtargetedupdatestoaddresslong-term commercialvacancies,improvezoningflexibility,streamlinepermits,andcreateamore supportiveenvironmentforentrepreneursandsmallbusinessowners.
KeypolicydirectionsandactionsreviewedwithCityCouncilincluded:
ZoningCodeModernization:Exploringupdatestolandusetablestoallowabroaderrangeof businesstypesacrossmorezoningdistricts,simplifyingpermitfindings,andincreasingthe numberofviablelocationsfornewandexpandingbusinesses.TheCityalsodiscussed consolidatingcommercialzoningdistrictstoreducecomplexityandbettermatchmarket realitieswithavailablestorefronts.
SupportforStartupsandSmallFootprintBusinesses:Consideringa“smallstartup”approach thatwouldallowverysmallbusinesses(under500squarefeet)tooperateinmorelocations— especiallyinareaswithhighervacancies—helpingactivateunderutilizedcommercialspaces andlowerbarriersforfirst-timeentrepreneurs.
PermitStreamliningforEvents(LimitedTermPermits):Reviewingimprovementstothe LimitedTermPermit(LTP)processtoreduceadministrativeburden,improvepredictability,and supportcommunityevents potentiallyincludingasimplifiedpathwayforsmallereventsand longer-termpermitsforrecurring,well-establishedevents.
AdministrativeReformofMinorUsePermits:Evaluatingchangestomakecertainpermits trulyadministrative,usingclearchecklistsandobjectivecriteriatoreduceprocessingtimeand avoidunnecessarydelaysforlow-impactuses.
MoreFlexibilityforLegacyandNon-ConformingBusinesses:Consideringamendmentsthat wouldallowlong-standingbusinessesmoreabilitytoexpandwithintheirexistingfootprintor parcel,providedhealthandsafetystandardsaremet supportingretentionandreinvestment withoutforcingbusinessestorelocate.
FireSprinklerOrdinanceReview(InProcess):Initiatingathoughtfulreviewoffiresafety requirementswiththegoalofbalancingpublicsafetywiththepracticalrealitiesof rehabilitatingoldercommercialbuildings.Earlyconceptsdiscussedincludedmodernfire alarmmonitoringoptions,retainingsprinklerrequirementsfornewbuildings,andrefining triggerstiedtohigher-riskoccupancies workthatremainsongoing.
Together,thesepolicyconsiderationsreflectadeliberateshifttowardreducingredtape, increasingpredictability,andsupportinginvestmentindowntownandcommercialareas allwith thegoalofgrowinglocaltaxrevenue,increasingbusinessactivity,andcreatingjobswhile maintainingappropriatepublicsafetyandcommunitystandards.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
EXPANDINGCAPACITYFEEDEFERRALSFORSMALL BUSINESSES
In2025,theCityexpandeditsWaterandWastewaterCapacityFeeDeferralProgramtohelp small,locallyownedbusinessesreduceupfrontcostswhenopening,reinvesting,orexpanding —whilestillprotectingthefinancialhealthofourutilityenterprisefunds.Capacityfeesensure growthpaysitsfairshareforinfrastructure,butforsmallbusinessestheycanbeamajor barrieratthefrontend.
Buildingonasuccessfuldowntownpilot,CouncilexpandedtheprogrambeyondtheCentral BusinessDistricttoincludeadditionalcommercialzones(CG,CH,andCN),aligningwiththe City’sStrategicPlanandBEAReconomicdevelopmentstrategies.Theprogramsupports eligiblelocalbusinessesacrosssectorssuchasfoodservice,retail,arts,tourism, neighborhood-servingservices,andlow-impactartisan/lightmanufacturing.
Whyitmatters:Bydeferring ratherthanwaiving capacityfees,FortBraggislowering barriersforsmallbusinessestooccupyandimproveexistingcommercialspaces,encouraging infillandadaptivereuse,supportingdowntownandneighborhoodactivity,andstrengthening localjobcreationandeconomicvitality Thisapproachhelpsmakeiteasierforbusinessesto investinFortBraggwhilemaintainingthefinancialstabilityneededtokeepcriticalwaterand sewerinfrastructureontrack.
Importantly,theprogramdefersfees—itdoesnotwaivethem.Deferralsareavailableforupto fiveyears,securedthroughrecordedagreements,andcappedannually(recommended $200,000/year)toensurefiscalsafeguardsandcompliancewithSB937
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
TheCityofFortBraggisbuildinganunderground,fiber-to-the-premise,broadbandnetworkthat willbeownedandmanagedlocallyforthecommunity’sbenefit.This+/-$15millionprojectis supportedwith$10.3millioningrantfundsfromtheCaliforniaPublicUtilityCommissionandwill resultinincreasedreliabilityandspeeds,whileloweringprices.Thegoalifthisinitiativeisto supporteconomicdevelopment,educationandhealthcare
TheCity’slast-milenetworkwillconnecttotheState’smiddle-mileinfrastructurethroughajointbuildagreement–asignificantsteptowardconnectingruralCaliforniansandclosingthedigital divide
NUMBERS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BLUEECONOMYINITITIVES
TheCityisparticipatinginaregionalpartnership–theNoyoOceanCollective–committedto investingresourcestounderstandhowblueeconomyopportunitiescouldreinvigorateour economy.TheWorldBankdefinestheblueeconomyas“thesustainableusesofoceanresources foreconomicgrowth,improvedlivelihoods,andhobswhilepreservingthehealthofocean ecosystems.https://noyooceancollective.org/learn/
BEVRIPlanningInitiativeProgresses:ThepurposeoftheNoyoHarborBlueEconomyVisioning, ResiliencyandImplementationPlanistocreatearoadmapforcoastalresiliencywithinthe harbor–balancingenvironmentalstewardshipwitheconomicvitality.Ourworkingwaterfrontis anintegralpartoflocalculture,andavaluableassetwhenconsideringfutureblueeconomy investment.Overthepastyearwe’vebeengatheringbaselinedataonexistingsocial,economic, physical,andenvironmentalconditionsoftheharborandidentifyingblueeconomyopportunities andlimitations.Wearealsoidentifypotentialadaptationandresiliencymeasures,andasuiteof potentialprojects,partnersandfundingmechanismsforimplementation. https://noyooceancollective.org/bevri/
CaliforniaSeaGrant:TheCityhostedCaliforniaSeaGrantMendocinoCoastExtensionSpecialist foranotheryear.JamiMillerhasbeentakingtheleadonanAquacultureFeasibilityStudy,and partoftheBEVRIPlan.Thisproof-of-conceptanalysiswillhelpdeterminewhetherPacificoysters, redabalone,purpleseaurchin,andbullkelpsurviveandgrowinNoyoHarbor.Theresultsofthis studywillbecoupledwithinformationonregionalrestorationandcommercialopportunitiesto determinewhichtypesofaquacultureoperationsareenvironmentally,economically,and sociallyfeasible. https://noyooceancollectiveorg/aquaculture feasibility/
NUMBERS
CaliforniaCoastalAccelerator:Thisyear,theCityofFortBraggwasinvitedtoparticipateinthe CaliforniaCoastalAcceleratorinitiative,whichseekstoadvancehigh-impactcoastalresilience projectsandsupportkeyleadersinfivecoastalcommunities:Oceanside,SantaBarbara,Santa Cruz,Alameda,andFortBragg.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BLUEECONOMYINITITIVES
CaliforniaCoastalAccelerator:Thisyear,theCityof FortBraggwasinvitedtoparticipateintheCalifornia CoastalAcceleratorinitiative,whichseekstoadvance high-impactcoastalresilienceprojectsandsupport keyleadersinfivecoastalcommunities:Oceanside, SantaBarbara,SantaCruz,Alameda,andFortBragg.
PCORInitiative:TheCitycontinuestosupportthestatewide PacificCoastOceanRestoration(PCOR)initiative.PCORis“a networkofpartnersaimedatcatalyzing,coordinating,and implementingmarinerestorationeffortstorecovercriticalrocky reefandkelpforesthabitat,andassociatedspeciesinCalifornia”. Thiseffortincludesfundingthedevelopmentofcurriculumat MendocinoCoastCollegeforaworkforcedevelopmentpilot program.https://noyooceancollective.org/rocky-reefrestoration-workforce/
NorthCoastKelpFest:BullKelp(Nereocystisluetkeana)growsupto60feetinoneseason,to reproduceandbewashedawaybywinterstormseachyear Bullkelpforestsarethe foundationofournearshorerockyreefecosystemandinrecentyearsthisecosystemhas collapsed.ThesecondannualNorthCoastKelpFestwasheldinOctober,bringingart,science, foodandfilmtogethertolearnaboutthekelpcrisisandrestorationeffortstakingplace.The kick-offeventatFortBragg’sTownHalltoshowcasedregionalblueeconomyeffortstodatefollowedwithaFirstFridaykelpthemedartwalk,andaclosingeventatNorthCoastBrewingto unveilFortBragg’slargestmuralyet,GreyWhaleinKelp https://www.northcoastkelpfest.org/whats-up-with-kelp
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
YourCity.YourImpact.YourTimetoShine. ��
TheCityofFortBragghaslaunchedaNEWVolunteerPlatformwithVolunteerCentral andwe’re lookingforneighborsreadytorolluptheirsleevesandmakeadifference!FromhelpingatEvents �� toplantinginourparks �� tosupportingcommunityprograms �� there’saspotfor EVERYONE.
Here’showitworks: Createyourprofileonline. Choosetheopportunitiesthatmatchyourskillsandinterests. Getreadytobepartofsomethingbigger.
We’rekickingoffabusyseasonofeventsandprojects,andwe’dlovetoseeYOUonthevolunteer team! ��
�� Signupnow:https://volunteer.fortbraggca.gov/
PARKS& CVSTARR
DEPARTMENTALHIGHLIGHTS:
TheCVStarrhassomanyaccomplishmentstobe gratefulforthispastyear Thecompletionof replacingtheNorthSideSkylightsishuge.Since 2020wehavebeentryingtofindacompanywho couldtakethisprojecton.AspecialTHANKYOU,to CarlosHernandezformakingthisprojecthappen. Therearealsotwoverybigprojectsinprogressas wecometothecloseof2025-HVACreplacement fortheNatatoriumandtheSolarprojecttaking placeinourparkinglot.Theseprojectsalongwith theskylightswillcreateamoreenergyefficientand financiallysustainablefacility.
TEAMACHIEVEMENTS:
Likeothers,theCVStarrhashaditchallengingmoments,thispastyear.AstheCenteroperates7 daysa-week,staffingcanbechallengingattimes.Wehavebeenwithouttwoofourteam membersinmaintenanceforseveralmonths Duringthistime,everyone,fromSupervisorstofront deskstafftolifeguardshavesteppedupandpitchedintofillthevoid.Havingeveryonepitchinto helphasstrengthenedtheworkingrelationshipsamongdepartments.Ithasalsogiveneachofus abetterunderstandingofwhattheotherdepartmentsdo.Seeingco-workersgooutoftheirway tohelpeachotheristrulysomethingtobegratefulfor.
PARKS& CVSTARR
COMMUNITYIMPACT:
TheCVStarrismostproudofthepartnershipswehaveestablishedwiththeNoyoHighandLight HouseSchool,alongwiththepartnershipwecreatedwithEveryChildisaSwimmerFoundation. OurpartnershipwiththeschoolswasmadepossiblebyagrantfromtheCommunityFoundation ofMendocinoCounty,thegrantwasforthe"UnderservedYouthWellnessProgram" ThisGranthas allowedstafftoworkwithboththeNoyoHighandLightHousestudentstwotimesaweek.Staff andstudentsworksidebysidetolearntheproperuseofgymequipmentandbodymechanics. ThestudentsarealsoworkingwithstaffintheCompetitionpooltolearnproperswimmingstokes andvariousskillsneededtobecomealifeguard.
PartneringwithEveryChildisaSwimmerfoundationhasallowedustoofferFREEswimlessonsto allfamilies,whoqualify.Severalfamilieshavetakenadvantageofthisprogram,andwehope morewillinthecomingyear.Oursecond-gradeswimprogramisinits38thyear.Tessie Branscombcontinuestoteachswimlessonstoall2ndgradersinourcommunity.Throughoutthe yearsecondgradeclassroomsarebroughttotheStarrCenterduringschoolhours,wherethey eachreceive2weeksoffreeswimlessons.Thesefundamentallyswimlessonsarecriticalliving hereonthecoast
Tocloseouttheyear,TheCVStarrpartneredwith Parents&Friendstobringthe2ndannual Oktoberfestfestivaltothecommunityandthen partneredwithseveralCommunitygroupstobring theannualTrunk-or-Treattoover1200children.
PARKS& CVSTARR
MENDOCINOCOMMUNITY NETWORK(MCN)
MUNICIPALBROADBAND(MCN)-LOCALOWNERSHIP, COMMUNITYIMPACT
InJuly2025,theCityofFortBraggacquiredMCNtoserveasthe foundationforaCity-ownedfiber-opticinternetserviceprovider (ISP).Theprojecttimelineincludescompletingfiberconstructionby March2026,followedbycustomertransitionstothenewfiber networkinsummer2026.TheCity’sgoalisstraightforward:deliver reliable,affordableinternetthatislocallycontrolledand community-owned soFortBragghasservicewecancounton andadigitalfutureshapedhereathome.
ForaruralcommunitylikeFortBragg,thisinvestmentisaboutfarmorethanfasterspeeds.A modernfibernetworksupportseconomicdevelopmentbyhelpinglocalbusinessescompete, attractingnewentrepreneurs,andmakingdowntownandindustrialareasmoreviablefor investment.Italsoexpandsopportunitiesforremotework,allowingresidentstolivehereandwork anywhere helpingfamiliesstayinthecommunitywhilebuildingcareers.Reliablebroadband strengthensaccesstotelehealth,makingiteasierforresidentstoconnectwithspecialistsand serviceswithoutlong-distancetravel.Anditenhanceseducation,publicsafety,andoverallquality oflife helpingclosethedigitaldivideandensuringourcommunitycanthriveinamodern economy.
Withconstructionontracktobe completedinMarch2026,we’re lookingaheadtoanexciting milestone:launchingFortBraggFiber andtransitioningcustomerstothe newcitywidefibernetworkinSummer 2026.
Tosignup/stayconnected: https://www.mcn.org/signup/
NETWORK(MCN)
DEPARTMENTALHIGHLIGHTS
2025wasayearoftransition,adjustment,andintegrationforMendocinoCommunityNetwork.On July1,MCNwasacquiredbytheCityofFortBragg,positioningtheorganizationforlong-term publicownershipwhilemaintaininguninterruptedservicetothecommunity.
Followingtheacquisition,MCNtransitionedoperationsintoCitysystemsandmethods.This includedtransferofownership,onboardingstaffintoCityprocedures,aligningjobdescriptions, andaddressingemployeeprioritiessuchasbenefits,leavepolicies,andunionconsiderations. MCNalsocompletedafullresetoffinancialoperations,includingestablishingnewbankaccounts, ACHandcreditcardprocessing,andtransitioningvendorpaymentstoCitymethods.
Amajor,time-sensitiveeffortinvolvedensuringthatcustomersreceivingterrestrialinternetservice outsidecitylimitscompletedrequiredLAFCodocumentation.Despitethescaleofthiseffortand firmdeadlines,allaffectedcustomersweresuccessfullytransitionedwithoutservicedisruption.
MCNmaintainedstableoperationsacrossitsserviceportfolio,includingFusionandComptche DSL,OpenAirfixedwireless,OpenAirX-Press,DigitalVoice,email,andhosting.Theintroductionof OpenAirX-PressallowedcustomerswhocouldnotbeservedbytraditionalOpenAirtoremain withMCN,andalsoprovidedmeaningfulspeedimprovementsforFusioncustomersattheendof longlineswhereservicehadbeenslowest.
Networkimprovementsincluded:deploymentofOpenAirconnectionsusinglow-latency millimeter-wavetechnology,anetworkredesignintheBoatYardshoppingcenterthatimproved reliabilityandspeed,aswellastheinstallationofanewfirewalltobetterprotectMCN’scolocationfacility.Late-yearstormscausedisolatedinfrastructurechallenges,butresponse planningandstaffpreparednessminimizeddowntime.
MCNcontinuedtosupporttheCity’sfiberprojectbyparticipatinginconstruction-phasemeetings, coordinatingwithvendorsonfiberelectronicsandcustomerequipment,securingpoweratthe headend,andpreparingoperationalsystems.Technicaltrainingforstaffisscheduledtobegin afterthenewyear.
MCNisalsopreparingapre-signupandwaitinglistforfiberservice,allowingresidentsand businessestoregisterinterestandhelpensureanefficientandequitablerolloutasconstruction progresses.
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MENDOCINOCOMMUNITY NETWORK(MCN)
COMMUNITYIMPACT
MCN’scommunityimpactisreflectednotonlyinlargeinfrastructureefforts,butinmanysmall, everydayactionsthatimprovequalityoflifeacrosstheMendocinoCoast. Fromhelpingfamiliesmaintainreliableinternetsotheycanremainclosetoilllovedones,to enablinghouseholdswithoutcellservicetostayconnectedthroughDigitalVoice,toupgrading serviceforsmallbusinessesastheygrow,MCNprovidesessentialservicesthatsupportresidents, businesses,andcommunityinstitutions.Individuallytheseeffortsmayseemmodest,buttogether theyrepresentsignificantandongoingcommunitybenefit.
MCNcontinuestoserveruralcustomers,remoteworkers,smallbusinesses,emergencyservices, andschools TheCity’sacquisitionofMCNhasbeenpositivelyreceived,asresidentsrecognizethe valueofalocallyownedandaccountableinternetproviderasfiberservicebecomesavailablein FortBragg.
DigitalVoiceservicescontinuedtoexpandin2025,includingadoptionbycustomerswhoreceive internetservicefromotherproviders.Thishasallowedcustomerstoretainlandline-styleservice withmodernfeaturesatlowercost,improvingaffordabilityandreliability
MCNalsorespondedproactivelytoincreasedphishingandemailsecuritythreatsbyeducating customersandissuingalerts.Directaccesstotrustedlocalstaffhelpedspreadawarenessquickly andreducerisk.
TEAMACHIEVEMENTS
MCN’steamofapproximatelyeighttoninestaffmemberssupportsthousandsofcustomersanda diverserangeofservices.Staffarehighlycross-trainedandroutinelytakeonmultiplerolesto ensurecontinuityandreliability.
DespitethecomplexityofthetransitiontoCityownershipandincreasedworkloads,theteam maintainedservicequality,professionalism,andastrongsenseofcommunitystewardship. Leadershipcontinuitywasstrengthenedduringthetransition,nostaffdeparturesoccurred,and MCNemergedstableandwell-positionedforthefuture.Asonestaffmembernoted,evenduringa stressfulanduncertaintransition,theworkremainedgroundedintherightmission:delivering affordable,reliable,locallyaccountableconnectivityfortheMendocinoCoast.
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NETWORK(MCN)
BROADBANDDIRECTOR
OnSeptember22,2025,theCityofFort Braggproudlywelcomeditsnewest teammember SageStatham ashe tookhisOathofOffice.Sagejoinsthe organizationastheCity’sfirstDirectorof BroadbandandDigitalInfrastructure!
CityManagerIsaacWhippyhashiredSagetoassistinlaunchingFortBragg’snewmunicipal broadbandinitiative,acriticalsteptowardexpandinghigh-speedinternetaccessand strengtheningthecommunity’sdigitalinfrastructure.
WhilethisisSage’sfirsttimeworkingfortheCity,it’snothisfirstexperiencewithMCN.Hebegan asatechnicianwithMCNin1997andlaterservedasitsManagerfornearlyadecade,bringing awealthofknowledgeandleadershiptothisnewrole.
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PUBLIC
CHIEFERICSWIFT
OnDecember1,2025,TheCityofFortBraggandtheFortBraggPoliceDepartmentwelcomedour newChiefofPolice,ChiefEricSwift!ChiefSwiftbringsawealthofexperience,strongleadership, andacommitmenttocommunity-centeredpolicing.ChiefSwifthadbeenservingastheCity’s InterimChiefduringaperiodoftransitionwhiletheCityconductedacompetitiverecruitment processthatincludedcommunityengagement,suchaspublicinputopportunitiesand meetingswithfinalists.
ChiefSwiftbrings20+yearsoflawenforcementexperience,includingpriorserviceasaMajor withtheClarkeCountySheriff’sOffice(Georgia),aLieutenantwiththeNapaCountySheriff’s Office,andmorethanadecadeinvariousroleswiththeSantaRosaPoliceDepartment
Welookforwardtoworkingtogethertocontinuebuildingtrust,safety,andcollaboration throughoutFortBraggaswemoveinto2026!
PUBLIC NEWOFFICERS-
OfficerJameswassworninonSeptember5th, OfficerJameswasofficiallysworninwiththeFort BraggPoliceDepartmentaftersuccessfully graduatingfromtheButteCollegeLawEnforcement Academy.Whenaskedwhatinspiredhimtopursue thispath,OfficerJamessharedthatheisthefirstin hisfamilytoenterlawenforcement,groundedinthe strongmoralsandstandardsneededtoservehis community.OnDecember10,2025,OfficerJames completedhisfieldtrainingandisnowactingasa sololevelofficer.
OfficerMartinezwassworninonJuly21,Officer Martinezhasalonghistorywiththedepartmentand previouslyheldthepositionofCommunityServices Officerpriortobeingsponsoredthroughthepolice academybytheCityofFortBragg.OfficerMartinez graduatedfromtheCollegeoftheRedwood AcademyonJuly10thandcompletedherfield trainingprograminSeptemberof2025.
OfficerPachecobeganherFieldTraininginJanuary of2025.ShecompletedhertraininginMayof2025 andhasbeenperformingasasololevelofficer since!OfficerPachecobeganasacommunity servicesofficerandwaslatersponsoredthroughthe academyasapolicerecruit!Amandaisalocaland hasbeenlivingintheFortBraggareaforthelast24 years.Amandaattributesherpassionforlaw enforcementtohergrandfather.
PROMOTIONS-
OnJanuary21,2025,OfficerFrankwaspromoted andswornintotherankofSergeant.Priortohis promotion,SergeantFrankreceivedseveral accoladesincludingtheMothersAgainstDrunk Driving(MADD)CenturyAwardin2022andthe MADDAwardin2023 Hewasnominatedfor OfficeroftheYearin2022,receivedtheChief’s Awardin2023,andcompletedhisBachelor’sin CriminalJustice.In2025,hewasagain recognizedbyMADD(MothersAgainstDrunk Driving)forhisoutstandingworkingkeepingthe roadssafe
OnSeptember12,2025,McLaughlinwas promotedtotherankofCommanderwiththe department.McLaughlinhasproudlyservedwith theFortBraggPoliceDepartmentforover20 years.McLaughlinbeganhiscareerwithTheFort BraggPoliceDepartmentasaPoliceCadet, sworninasaCommunityServiceOfficerin2006, promotedtoPatrolOfficerin2008,androseto therankofSergeantin2015.
GRADUATION/TRAINING:
OnSeptember10,2025,SergeantWelter successfullygraduatedtheShermanBlock SupervisoryLeadershipInstitute(SBSLI)for Supervisors!Theprimaryfocusofthiscourseisto stimulatepersonalgrowth,leadership,and ethicaldecision-makinginCalifornialaw enforcementfront-linesupervisors.
PUBLIC CARERESPONSEUNIT
PROP47
TheCareResponseUnit(CRU)continued implementationoftheProposition47Grant programthroughouttheyear,expanding servicesalongtheCoastalMendocinoCounty corridorfromAlbiontoWestport.Through partnershipswiththeMendocinoCoast HospitalityCenter,theMendocinoCounty Sheriff’sDepartment,andtheMendocino PresbyterianChurch,CRUconductedconsistent weeklyoutreachinitiativesinMendocino Township,strengtheningcoordinated communitysupport.
In2025,Proposition47fundingsupportedfiveindividualsinTransitionalHousing.Thisprogram providesstabilityforjustice-involvedpeopleexitinglong-termhomelessnesswhileofferinga foundationtopursuesustainableincomethroughemploymentorSocialSecuritybenefits To furthercommunityinvolvement,Proposition47establishedaLocalAdvisoryCommittee(LAC)in 2024tohostpublicmeetingsandgatherlocalinput.Throughout2025,theLACfacedchallenges meetingregularlyduetoschedulingconflictsanddifficultyreachingaquorum.Lookingaheadto 2026,CRUwillpotentiallyopenanapplicationperiodtorecruitnewLACmembers,withthegoalof revitalizingcommunityengagementandexpandingopportunitiesforcollaboration.
EXTREME WEATHER SHELTER
TheExtremeWeatherShelterprovidedsupplementalemergencyshelterto638individualsfrom JanuarytoDecemberwhenlocalhousingresourceswereatcapacity.Fundingremainingfromthe 2024-2025seasonoperationswascarriedforwardintothe2025-2026season,allowingCRUto expandprogramcapacitybyimplementingavolunteermodel.Thisinitiativereducedstaffingcosts forweekendshelteroperations,enablingavailablefundstobereallocatedtoextendthelifeofthe programandincreaseaccesstosupplementalshelterforadditionalindividuals.
Inaddition,CRUsupportedprogramapplicantsseekingtemporaryshelterwhileawaitingplacement instablehousingoptions,includingHospitalityHouse,permanenthousing,orlonger-termfacilities bettersuitedtotheirmedicalorbehavioralhealthneeds.Followinginitialintake,CRUcontinued outreacheffortstoassistapplicantswithdevelopinghousingplansandconnectingtoservice providers,withthegoalofsecuringappropriateservicestohelpresolvehomelessness.
PUBLIC CARERESPONSEUNIT
PROJECT RIGHT NOW
ThisnewroundofProjectRightNowmarksanimportantstepinexpandingtheCareResponse Unit(CRU)withourimpactonschools,students,andfamilies.ProjectRightNowhasbeenmaking meaningfulprogressbybuildingstronglinesofcommunicationwithfourdifferentschoolsto betterunderstandandrespondtotheirstudents’needs.Throughconversationswithschools' staff,wehavebeguntoaddressthoseneedsbyconnectingstudentswithappropriateresources andsupports.Wehavealsoestablishedaconsistentpresenceoncampusbyholdingopen officehours,deliveringclassroompresentations,andassistingstudentswithresearchprojects. Theseeffortshavehelpedusbuildtrustwithstudents,increaseawarenessoftheprogram,and ensurethatsupportisaccessibleandresponsivetowhatstudentsareexperiencinginrealtime.
Inaddition,ProjectRightNowhasprioritizedfamilyandyouthvoicesbymakingthemacentral partoftheprogram’sdevelopment.ThroughourPanDulceandPláticameeting,wesuccessfully broughtparentsintotheconversationandcreatedaspacetolearnwhatfamilieswantfromthe programwhilealsohelpingthemunderstanditsgoalsandkeycomponents.Alongsidethis,we launchedaYouthAdvisoryBoardthatallowsustomeetdirectlywithstudents,gaintheirinsight, andincorporatetheirideasabouthowtheprogramcanbettersupporttheirclassmates. Together,theseeffortsensurethatProjectRightNowisshapedbythevoicesofourstudentsand communitytostrengthenourimpact.
TheFortBraggPoliceDepartmentreceivedtheirPOST2025Auditreviewprovidedby:LisaHolton POSTRegion1ManagerLawEnforcementConsultant.Theauditconcludedthefollowing:
AgencyRoster: "AllpersonnelhavebeenappropriatelydocumentedinEDI(ElectronicDataInterchange)"
SelectionStandards: Backgroundfileswereexaminedanddeterminedtobeincompliancewith"established selectionstandards". "Overall,thefileswereprofessionallyassembledandwellwritten"
FINANCEDEPARTMENT
TheFinanceDepartmentcontinuestochampionresponsiblefiscalmanagement,operational efficiency,andexceptionalpublicservice.InFY2025–2026,theDepartmentmadecritical advancementsinlong-termfinancialplanning,processmodernization,andrevenue enhancement eachalignedwiththeCity’s2024–2028StrategicPlan.
MAJORACCOMPLISHMENTS&INITIATIVES
WaterandSewerUtilityRateStudy
AcomprehensiveUtilityRateStudyisunderway—markingthefirstupdatesince2014—to evaluatelong-termratesustainabilityandensurethecontinuedreliabilityoftheCity’swater andwastewaterenterprisesystems
SmartWaterMeterReplacementProject
Successfullycompletedagrant-fundedchangeoutofallresidentialandcommercialwater meterstosmartmeters.EarlyleakdetectiontechnologyenabledtheCitytosave250,600cubic feetofwaterbynotifyingcustomersofleaksinrealtime.
ProcessImprovement&TechnologyModernization
Movingtoelectronicdocumentmanagementtoeliminatepaperandefficientlystore documents.
Cityiscollectingover70%ofutilitypaymentthroughautomatedprocess. Over800customershaveelectede-statements(paperless).
TransitionMCNFinanceFunctions
TransitionedMCNAccountsPayableandPayrollfunctionstotheCityFinanceDepartment
StaffDevelopment&OrganizationalGrowth
TwoEmployeesSpringbrookSoftwaretrainingtoimprovesystemefficiency. Threeemployeesattendedthe2025GFOAAnnualConferencetostayinformedonbest practicesingovernmentfinance.
Recognition&FinancialHealth
ReceivedtheGFOADistinguishedBudgetPresentationAward fortheCity’sFY2024Budget,reflectingtheCity’scommitmentto transparency,accountability,andexcellenceinfinancialreporting IncreasedGeneralFundreservesto30%
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTDEPARTMENT
COMMUNITYDEVELOPMENTDEPARTMENT
2025ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Reviewbuildingpermitsanddevelopmentprojects,ensure safetythroughbuildingcodesandinspections,guidelongtermplanningandzoning,supporthousingandcommunity improvementefforts,provideinformationandhelpresidents navigatethepermitprocess,andsomuchmore!
IsaacWhippy-ActingDirector
SarahPeters-AssociatePlanner
ValerieStump-AssistantPlanner
MariaFlynn-PermitTechnician
LisiHorstman-AdministrativeAssistant
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTDEPARTMENT
COMMUNITYDEVELOPMENTDEPARTMENT
Codeenforcementactivityin2025remainedcomplaint-driven,withmostcases initiateduponreceiptofacomplaint.Duringtheyear,theCityadoptedseveral updatestotheFortBraggMunicipalCoderelatedtocodeenforcement,includingthe RecoveryofEnforcementFeesOrdinanceandtheVacantPropertyOrdinance.The Cityalsocontractedwith4Leaftoassistwithfieldenforcementactivitiesandto leverageitsexpertisetoimprovelocalregulationsandinternalenforcementpolicies.
In2025,TheCityproudlylauncheditsEntertainmentZone,creatinganopencontainerareaintheCentralBusinessDistrict TheEntertainmentZoneisdesigned tobringpeopletogetherandenergizeourdowntown.Ifyouareinterestedin enactingtheEntertainmentZone,calltheCommunityDevelopmentDepartment (CDD)707-961-2827X111todaytolearnmore.
PlanningCommissionersappointedDavidJensenasChairandRichardNeilsasVice Chair.Commissionersmadedecisionson11PlanningPermitsand7Ordinance AmendmentsforupdatestoboththeInlandandCoastalLandUseandDevelopment Code.
OrdinanceAmendmenttopicsincluded:
Pro-HousingParkingRegulations
AccessoryDwellingUnits
EmergencyShelters
Pro-HousingDesignReview
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTDEPARTMENT
COMMUNITYDEVELOPMENTDEPARTMENT
TheCommunityDevelopmentDepartment(CDD)isstreamliningthepermittingprocesstomakeit fasterandmoreconvenientforyou!Applicantsnowhavetheflexibilitytochoosewheretheir permitsarerouted eitherdirectlytotheCountyBuildingDepartmentorto4Leaf,Inc.Thisadded optionhelpsreducedelays,improvesefficiency,andensuresyourprojectsmoveforwardwithout unnecessaryhurdles.
Byofferingmultipleroutingchoices,CDDiscommittedtodeliveringasmoother,quickerexperience forallyourpermittingneeds.TheCityofFortBraggislaunchinganewonlinepermittingplatform poweredbyAccela,designedtomakeapplyingforpermitssimple,efficient,andaccessiblefrom anywhere.Thismodernsystemstreamlinestheapplicationprocess,improvestransparency,and givesyoureal-timeupdates soyoucanspendlesstimeonpaperworkandmoretimeonyour project.CDDiscommittedtodeliveringafaster,smarter,andmoreconvenientpermitting experienceforourcommunity!FormoreinformationonwhenAccelawillbeavailableforyournext projectemailcdd@fortbraggca.gov
EVChargingStations(PoliceDepartment)–Completed installationoffourEVchargingstationswithsixcharging armstosupporttheCity’selectricpatrolvehicles.
PUBLIC
PARKS&COMMUNITYSERVICES
BainbridgeParkEnhancementProject–
CompletedsurfacingfortheWigglyGigglyPlayground andreopenedthisareatothepublic.Constructionisstillunderwayonexcitingnewfeatures, includingtwoartificialturfsoccerfields,astagepavilion,bathroomremodel,furniture,and landscaping improvementsthatwilltransformBainbridgeParkintoapremiercommunity destination.
STREETS
2025PavementProject–
Resurfaced72milesofcitystreetswithslurryseal,patching,andADA curbrampupgrades.
StopGapPavingProject–
Completedpatchpavingonseverelydegradedstreetsegmentsnot scheduledfornear-termimprovement,extendingroadwaylife.
CVSTARRCENTER
SkylightReplacement–Replaced southernskylightpanelsandserviced northernpanels,improvingnatural lightingandfacilitysafety.
PUBLIC
STORMWATER
NorthMcPhersonStreetEmergencyStormdrainRepair–
Replacedacollapsed30inchclaypipewithCHDPEpipe, preventingfurtherinfrastructurefailureaheadofwinter.
WASTEWATER
BiosolidsFeasibilityStudy–CompletedstudyrecommendingtheKomlineSandersonpaddle dryerasthemostfeasibleoptionforachievingClassAbiosolids,reducinghaulingcosts,and ensuringregulatorycompliance.
WATER
DistributionSystemMasterPlan–
Deliveredanassetmanagementplanwithaccuratemapping andprioritizedprojectstoguidefutureimprovements.
WaterMeterReplacementProject–
Replacedwatermetersinstalledin2007withnewunitsthat measurewatermoreprecisely,improvedleakdetection,andallowedremotecontrolfortimely serviceresponse.
WaterTreatmentPlantRehabProject–
Completedrehabilitationofthe treatmentplant,includingupgradesto filters,clarifiers,andpiping,liningofraw waterponds,anddemolitionofan obsoleteclarifiertoimprovereliability andefficiency.
INNOVATIONHIGHLIGHT
OnekaWavePoweredDesalinationBuoy–PartneredwithOnekaTechnologiestopilotCalifornia’s firstwavepowereddesalinationbuoyofftheFortBraggcoast Thisprojectprovidedadrought resilient,renewablesourceofdrinkingwaterwithoutfossilfuels.Itwasinnovativebecauseit harnessedthenaturalenergyofoceanwavestoproducefreshwater.Thebuoywasplannedfor deploymentin2026,positioningFortBraggasaleaderinsustainablewaterinnovation.
