Title
Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign a letter outlining the County’s priorities and challenges for submission to Mr. Alan Moore, Norcal Regional Deputy Director of External Affairs, Office of Governor Newsom.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors individually met with Alan Moore, NorCal Regional Deputy Director of External Affairs for Governor Newsom, to share their District’s key concerns. While each District has its unique challenges, the Supervisors highlighted several shared priorities that reflect the broader issues facing the County and rural communities as a whole. These conversations are summarized in a follow-up letter urging the Governor’s Administration to take rural realities into account when developing statewide policies and programs.
The concerns discussed during the meetings with Mr. Moore included the availability and affordability of homeowners insurance in fire-prone areas, the high cost of fuel and utilities, and the challenges of complying with affordable housing mandates and the conflict they present with other State regulations. The County’s proactive work on wildfire preparedness and homelessness and progress on a permanent Navigation Center were also discussed. Transportation funding and planning was another area of concern, with rural infrastructure needs often overlooked in favor of urban- and transit-focused green initiatives that aren’t conducive to rural realities. Finally, the need for local control, whether it be in matters of housing, transportation planning, land use, or health and human services, was of utmost importance to our Board members.
Overall, the letter emphasizes that a one-size-fits-all approach to State policy often fails in rural counties like El Dorado, where terrain, distance, and local planning priorities demand greater flexibility and local control. The Board encourages continued dialogue and collaboration with the Governor’s Office to ensure policies reflect the lived realities of rural counties.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Letter.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Board of Supervisors
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact associated with this item.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Obtain the Chair’s signature on the letter and return it to Carla Hass for release to the Deputy Director of External Affairs.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Carla Hass, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer