MESSAGEFROMTHECITYMANAGER
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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https://www.city.fortbragg.com/departments/city-manager/city-managernews
FortBraggisasmalltownnestledbetweenthecoastandtheredwoodswithastrong senseofcommunitythatseekstopreserveitsenvironmentwhileprovidingresilientpublic facilitiesandinfrastructureandsupportingasafeandvibranteconomic,multi-cultural, andrecreationalexperienceforbothlocalsandvisitorsalike.
ACaliforniacoastaldestinationwithrichnaturalresourcesandruggedbeauty,is transformingourfuturebyweavingtogetherourpeople,ecosystems,andeconomyto createcommunityprosperity.Wearemakingourmarkinthe21stCenturybycreating climate-readywaterandenergyindependence,housingandeconomicopportunities, accessiblehealthcare,communitypublicsafety,andeducationforall
INNOVATION SERVICE-ORIENTED
Drivesourcityforward, encouragingcreative solutionsand continuous improvementby embracingnewideas andtechnologiesto enhancequalityoflife.
COLLABORATION
Nourishcivicprideand celebratesthediversityof ourcityandthe meaningfulmunicipal servicesthatourresidents andbusinessesrelyon.
Responsivetothepublic andtoeachotherto demonstrateourgenuine commitmenttocreatea FortBraggthatservesus todayandreadiesusfora successfultomorrow.
HONESTY & INTEGRITY
Emanatethroughoutour communitytoengenderthe trust,transparency, responsibility,and accountabilitythatour citizensdeserve.
FAIR & ETHICAL
Principlesandpractices, FortBraggpromotesan inclusivecommunity cultureofunityandequality thatopenlyinviteseveryone toenjoyouruniquecoastal enclave.
TURNINGTHETIDESEARTHDAYCLEAN-UPEVENT
AspartofournewTurningtheTidescitywidecleanupinitiative,Citystaffandourincredible volunteerscametogethertocelebrateEarthDaybycaringforoursidewalksandsharedspaces. Together,wepickeduplitter,clearedweeds,andrefreshedtheplacesweallenjoy.TheCityofFort Braggisproudtostandalongsideourcommunityinthiseffort:workinghandinhandtohelpmake ourtowncleaner,morebeautiful,andaplacewecanalltakepridein Thankyoutoeveryonewho showedup,rolleduptheirsleeves,andhelpedmakeFortBraggshine;yourdedicationtrulymakesa difference.
Throughthisprogram,wehopetoshowthepridewefeelinourcommunitythroughtangible change.“TheconceptofTurningtheTidesisaboutbuildingcommunityandprideinFortBragg,”said CityManagerIsaacWhippy.“Itstartswithus,leadingbyexample.Thisisaboutshowingwhat’s possiblewhenwetakeownershipofourcityandinvestinittogether,creatingrealmomentumfor thefutureweallwanttosee.”
Inadditiontoonthegroundcleanupefforts,TurningtheTideswillincludeacomplementary educationalcodeawarenesscampaigndesignedtohelpresidentsandbusinessesbetter understandpropertymaintenancestandards.Thefocuswillbeonoutreach,guidance,and voluntarycompliance:ensuringourentirecommunityhasthetoolsandinformationneededtohelp keepFortBraggsafe,clean,andthriving.TheEarthDayeventmarkstheofficiallaunchofTurningthe Tides,withmorecommunitydriveneventsplannedthroughouttheyear.
Weinviteyoutotakepartinshapingthefutureofthisinitiative.Laterthissummer,theCitywillhosta communitybrainstormingsessionfocusedonexpandingandrefiningtheprogramtobestmeetFort Bragg’sneeds.Bringthethingsyounoticeeveryday,shareyourideas,andhelpusbuildaplanfor meaningful,lastingchange Thisprogrambelongstothecommunity,anditsstrengthcomesfrom workingtogether.TheideasgeneratedthroughthisprocesswillguideourfallweeklongTurningthe Tidesevent,wherethecommunitywilljoinforcesonceagaintoprotectandpreservethenatural beautyofFortBragg.
Let’skeepthemomentumgoingasweworktogetherforacleaner,healthierenvironment:today,this fall,andbeyond.
TheFortBraggCityCouncilformally proclaimedApril19–25,2026National VolunteerWeek,honoringthe incredibleindividualswhoseservice strengthensandupliftsourcommunity everyday.Volunteersplayavitalrolein FortBragg’swellbeing:supporting emergencypreparedness, environmentalstewardship,youthand seniorprograms,artsandcultural activities,neighborhood improvements,andcountlessnonprofit andcivicefforts.Theirdedication, compassion,andgenerosityreflectthe verybestofourcoastalcommunity.
TheFortBraggCityCouncilproudly recognizedTessieBranscombwitha proclamationthankingherforher ifelongserviceandtheprofound, astingimpactshehasmadeonFort Bragg.
Formorethansixdecades,Tessiehas beenaguidingforceinaquatic safetyandeducation.Shebegan teachingswimlessonsinherearly yearsandneverstopped-helping thousandsofchildrengain confidenceinthewaterandfostering adeeprespectforaquaticsafety.
Herinfluencespansmultiplegenerations,withparents,children,andgrandchildrenall sharingstoriesoflearningtoswimunderherpatient,encouragingguidance.Shedoesthis withexceptionalenergy,passion,andkindnesswhichiswhysheisconsideredapillarofour communitybysomany
CityCouncilproudlypresentedHomeStyleCafe withanofficialproclamationcelebratingits40th anniversary.Thismilestonereflectsnotonly delicioushomestylecooking,butdecadesof heart,dedication,andtruecommunityspirit.
Forfortyyears,HomeStyleCaféhasbeenaplace whereneighborsgather,visitorsfeelwelcomed, andeveryoneistreatedwithkindnessand genuineMendocinoCoasthospitality.Their commitmenttogreatfood,warmservice,and supportingourlocalcommunityhasmadethem abelovedFortBraggstaple.
FortBraggCityCounciljoinscommunities nationwideinproclaimingAprilasSexual AssaultAwarenessMonth(SAAM),atime tostrengthenourcommitmentto creatingsafercommunitiesforall.This year’stheme,“25YearsStrong:Looking Back,MovingForward,”honorsthe resilienceofsurvivorsandthemany advocateswhohaveworkedforchange.
WearegratefulforProjectSanctuary, whichprovidestrauma‑informed, confidentialservices,a24/7crisishotline, emergencyresponse,andongoing supportforsurvivorsofdomesticviolence andsexualassault.Servicesarefreeand availabletoadultsandyouth12+.Ifyou needsupport,pleasecalltheir24/7crisis lineat(707)9644357. Preventionbeginswithallofus.
SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth
Honoringthe20thAnniversaryofCafé1
Cafe1waspresentedwithanofficial Proclamationcelebratingtheir20th AnniversarybytheFortBraggCItyCouncil.
Thisbelovedrestauranthasbroughtfresh flavor,andcommunityconnectiontoFort Braggforthepasttwodecades!Its’ welcomingenvironmentisareflectionof thevaluesoftheMexFamily,whowere inspiredtorunCafé1becauseitwould allowthemtospendmoretimetogether asafamily.Thatspiritoftogethernesshas shapedthewarmthandhospitalitythat guestsfeelthemomenttheywalkthrough thedoor
Honoringthe35thAnniversaryofKOZT“TheCoast.”
FortBraggCityCouncil,proudlyissued anofficialProclamationhonoringthe 35thAnniversaryofKOZT“TheCoast”a radiostationthathasamplifiedthe voicesofFortBragg
For35years,KOZThascelebratedthe creativity,resilience,andspiritofour NorthCoastcommunity,earning regionalandnationalrecognitionalong theway.Theirdedicationto independenceandlocalservice continuestomakeameaningfulimpact everysingleday.
OnApril13th,2026,CityCouncilReceivedaPresentationontheCaltransFortBraggADA Project.
OnApril13th,2026,CityCouncilProclaimedAprilNationalVolunteerMonth.
OnApril13th,2026,CityCouncilPresentedaProclamationHonoringTessieBranscombin RecognitionofaLifetimeofServiceandDedication.
OnApril13th,2026,CityCouncilPresentedaProclamationHonoringthe40thAnniversary ofHomeStyleCafé.
OnApril13th,2026,CityCouncilProclaimedthemonthofAprilasSexualAssault AwarenessMonth.
OnApril13th,2026,CityCouncilAdoptedaResolutionAssigningtheCityManagerasthe Representative‑Signature‑CertifierSecurityRolefortheUSDAOnlineApplicationIntake SystemforTelecommunicationsPrograms.
OnApril13th,2026,CityCouncilAdoptedaJointCityCouncil/MunicipalImprovement DistrictResolutionAmendingtheFY2025/26BudgetforMidYearBudgetAdjustments.
OnApril13th,2026,CityCouncilReceivedandFiledtheMinutesofthePublicWorksand FacilitiesCommitteeMeetingofFebruary12,2026.
OnApril13th,2026,CityCouncilApprovedtheMinutesoftheSpecialMeetingofMarch23, 2026.
OnApril13th,2026,CityCouncilApprovedtheMinutesoftheMarch23,2026Meeting.
OnApril13th,2026,CityCouncilApprovedtheMinutesoftheSpecialMeetingofMarch30, 2026.
OnApril13th,2026,CityCouncilReceivedaReport,ConductedaPublicHearing,and AdoptedaResolutionAmendingtheFortBraggInlandGeneralPlanbyAdoptingthe2019 HousingElementAmendment(GPA1‑26),findingtheactionExemptunderCEQA§15061(b) (3).
OnApril13th,2026,CityCouncilHeldaDiscussionRegardingAssemblyBill2494, ModernizingOurForestSystem
OnApril13th,2026,CityCouncilHeldaDiscussionandTookActionRegardingH.R.22,the SafeguardAmericanVoterEligibilityAct(SAVEAct).
OnApril13th,2026,CityCouncilReceivedaReportandAdoptedaResolutionEstablishing the“LeadingtheNextWaveofLeaders”YouthInternshipandYouthCouncilProgram.
OnApril13th,2026,CityCouncilReceivedaReportandAdoptedaResolutionApprovinga WaiverofLimitedTermPermitFeesforEventsintheCentralBusinessDistrict
OnApril27th,2026,CityCouncilPresentedaProclamedMay1–8,2026asRhododendron Week.
OnApril27th,2026,CityCouncilPresentedaProclamationHonoringthe20thAnniversary ofCafé1.
OnApril27th,2026,CityCouncilPresentedaProclamationHonoringthe35thAnniversary ofKOZT“TheCoast.”
OnApril27th,2026,CityCouncil, AdoptedaResolutionApprovingEmergencySewer RepairsatNorthHarborDriveandAuthorizedtheCityManagertoExecuteaContractwith AkeffConstructionServices,Inc.inanAmountNottoExceed$19,450,andApprovedBudget Amendment2025/2611,findingtheprojectCategoricallyExemptunderCEQA§15301.
OnApril27th,2026,CityCouncilAcceptedtheCertificateofCompletionforthePolice DepartmentSecurityRetrofitProjectandDirectedtheCityClerktoFiletheNoticeof Completion.
OnApril27th,2026,CityCouncilAdoptedaResolutionApprovingaListofProjectsforFiscal Year2026–27FundedbySB1,theRoadRepairandAccountabilityActof2017.
OnApril27th,2026,CityCouncilAdoptedaResolutionApprovingtheFirstAmendmentto theProfessionalServicesAgreementwithLumos&Associatesforthe30PercentDesignof theLPPCandidateSurfaceImprovementProjectandAuthorizedtheCityManagerto ExecutetheContractAmendmentinanAmountNottoExceed$180,050,findingtheproject ExemptunderCEQA§15301(c).
OnApril27th,2026,CityCouncilReceivedandFiledtheMinutesoftheCommunity DevelopmentCommitteeMeetingofMarch2,2026.
OnApril27th,2026,CityCouncilReceivedandFiledtheMinutesoftheVisitFortBragg CommitteeMeetingofMarch10,2026.
OnApril27th,2026,CityCouncilApprovedtheMinutesoftheSpecialMeetingofApril13, 2026.
OnApril27th,2026,CityCouncilApprovedtheMinutesoftheApril13,2026CityCouncil Meeting.
OnApril27th,2026,CityCouncilReceivedaReport,HeldaPublicHearing,andIntroduced byTitleOnly,WaivingFurtherReading,OrdinancesRepealingandReplacingVarious ChaptersofTitle15(BuildingandConstruction)oftheFortBraggMunicipalCode,Adopting UpdatedCaliforniaBuildingStandardsCodes,AdoptingLocalFindings,andMakingRelated TechnicalandAdministrativeAmendments,findingtheactionExemptunderCEQA §15061(b)(3).
OnApril27th,2026,CityCouncilReceivedaReport,HeldaPublicHearing,andIntroduced byTitleOnly,WaivingFurtherReading,anOrdinanceAmendingChapter15.06oftheFort BraggMunicipalCodetoRequireSprinklerInstallationinBuildingswithBuildingPermits withCumulativeValuationsof$125,000orMore.
OnApril27th,2026,CityCouncilReceivedaReportandAdoptedaResolutionProviding DirectiononTransitioningfromCashPurchasetoaFleetLeaseProgramfortheCityofFort BraggVehicleReplacementProgram.
OnApril27th,2026,CityCouncilReceivedaReportandProvidedDirectionRegarding OptionstoImproveCommunityAwarenessofLargePendingDevelopmentProjectsinFort Bragg.
OnApril27th,2026,CityCouncilReceivedtheExtremeWeatherShelter2025–26Season Report.
BAINBRIDGE PARK GRAND OPENING
TheCityofFortBraggproudlycelebratedthegrandopen ofthenewlyremodeledBainbridgePark,andourcommu showedupinfullforce!MayorJasonGodeke,CityCounc partnersfromCaliforniaStateParks,andexcitedresident gatheredtoofficiallycuttheribbonandwelcomethisvib newspacebacktolife.
Whatfollowedwasafulldayofmusic,food,facepainting andfamily-friendlyfun.Kidsracedacrossthenew fields, familiesexploredtheupgradedplaygroundandamenitie andneighborsenjoyedthebrandnewpaviliontogether. wasexactlywhatBainbridgeParkwasredesignedtobe: placeforcommunity,connection,andplay.
Thistransformationistheresultofnearlyadecadeof planning,publicinput,andpartnership.Thankstomorethan $2millioninProposition68StateParksgrants,theCity deliveredmajorimprovements,includingamultiusepavilion andstage,newartificialsurfacesoccerpitches,upgraded lighting,saferplaygroundsurfacing,refreshedlandscaping, andthoughtfulnewfeaturesthroughoutthepark.
Hundredsofresidentshelpedshapethisprojectthrough masterplanning,workshops,anddesignsessions,ensuring theparkreflectswhatFortBraggfamilies,teens,and multigenerationalusersvaluemost.
TheCityextendsheartfeltthankstotheprojectteam, contractors,designpartners,localartisans,andespeciallyour hardworkingPublicWorkscrewwhosededicationmade openingdayshine.
Thegrandopeningwasn’tjustacelebrationofaremodel:it wasacelebrationofwhat’spossiblewhenacommunity comestogether.BainbridgeParkisnowopen,welcoming, andreadyforyou.Comeenjoythenewspace,reconnectwith neighbors,andexperienceoneofthemanywaystheCityof FortBraggisworkingtocreateopportunitiesandenhance qualityoflifeforallourresidents Keepaneyeoutforexciting newoppritunitiesforyouandyourfamilytoenjoyatthepark thissummer!
ConstructionisnowunderwayonthelonganticipatedCaltransFortBraggADAProject,a$9.5 millioninvestmenttoimprovepedestriansafetyandaccessibilityalongthefulllengthofthe Highway1corridorthroughFortBragg.Workbeganthisweekandisexpectedtocontinuethrough spring2027.
TheprojectincludesnewADAcompliant sidewalks,upgradedstormdrains,and updatedpedestrianpushsignalsspanning fromtheHighway20junctiontoWestElm Street.Theseimprovementsfollowseveral yearsofcoordinationwiththeCity’s PlanningCommission,CityCouncil,andthe CaliforniaCoastalCommission.Theproject receiveditsCoastalDevelopmentPermitin August2023
Aspartoftheproject’spublicoutreach commitments,Caltranshostedanopen houseonApril28atTownHall.Community memberswereabletoreviewconstruction phasing,askquestionsaboutanticipated trafficimpacts,andviewdesignelements includingtheplannedmuralsatHighway1 andthelargemosaicinstallationsatthe SouthEntrancetotheCoastalTrailon CypressStreet.Attendancewassteady throughouttheevening,withresidents, businessowners,andlocalstakeholders stoppingintolearnmoreaboutthework nowunderway.
Caltranshasindicatedthatminortrafficdela asconstructionprogresses.Theagencywillc helpresidentsandvisitorsplanaroundworkzones.Membersofthepublicwithquestionsabout construction,access,orprojecttimingareencouragedtocontactCaltransdirectlyorvisitthe projectwebsiteat:https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-1/d1-projects/d1-fort-bragg-ada.
Did you know?
All electrical and roofing permits start at City Hall?
TheCityofFortBraggisenhancingitsservicesbyimplementingAccela,apowerful platformaimedatstreamlininginteractionsbetweencitizensandthecity'sCommunity DevelopmentDepartment(CDD).Whiletheupcomingcitizenportalwillenableresidents tosubmitapplicationsonlineefficiently,intheinterim,thecityhasprovidedconvenient alternativesforsubmittingnecessarydocuments.Residentscaneitheremailtheir applicationsandsupportingdocumentstocdd@fortbraggca.govorphysicallydrop themoffattheCDDcounter.
ThisinitiativeunderscoresFortBragg'scommitmenttoimprovingaccessibilityand efficiencyinitsadministrativeprocesses,ensuringresidentsreceivetimelyassistance andsupportwiththeirdevelopmentprojects.Staytunedformoreupdatesasthecity continuestoinnovateandimproveitsservices.
COMMUNITYINVOLVEMENT
OntheApril25 SergeantFerris andOfficerMooreparticipatedin “PoliceStoryTime”attheFort BraggMendocinoCountyLibrary. th
Onthe18 OfficersandCRU participatedinthere-openingof BainbridgeParkwheretheyserved hotdogsandcottoncandy.
AspartofourongoingrecruitmenteffortOfficerArellanovisitedboththeButte CollegeLawEnforcementAcademyandtheCollegeoftheRedwoodsLaw EnforcementAcademy.Whilethereheengagedwithcadets,inanefforttosecure high-qualityrecruitsbeforetheygraduate.Visitsliketheseallowthedepartmentto connectwithpotentialfutureofficersandshowcasetheagency’sculturesand valuespriortohiring.Thedepartmentwillbecontinuingtheseeffortswithplansto attendanupcomingjobfairinMay.
Thismonth,theCareResponseUnit(CRU)andProjectRightNow(PRN)teamstayed activeinthecommunity,strengtheningpartnershipsandexpandingoutreachtobetter supportyouthacrossMendocinoCounty.OnehighlightwasthePinolevillePomoNation andNewLifeClinic’s“APromiseMade”eventattheUkiahValleyConferenceCenter, whichbroughttogetherprovidersdedicatedtoupliftingyoungpeoplewhilehonoring culturalrootsandcommunityidentity.
Jenni,ournewestSocialService Liaison,presentedontheCare ResponseUnit,outliningthe differentpartsofourprogram andshowcasingtheprojectswe areinvolvedinthroughoutthe county.Wealsogainedvaluable insightintoinlandand south‑coastserviceproviders, helpingusbuildabroader understandingofcountywide resourcesthatcanlatersupport studentswhomoveortransition betweencommunities.
Additionally,SocialService LiaisonsDaniandJennitabledat thehighschoolbeforeprom, offeringNarcanandtalkingwith studentsabouttheservicesour programprovides.
Thisoutreachisanimportant partofourwork;notonlyarewe equippingstudentswith lifesavingresources,butweare alsocreatingopportunitiesto buildtrust,answerquestions, andconnectwithyouthwho maynotnormallyseekout support.Itwasameaningfulway toengagewithstudentsduring abusyandexcitingtimeofyear.
