April City Manager Round Up

CITY MANAGER ROUND UP APRIL 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

TURNING THE TIDES EARTH DAY CLEAN-UP EVENT

As part of our new Turning the Tides citywide cleanup initiative, City staff and our incredible volunteers came together to celebrate Earth Day by caring for our sidewalks and shared spaces.

Together, we picked up litter, cleared weeds, and refreshed the places we all enjoy. The City of Fort Bragg is proud to stand alongside our community in this effort: working hand‑in‑hand to help make our town cleaner, more beautiful, and a place we can all take pride in. Thank you to everyone who showed up, rolled up their sleeves, and helped make Fort Bragg shine; your dedication truly makes a difference.

Through this program, we hope to show the pride we feel in our community through tangible change. “The concept of Turning the Tides is about building community and pride in Fort Bragg,” said City Manager Isaac Whippy. “It starts with us, leading by example. This is about showing what’s possible when we take ownership of our city and invest in it together, creating real momentum for the future we all want to see.”

In addition to on‑the‑ground cleanup efforts, Turning the Tides will include a complementary educational code‑awareness campaign designed to help residents and businesses better understand property‑maintenance standards. The focus will be on outreach, guidance, and voluntary compliance: ensuring our entire community has the tools and information needed to help keep Fort Bragg safe, clean, and thriving. The Earth Day event marks the official launch of Turning the Tides, with more community‑driven events planned throughout the year.

We invite you to take part in shaping the future of this initiative. Later this summer, the City will host a community brainstorming session focused on expanding and refining the program to best meet Fort Bragg’s needs. Bring the things you notice every day, share your ideas, and help us build a plan for meaningful, lasting change. This program belongs to the community, and its strength comes from working together. The ideas generated through this process will guide our fall week‑long Turning the Tides event, where the community will join forces once again to protect and preserve the natural beauty of Fort Bragg.

Let’s keep the momentum going as we work together for a cleaner, healthier environment: today, this fall, and beyond.

CITY COUNCIL

PROCLAMATIONS

National Volunteer Week The Fort Bragg City Council formally proclaimed April 19–25, 2026 National Volunteer Week, honoring the incredible individuals whose service strengthens and uplifts our community every day. Volunteers play a vital role in Fort Bragg’s well‑being: supporting emergency preparedness, environmental stewardship, youth and senior programs, arts and cultural activities, neighborhood improvements, and countless nonprofit and civic efforts. Their dedication, compassion, and generosity reflect the very best of our coastal community.

Honoring Tessie Branscomb in Recognition of a Lifetime of Service and Dedication.

The Fort Bragg City Council proudly recognized Tessie Branscomb with a proclamation thanking her for her lifelong service and the profound, lasting impact she has made on Fort Bragg.

For more than six decades, Tessie has been a guiding force in aquatic safety and education. She began teaching swim lessons in her early years and never stopped- helping thousands of children gain confidence in the water and fostering a deep respect for aquatic safety.

Her influence spans multiple generations, with parents, children, and grandchildren all sharing stories of learning to swim under her patient, encouraging guidance. She does this with exceptional energy, passion, and kindness which is why she is considered a pillar of our community by so many

CITY COUNCIL

PROCLAMATIONS

Honoring Homestyle Cafe for 40 Year of Business City Council proudly presented Home Style Cafe with an official proclamation celebrating its 40th anniversary. This milestone reflects not only delicious homestyle cooking, but decades of heart, dedication, and true community spirit.

For forty years, Home Style Café has been a place where neighbors gather, visitors feel welcomed, and everyone is treated with kindness and genuine Mendocino Coast hospitality. Their commitment to great food, warm service, and supporting our local community has made them a beloved Fort Bragg staple.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Fort Bragg City Council joins communities nationwide in proclaiming April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time to strengthen our commitment to creating safer communities for all. This year’s theme, “25 Years Strong: Looking Back, Moving Forward,” honors the resilience of survivors and the many advocates who have worked for change.

We are grateful for Project Sanctuary, which provides trauma‑informed, confidential services, a 24/7 crisis hotline, emergency response, and ongoing support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Services are free and available to adults and youth 12+. If you need support, please call their 24/7 crisis line at (707) 964‑4357.

Prevention begins with all of us.

CITY COUNCIL

PROCLAMATIONS

Honoring the 20th Anniversary of Café 1 Cafe 1 was presented with an official Proclamation celebrating their 20th Anniversary by the Fort Bragg CIty Council.

This beloved restaurant has brought fresh flavor, and community connection to Fort Bragg for the past two decades! Its’ welcoming environment is a reflection of the values of the Mex Family, who were inspired to run Café 1 because it would allow them to spend more time together as a family. That spirit of togetherness has shaped the warmth and hospitality that guests feel the moment they walk through the door

Honoring the 35th Anniversary of KOZT “The Coast.”

Fort Bragg City Council, proudly issued an official Proclamation honoring the 35th Anniversary of KOZT “The Coast” a radio station that has amplified the voices of Fort Bragg For 35 years, KOZT has celebrated the creativity, resilience, and spirit of our North Coast community, earning regional and national recognition along the way. Their dedication to independence and local service continues to make a meaningful impact every single day.

CITY COUNCIL CORNER APRIL 2026

On April 13th, 2026, City Council Received a Presentation on the Caltrans Fort Bragg ADA Project.

On April 13th, 2026, City Council Proclaimed April National Volunteer Month.

On April 13th, 2026, City Council Presented a Proclamation Honoring Tessie Branscomb in Recognition of a Lifetime of Service and Dedication.

On April 13th, 2026, City Council Presented a Proclamation Honoring the 40th Anniversary of Home Style Café.

On April 13th, 2026, City Council Proclaimed the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

On April 13th, 2026, City Council Adopted a Resolution Assigning the City Manager as the Representative‑Signature‑Certifier Security Role for the USDA Online Application Intake System for Telecommunications Programs.

On April 13th, 2026, City Council Adopted a Joint City Council/Municipal Improvement District Resolution Amending the FY 2025/26 Budget for Mid‑Year Budget Adjustments.

On April 13th, 2026, City Council Received and Filed the Minutes of the Public Works and Facilities Committee Meeting of February 12, 2026.

On April 13th, 2026, City Council Approved the Minutes of the Special Meeting of March 23, 2026.

On April 13th, 2026, City Council Approved the Minutes of the March 23, 2026 Meeting.

On April 13th, 2026, City Council Approved the Minutes of the Special Meeting of March 30, 2026.

On April 13th, 2026, City Council Received a Report, Conducted a Public Hearing, and Adopted a Resolution Amending the Fort Bragg Inland General Plan by Adopting the 2019 Housing Element Amendment (GPA 1‑26), finding the action Exempt under CEQA §15061(b) (3).

On April 13th, 2026, City Council Held a Discussion Regarding Assembly Bill 2494, Modernizing Our Forest System On April 13th, 2026, City Council Held a Discussion and Took Action Regarding H.R. 22, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act).

On April 13th, 2026, City Council Received a Report and Adopted a Resolution Establishing the “Leading the Next Wave of Leaders” Youth Internship and Youth Council Program.

On April 13th, 2026, City Council Received a Report and Adopted a Resolution Approving a Waiver of Limited Term Permit Fees for Events in the Central Business District.

On April 27th, 2026, City Council Presented a Proclamed May 1–8, 2026 as Rhododendron Week.

On April 27th, 2026, City Council Presented a Proclamation Honoring the 20th Anniversary of Café 1.

On April 27th, 2026, City Council Presented a Proclamation Honoring the 35th Anniversary of KOZT “The Coast.”

CITY COUNCIL CORNER APRIL 2026

On April 27th, 2026, City Council, Adopted a Resolution Approving Emergency Sewer Repairs at North Harbor Drive and Authorized the City Manager to Execute a Contract with Akeff Construction Services, Inc. in an Amount Not to Exceed $19,450, and Approved Budget Amendment 2025/26‑11, finding the project Categorically Exempt under CEQA §15301.

On April 27th, 2026, City Council Accepted the Certificate of Completion for the Police Department Security Retrofit Project and Directed the City Clerk to File the Notice of Completion.

On April 27th, 2026, City Council Adopted a Resolution Approving a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2026–27 Funded by SB 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

On April 27th, 2026, City Council Adopted a Resolution Approving the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Lumos & Associates for the 30 Percent Design of the LPP Candidate Surface Improvement Project and Authorized the City Manager to Execute the Contract Amendment in an Amount Not to Exceed $180,050, finding the project Exempt under CEQA §15301(c).

On April 27th, 2026, City Council Received and Filed the Minutes of the Community Development Committee Meeting of March 2, 2026.

On April 27th, 2026, City Council Received and Filed the Minutes of the Visit Fort Bragg Committee Meeting of March 10, 2026.

On April 27th, 2026, City Council Approved the Minutes of the Special Meeting of April 13, 2026.

On April 27th, 2026, City Council Approved the Minutes of the April 13, 2026 City Council Meeting.

On April 27th, 2026, City Council Received a Report, Held a Public Hearing, and Introduced

by Title Only, Waiving Further Reading, Ordinances Repealing and Replacing Various Chapters of Title 15 (Building and Construction) of the Fort Bragg Municipal Code, Adopting Updated California Building Standards Codes, Adopting Local Findings, and Making Related Technical and Administrative Amendments, finding the action Exempt under CEQA §15061(b)(3).

On April 27th, 2026, City Council Received a Report, Held a Public Hearing, and Introduced

by Title Only, Waiving Further Reading, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 15.06 of the Fort Bragg Municipal Code to Require Sprinkler Installation in Buildings with Building Permits with Cumulative Valuations of $125,000 or More.

On April 27th, 2026, City Council Received a Report and Adopted a Resolution Providing Direction on Transitioning from Cash Purchase to a Fleet Lease Program for the City of Fort Bragg Vehicle Replacement Program.

On April 27th, 2026, City Council Received a Report and Provided Direction Regarding Options to Improve Community Awareness of Large Pending Development Projects in Fort Bragg.

On April 27th, 2026, City Council Received the Extreme Weather Shelter 2025–26 Season Report.

PUBLIC WORKS: ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT BAINBRIDGE PARK GRAND OPENING The City of Fort Bragg proudly celebrated the grand opening of the newly remodeled Bainbridge Park, and our community showed up in full force! Mayor Jason Godeke, City Council, partners from California State Parks, and excited residents gathered to officially cut the ribbon and welcome this vibrant new space back to life.

What followed was a full day of music, food, face painting, and family-friendly fun. Kids raced across the new fields, families explored the upgraded playground and amenities, and neighbors enjoyed the brand‑new pavilion together. It was exactly what Bainbridge Park was redesigned to be: a place for community, connection, and play.

This transformation is the result of nearly a decade of planning, public input, and partnership. Thanks to more than $2 million in Proposition 68 State Parks grants, the City delivered major improvements, including a multi‑use pavilion and stage, new artificial‑surface soccer pitches, upgraded lighting, safer playground surfacing, refreshed landscaping, and thoughtful new features throughout the park.

Hundreds of residents helped shape this project through master planning, workshops, and design sessions, ensuring the park reflects what Fort Bragg families, teens, and multigenerational users value most.

The City extends heartfelt thanks to the project team, contractors, design partners, local artisans, and especially our hardworking Public Works crew whose dedication made opening day shine.

The grand opening wasn’t just a celebration of a remodel: it was a celebration of what’s possible when a community comes together. Bainbridge Park is now open, welcoming, and ready for you. Come enjoy the new space, reconnect with neighbors, and experience one of the many ways the City of Fort Bragg is working to create opportunities and enhance quality of life for all our residents. Keep an eye out for exciting new oppritunities for you and your family to enjoy at the park this summer!

PUBLIC WORKS: ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY ON LONG PLANNED ROUTE 1 ADA IMPROVEMENTS

Construction is now underway on the long anticipated Caltrans Fort Bragg ADA Project, a $9.5 million investment to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility along the full length of the Highway 1 corridor through Fort Bragg. Work began this week and is expected to continue through spring 2027.

The project includes new ADA compliant sidewalks, upgraded storm drains, and updated pedestrian push signals spanning from the Highway 20 junction to West Elm Street. These improvements follow several years of coordination with the City’s Planning Commission, City Council, and the California Coastal Commission. The project received its Coastal Development Permit in August 2023.

As part of the project’s public outreach commitments, Caltrans hosted an open house on April 28 at Town Hall. Community members were able to review construction phasing, ask questions about anticipated traffic impacts, and view design elements— including the planned murals at Highway 1 and the large mosaic installations at the South Entrance to the Coastal Trail on Cypress Street. Attendance was steady throughout the evening, with residents, business owners, and local stakeholders stopping in to learn more about the work now underway.

Caltrans has indicated that minor traffic delays and temporary access impacts should be expected as construction progresses. The agency will continue providing updates throughout the project to help residents and visitors plan around work zones. Members of the public with questions about construction, access, or project timing are encouraged to contact Caltrans directly or visit the project website at: https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-1/d1-projects/d1-fort-bragg-ada.

PLANNING DEPARTMENT PERMITS

Did you know?

All electrical and roofing permits start at City Hall?

The City of Fort Bragg is enhancing its services by implementing Accela, a powerful platform aimed at streamlining interactions between citizens and the city's Community Development Department (CDD). While the upcoming citizen portal will enable residents to submit applications online efficiently, in the interim, the city has provided convenient alternatives for submitting necessary documents. Residents can either email their applications and supporting documents to cdd@fortbraggca.gov or physically drop them off at the CDD counter.

This initiative underscores Fort Bragg's commitment to improving accessibility and efficiency in its administrative processes, ensuring residents receive timely assistance and support with their development projects. Stay tuned for more updates as the city continues to innovate and improve its services.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Do you have a Business in Downtown Fort Bragg?

The City offers matching grants to help fund improvements: Signs

Matching Grants from $1,000 to $20,000

Flower Pots Window Display Equipment & Lighting Much More!

Questions?

(707)961-2823 ext. 108www.fortbraggbiz.com ed@fortbraggca.gov 416 N. Franklin Street Reach Out! Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707-961-2823

City Hall, 416 N Franklin St.

ed@fortbragg.com

city.fortbragg.com

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT City of Fort Bragg - Utility Bill Assistance Program

Do you need help with utilities?

If are a low- or moderate-income household residing in Fort Bragg city limits and are experiencing a financial emergency, we can help you catch up on monthly utility bills. Reach out for more information. Applications are available at City Hall or on our website. We can help pay up to $800 toward the following utilities:

Water/Sewer Services

Waste Collection

Electricity Services

Heating Fuel

(707)961-2823 ext. 108

ed@fortbraggca.gov

City Hall, 416 N Franklin St.

city.fortbragg.com

PUBLIC SAFETY RECRUITMENT

PUBLIC SAFETY

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT On the April 25th Sergeant Ferris and Officer Moore participated in “Police Story Time” at the Fort Bragg Mendocino County Library.

On the 18th Officers and CRU participated in the re-opening of Bainbridge Park where they served hotdogs and cotton candy.

As part of our ongoing recruitment effort Officer Arellano visited both the Butte College Law Enforcement Academy and the College of the Redwoods Law Enforcement Academy. While there he engaged with cadets, in an effort to secure high-quality recruits before they graduate. Visits like these allow the department to connect with potential future officers and showcase the agency’s cultures and values prior to hiring. The department will be continuing these efforts with plans to attend an upcoming job fair in May.

PUBLIC SAFETY A PROMISE MADE This month, the Care Response Unit (CRU) and Project Right Now (PRN) team stayed active in the community, strengthening partnerships and expanding outreach to better support youth across Mendocino County. One highlight was the Pinoleville Pomo Nation and New Life Clinic’s “A Promise Made” event at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center, which brought together providers dedicated to uplifting young people while honoring cultural roots and community identity.

Jenni, our newest Social Service Liaison, presented on the Care Response Unit, outlining the different parts of our program and showcasing the projects we are involved in throughout the county. We also gained valuable insight into inland and south‑coast service providers, helping us build a broader understanding of countywide resources that can later support students who move or transition between communities.

Additionally, Social Service Liaisons Dani and Jenni tabled at the high school before prom, offering Narcan and talking with students about the services our program provides.

This outreach is an important part of our work; not only are we equipping students with lifesaving resources, but we are also creating opportunities to build trust, answer questions, and connect with youth who may not normally seek out support. It was a meaningful way to engage with students during a busy and exciting time of year.

PARKS & CV STARR RECREATION

CV STARR PARKS & RECREATION

PARKS & CV STARR RECREATION

JOB OPENINGS

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/f ortbragg

JOB OPENINGS

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/f ortbragg