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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FortBraggisasmalltownnestledbetweenthecoastandtheredwoodswithastrongsenseof communitythatseekstopreserveitsenvironmentwhileprovidingresilientpublicfacilitiesand infrastructureandsupportingasafeandvibranteconomic,multi-cultural,andrecreational experienceforbothlocalsandvisitorsalike
ACaliforniacoastaldestinationwithrichnaturalresourcesandruggedbeauty,istransformingour futurebyweavingtogetherourpeople,ecosystems,andeconomytocreatecommunity prosperity.Wearemakingourmarkinthe21stCenturybycreatingclimate-readywaterand energyindependence,housingandeconomicopportunities,accessiblehealthcare,community publicsafety,andeducationforall
INNOVATION
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.
SERVICE-ORIENTED
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.
The Town Hall Retrofit and Bathroom Remodel Project is approaching completion. This project began in May 2025 with the objective of restoring Town Hall and our public restrooms, which are vitalservicesforboththe local community and visitors
been replaced, the restrooms have been upgraded, and the contractor is currently working on the exterior finishes and painting. Theprojectisexpected tobecompletedbythe endofAugust2025.
At the City Council meeting on July 14th, Council Member Lindy Peters, along with the entire City Council, recognized Laurie Moore andtheLazzarinifamilyfornearly50yearsofdedicatedstewardship of Coast Cinemas. Their commitment has transformed the theater into a cornerstone of the community, providing diverse cinematic experiences and enriching local culture. We extend our sincere appreciation to Laurie, Tom, long-time manager Adrian Janousek, andallpastandpresentstafffortheirenduringdedicationtotheart offilmandtotheFortBraggcommunity.
During the City Council meeting on July 14th, Mayor Jason GodekeformallyrecognizedFortBraggFeedandPetforits40th anniversary. Since 1985, this family-owned business has delivered exceptional service to the community by providing qualitylivestocksupplies,supportinglocalshelters,andhosting publicclinics,allwithheartfeltdedication.
A special tribute was paid to the legacy of Connie Van Curen, whichisnowcarriedonbyherfamily:Gale,Katie,Eric,Brayton, andBrandon.FortBraggcelebratestheirongoingcontributions toanimalcare,communityservice,andthelocaleconomy.
Dear Fort Bragg Community,
Vacant storefronts in our city can affect how we feel about our community, impact our local economy, and shape how visitors experience Fort Bragg. The City would like to hear directly from you—our residents, business owners—about how these vacancies impact your daily life and what role the City should play in addressing them.
This survey is a step toward creating thoughtful, community-informed policies that help revitalize our commercial districts, attract investment, and reflect our shared vision for Fort Bragg’s future.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your voice.
Sincerely,
Isaac Whippy City Manager, City of Fort Bragg
Congratulations to Officer Moore and Sergeant Frank for their outstanding dedication and commitment to public safety, recognized this year at the Mothers Against Drunk Driving(MADD)awardceremonyinCitrusHeights,CA.Their exceptional efforts in 2024 led to the arrest of 71 impaired drivers,atestamenttotheirvigilance,professionalism,and dedication to keeping our roads safe. Their unwavering dedicationhasmadeasignificantimpactinprotectingour communityandsavinglives.
ThePoliceDepartmentisexcitedtowelcomeOfficerMartinez, who was officially sworn in on July 21, 2025, following her successful graduation from the Police Academy. A proud native of Fort Bragg, CA, Officer Martinez brings a deep connection to our community and a strong commitment to public service. Before becoming an officer, she served as a Community Service Officer with our department, gaining valuableexperienceandinsightthatwillundoubtedlyenhance her work in law enforcement. We look forward to seeing her continuetogrowandcontributetothesafetyofFortBragg!
The City of Fort Bragg is beginning the process of updating its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), which guides efforts to reduce risks from natural and human-made disasters. This update will extendtheplanforanotherfiveyearsand is being developed in partnership with MendocinoCounty.Tosupportthiseffort, the County has contracted with Synergy Disaster Recovery to assist in preparing theupdatedplan.TheFederalEmergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires LHMPstobereviewedandrenewedevery fiveyears,andFortBragg’scurrentplanis set to expire at the end of 2025. You can viewtheexistingLHMPhere(linkbelow).
https://mitigatehazards.com/mendocino-county/
A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) serves as a strategic framework for a city to proactivelyidentify,assess,andreducerisksfromnaturalandhuman-madehazards. Itsprimarypurposeistosafeguardlives,property,andcriticalinfrastructurebyguiding long-term investments in resilience and preparedness. By analyzing vulnerabilities such as flood zones, seismic activity, or wildfire-prone areas—the plan helps communities prioritize mitigation projects that minimize future disaster impacts. Additionally, having an LHMP in place ensures eligibility for federal funding through programs like FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, reinforcing the city’s commitmenttosustainabledevelopmentandpublicsafety.
The City of Fort Bragg and the Noyo Harbor Harbormaster recently participated in a kick-offmeetingwithSynergyDisasterRecoveryandtheMendocinoCountyOfficeof EmergencyServicestobeginworkontheupdatedLocalHazardMitigationPlan.During themeeting,theteamdiscussedatentativestrategytogatherbroadandmeaningful input from stakeholders, aiming to reflect a wide range of perspectives and experiences in the planning process. Community surveys and stakeholder meetings are expected to launch in early September—stay tuned for announcements and opportunitiestogetinvolved.
Wanttogetinvolvednow?TakethesurveyusingthisQRcode.
We are excited to welcome our newest team member,AdelaideLaTorre! As part of our new customer service initiative, Adelaide will be the first Public Experience Liaison, serving our visitors at City Hall. Come by and say hellotohertoday!
OnJuly14,2025,CityCouncilApprovedResponsetoMendocinoCountyGrandJuryReportofApril17, 2025Entitled“Homelessness,ACounty-WideIssue”
OnJuly14,2025,CityCouncilApprovedResolutionoftheFortBraggCityCouncilConfirmingthePay Rates/RangesforAllCityofFortBraggEstablishedClassifications,EffectiveJuly13,2025.
OnJuly14,2025,CityCouncilApprovedResolutionoftheFortBraggCityCouncilEstablishinga CompensationPlanandTermsAndConditionsofEmploymentforExemptAt-WillExecutive Classifications.
OnJuly14,2025,CityCouncilheldaPublicHearingforDisclosureofAccomplishmentsandCloseout ofActivitiesFundedbyCommunityDevelopmentBlockGrant(CDBG)20-CDBG-12092,Accept CertificateofCompletionfor2021WaterMeterReplacementProject(WTR-00020),andDirectCity ClerktoFileNoticeofCompletion
OnJuly14,2025,CityCouncilheldaPublicHearingReceivePlanningCommission's Recommendation,andConsiderAdoptingaResolutionRecommendingthattheCityCouncil ApproveCoastalDevelopmentPermitAmendment(8-24/A),UsePermitAmendment(UP9-24/A), DesignReviewAmendment(DR11-24/A),foran83-UnitMultifamilyProjectwith1,000SFofRetail Spaceand2,450SFofVisitorServingAccommodationsat1151SouthMainStreet(APN018-440-58) CEQAExemptperSection15332-Class32InfillDevelopmentProjectsand15195InfillHousing Development
OnJuly14,2025,CityCouncilheldaPublicHearingReceivePlanningCommission's RecommendationandIntroduce,ByTitleOnly,andWaiveFurtherReadingofOrdinances:1) Ordinance1016-2025AmendingDivision17oftheFortBraggMunicipalCode(CLUDC5-25)toAmend Chapter17.71.050-DesignReviewtoMakeDesignReviewforMultifamilyProjectsaMinisterialProcess SubjecttoObjectiveRequirementspertheHousingAccountabilityAct;StatutoryExemption152652) Ordinance1017-2025AmendingDivision18oftheFortBraggMunicipalCode(ILUDC5-25)toAmend Chapter18.71.050-DesignReviewtoMakeDesignReviewforMultifamilyProjectsaMinisterialProcess SubjecttoObjectiveRequirementspertheHousingAccountabilityAct;CategoricalExemption 15061(b)(3)AndConsiderAdoptionofResolutionoftheFortBraggCityCounciltoAdoptObjective StandardsforMultifamilyDevelopmentintheCitywideDesignGuidelines;CategoricalExemption 15061(b)(3)
OnJuly14,2025,CityCouncilApprovedBudgetAmendment2025/26-02toIncreasetheFY2025-26 AllocationtotheHumaneSocietyFrom$30,000to$60,000toMaintainAnimalCareandShelter ServicesfortheCityofFortBraggandProvideDirectionontheOne-TimeFundingIncreaseof $40,000.
OnJuly14,2025,CityCouncilAdoptedResolutionApprovingBudgetAmendmentandAcceptanceof aGrantfromtheCannabisTaxFundGrantProgramforthePurchaseofanAll-ElectricUtilityTask VehicleandSpecialDetailPersonnelCosts
OnJuly14,2025,Approved AgreementwithLumos&AssociatesforPumpStationRedesignforthe RawWaterLineReplacementProject,ProjectWTR-00016,AmountNotToExceed$198,600; CategoricalExemption15061(b)(3)
On Monday, August 4, the City will issue the formal Notice to Proceed for two concurrent street maintenance efforts. Argonaut Constructors, Inc. will carry out both the 2025 Pavement Preservation Project andtheStop-GapPatchPavingProjectthroughtheend of September. From the public’s perspective, the work willblendseamlessly—whetherwe’reapplyingslurryseal orpatchpaving,trafficcontrolsanddryingtimeswillbe similar.
ProjectOverview
2025 Pavement Preservation • Slurry sealing, pavement patching, and crack sealing on 27 street segments (7.2 miles) • 17 new ADA-compliant curbramps•andtheCityHallparkinglotrehabilitation•FundedwithLocal StreetSalesTaxandLocalPartnershipProgramGrant
Stop-Gap Patch Paving • Targeted patch repairs (up to 52,000 SF) on six severely deteriorated streets • Extends pavement life by 3–6 years where full rehab isn’t scheduled • Funded with Local Streets & Roads and unassignedreserves
Schedule&Contractor
Dates:August4–EndofSeptember(approximate)
Contractor:ArgonautConstructors,Inc.
ConstructionManagement:Lumos&Associates,Inc.
Both projects were awarded on June 23, 2025, and kick off together to maximizeefficiencyandminimizerepeateddisruptions
WhatResidentsNeedtoKnow
Streets treated with slurry seal or fresh patch paving will be off-limits while materialscure—typicallyseveralhours.Please:
Observepostedtrafficcontrolsandbarricades
Avoid driving, exaggerated turning movements, or parking on wet surfaces
Expectintermittentclosuresonlistedstreets(seemaps)
Drivingoveruncuredsealorpatchcandamagethenewsurfaceandrequire costly,inconvenientrework.
StayInformed
We’ll post regular work-zone maps and updates on the City’s Social Media, Press Releases, and in upcoming Round-Up editions. To receive real-time alerts for work near your home or business, sign up for the Street ConstructionNotificationlist: https://www.city.fortbragg.com/about-us/enotification#!/
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to preserve and improveFortBragg’sstreets.
Fort Bragg’s Recycled Water Feasibility Study explores ways to diversify our water supply and strengthen long-term water security. The community survey is still open, and we invite you to share your thoughts on water supply options and preferences. Please scan the QR code or click the linktotakethesurvey.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7FQDC2F.
TheCommunityDevelopmentcounteratCity Hallisnowopenagainduringregularoffice hours.
The
4Leaf Pilot P
Qualifying applicants who are looking for an expedited permit review process now have the option to send their project to 4Leaf for plan review, project inspection, and building permit issuance. The plan review process will be completed in 10 days or less with rechecks within 5 days or less. To keep the program streamlined, only applications that meet specific criteria will qualify for this option. The focus for the program are building permits for accessory dwelling units, solar installations, commercial remodels, and residential construction under 5,000 square feet. Contact Community Development for more information.
8/05/2025 – National Night Out
8/23/2025 – Parents and Friends 70 Anniversary Event th 8/30/2025 – Paul Bunyan Days
SENIORPLANNER
Areyoulookingforaway tomakeanimpactinthe community? Doyouhaveexperience inurban/ruralplanning? ApplyfortheSenior PlannerpositionatFort BraggCityHallandenjoy makingalasting differenceintheplace youcallhome. PlanningandHousingDirector Doyouhaveapassionfor buildingvibrantcommunities andshapingmeaningful change?TheCityofFortBragg isseekingadynamic, experiencedPlanningand HousingDirectortolead innovativeplanning,housing, andbuildinginitiativesthat makealastingimpact APPLYHERE,visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/ca reers/fortbragg/