City Manager Roundup
MESSAGEFROMTHECITYMANAGER
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!
To subscribe to receive this publication and other City information directly to your inbox, visit:
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.
THESECONDANNUALFORTBRAGGBLUESFESTIVAL: RAISINGTHEBARWHILEJAMMINGOUT
TheFortBraggBluesFestivalreturnedforitssecondyear,andweareproudtosharethatitwas bigger,better,andmorejoyfulthanever.Whatbeganasanambitiousideahasquicklybecome oneofourcommunity’ssignatureannualevents,bringingtogetherresidents,visitors,musicians, andlocalbusinessesincelebrationofmusicandcoastalculture.
Thisyear’sfestivalwasheldonthestunningNoyoHeadlands,withouriconiccoastlineprovidinga breathtakingbackdropfortwofulldaysofbluesperformances.Thesettingalonemadetheevent memorable,butitwastheenergyofourcommunity:families,longtimelocals,andvisitors discoveringFortBraggforthefirsttime,thattrulybroughtthefestivaltolife.
Oneofourkeygoalsthisyearwastoensurethatthefestivalremainedaccessibleandwelcoming toallmembersofourcommunity.Weareespeciallyproudofthefreecommunityconcertat BainbridgePark,whichdrewawonderfulturnoutandcreatedarelaxed,family‑friendlyspacefor everyonetoenjoylivemusic.Makingsurethatourlocalresidentshadaccesstothemusicand festivitieshasbeenapriorityfromthebeginning,andwe’regratefultoeveryonewhohelpedmake thatconcertpossible
ThecontinuedgrowthoftheFortBraggBluesFestivalisatestamenttoourcommunity’sspirit, creativity,andsharedloveofthearts.Weextendourappreciationtotheorganizers,volunteers,City staff,performers,publicsafetypartners,andthemanylocalbusinesseswhosupportedthisevent.
Welookforwardtobuildingonthismomentumandwelcomingeveryonebacknextyearforan evenmorevibrantcelebrationonourbeautifulcoastline.
FORTBRAGGHOSTSTHEREDWOODEMPIREDIVISION OFTHELEAGUEOFCALIFORNIACITIES
Thismonth,theCityofFortBragghadtheprivilegeofhostingtheRedwoodEmpireDivisionofthe LeagueofCaliforniaCities.Wewereproudtowelcomecityleaders,councilmembers,mayors,and citymanagersfromacrossNorthernCaliforniaandtoshowcaseeverythingthatmakesFortBragg sucharemarkablecoastalcommunity.
ThedaybeganatTownHall,wheretheLegislativeCommitteeconvened.OurCouncilMembers, Mayor,andCityManagerjoinedcolleaguesfromothercitiestodiscusscurrentandupcoming statelegislationandexplorehowfuturepolicydecisionsmayimpactNorthernCalifornia municipalities.Theseconversationsprovidedaninvaluableopportunityforsharedproblemsolving, regionalcoordination,anddeeperunderstandingofthechallengesandopportunitiesfacingcities acrossourpartofthestate.
Followingthecommitteemeeting,theGeneralMembershipMeetingbroughttogether representativesfromthroughouttheRedwoodEmpireDivisionforupdates,collaboration,and discussionoflocalinitiatives.FortBragg’sleadershipappreciatedthechancetoexchangeideas, learnfrompeercommunities,andstrengthenconnectionsacrosstheregion.
Intheevening,attendeestransitionedtoNoyoHarborforareceptionsetagainstthebackdropof ourworkingwaterfront.Thegatheringallowedgueststoenjoythecoastalviewswhilecontinuing thoughtfulconversationsinarelaxedsetting.ThedayconcludedwithdinneratTheWharf Restaurant,wherevisitorshadtheopportunitytoexperienceoneofFortBragg’siconicharborside diningdestinations.
Throughouttheevent,guestswereencouragedtoexplorelodgingandrecreationopportunities throughVisitFortBragg,givingthemabroaderlookatournaturalbeauty,localbusinesses,and communitycharacter.
WewerehonoredtohosttheRedwoodEmpireDivisionandgratefulfortheopportunitytohighlight ourcitywhilecontributingtomeaningfulregionalcollaboration.FortBragglooksforwardto continuingitsactiveroleinstrengtheningrelationshipsandadvocatingfortheneedsofNorthern Californiacities.
FIRSTFRIDAYENTERTAINMENTZONESRETURNTO DOWNTOWNFORTBRAGG
FortBraggkickedoffitsFirstFridayEntertainmentZoneseasononMay1,2026,andwearepleasedto sharethatthefirsteventbroughtawonderfulcrowdtoourdowntown Theeveningcreatedalively, walkableatmosphereanddrewbothresidentsandvisitorsintotheheartofthecity:anintentional efforttosupportourlocalbusinessesandstrengthendowntownvitality.
Nowthattheseasonisunderway,FirstFridayEntertainmentZoneswillcontinuethroughoutthe summer,runningfrom5–9PMonthefirstFridayofeachmonth.Eacheventfeaturesadesignated zonewhereadults21+canpurchasetogobeveragesfromparticipatingbarsandrestaurantsand enjoythemsafelyoutdoors.Manyofourshopsarestayingopenlatetowelcometheincreasedfoot traffic,creatingawelcomingandconnectedexperienceforthecommunity.
ThisMay’sEntertainmentZonecomplementedtheenergysurroundingtheFortBraggBluesFestival. Thefestivaldrewmanypeopletothecoast,andweweregladtoseeattendeescontinuetheir eveninginDowntownFortBragg,visitingshops,dininglocally,andcontributingtoavibrantstarttothe season.
ApprovedbytheCityCouncilaspartofanongoingefforttobringmorelifeandwalkabilityto downtown,theEntertainmentZoneprogramcontinuestodemonstrateitsvalue.Welookforwardtoa fullsummerofcommunityconnection,localbusinesssupport,andfunFridayeveningsinDowntown FortBragg.
PublicWorks
MayorJasonGodekeandtheentireCity CouncilareproudtorecognizeMay17–23, 2026asNationalPublicWorksWeekhere inFortBragg.Wehonortheincredible PublicWorksprofessionalswhoseskills anddedicationkeepourcitythriving; fromtheengineeringthatshapesFort Bragg’scharacter,todeliveringtheclean waterwedependon,buildingtheparks weenjoy,andmaintainingthefacilities ourcommunityuseseveryday.
Thesededicatedengineers,managers, andstaffmembersworktirelesslybehind thescenestorebuild,maintain,and improvetheinfrastructurethatsupports usall.TheircommitmenthelpsensureFort Braggremainsasustainable,resilient, andthrivingplacetolive.
WaterSafetyMonth
TheFortBraggCityCouncilofficiallydeclared May2026asWaterSafetyMonth!
Asweheadintosummer,it’stheperfecttimeto focusonstayingsafeinandaroundthewater. Swimmingandaquaticactivitiesarea wonderfulwaytostayactive,andenjoyour beautifulcoast,butawarenessandpreparation arekeytopreventingwater‑relatedinjuriesand drownings.
CV StarrCommunityCenterisheretosupport families.Itisnevertoolatetolearnhowtoswim orbrushuponwatersafety.C.V.Starroffersa varietyofswimlessonsforallages,andchildren inlowincomefamiliesmayqualifyfor reducedcostorevenfreeswimlessons. Familiesinterestedinprogramsorfinancial assistanceareencouragedtoinquiredirectlyat C.V.Starr.Let’sworktogethertokeepour communitysafe,confident,andwatersmart thissummer!
TheCityofFortBraggproudlyhonorsour currentandformerCityofFortBraggPolice Deptofficers,alongwithalllawenforcement partnerswhoprotectandserveour community.
Wearedeeplygratefulforyourcourage, dedication,andunwaveringcommitmentto safeguardingtherightsandsafetyofour residents.Yourservicemakesour communitystrongereveryday.
CouncilmemberLindyPeters,onbehalfof theentireFortBraggCityCouncil,presented aproclamationhonoringNationalPolice Week(May10–16)andPeaceOfficers MemorialDay(May15) Wepauseto rememberandhonorthepeaceofficers whomadetheultimatesacrificeintheline ofdutyandweholdtheirfamiliesandloved onesinourhearts.
CommanderJonathanMcLaughlin:20Year Recognition
TheFortBraggCityCouncilproudlypresented CommanderJonathanMcLaughlinwithaMayor’s Letterandacommemorativeplaquerecognizing his20yearsofemploymentwiththeCityofFort BraggandtheCityofFortBraggPoliceDept.
CommanderMcLaughlinhasdedicatedtwo decadestoservingourcommunity:risingthrough theranksfromTemporaryPoliceServices Technician,toPoliceOfficer,PoliceSergeant,and nowCommander Hisleadership,professionalism, andintegrityhavemadealastingimpactonour city.
Hehasalsocontinuedtogrowandexcel,earning bothhisIntermediateandAdvancedP.O.S.T. certifications,alongwithaBachelorofSciencein EmergencyServicesManagement.
Knownforhiscompassion,generosity,andsteady guidance,CommanderMcLaughlinconsistently stepsupduringchallengingmomentsand supportsbothhisfellowofficersandour communitywithempathyandgrace.
NationalPoliceWeek
ProclamationDeclaringJunePrideMonth JuneisofficiallyLGBTQIA2S+PrideMonth inFortBragg!
TheFortBraggCityCouncilofficially proclaimedJune2026asLGBTQIA2S+ PrideMonthhereinFortBragg.Thismonth isatimetohonorthecontributions, strength,andvibrancyofourLGBTQIA2S+ community,andtoreaffirmourcity’s commitmenttoequality,inclusion,and respectforall.
FortBraggstandsproudlywith LGBTQIA2S+residents,recognizingthat ourdiversityenrichesandstrengthensour community.Weencourageeveryoneto reflectonhowwecancontinuetocreate awelcoming,supportiveplacewhere everypersonfeelsseen,valued,andsafe.
Honoringthe30thAnniversaryofPacific TextilesArts
MayorJasonGodekeproudlypresenteda proclamationcelebratingthe30thanniversary ofPacificTextileArts,oneofFortBragg’smost cherishedcreativeinstitutions!
In1996,JackieWollenbergledtheinspiringeffort topurchasethebelovedVictorianonAlger StreetthatwouldbecomethePTAcampus. Sincethen,co-founderLolliJacobsenanda dedicatedteamofvolunteershaveshapedit intoavibrant,welcominghomefortextilearts ontheCoast
Today,PacificTextileArtsisafullyvolunteer-run nonprofitwhichoffers:
Monthlygalleryexhibits
Anextensivecataloguedtextilelibrary
Amajorstudycollection
Atapestryweavingstudio
Alargeclassroomforworkshops,events, andcommunitygatherings
OnMay11,2026,CityCouncilProclaimedMay10–16,2026ASNationalPoliceWeek, and PeaceOfficersMemorialDayonMay15,2026.
OnMay11,2026,CityCouncilProclaimedMay17–23asNationalPublicWorksWeek.
OnMay11,2026,CityCouncilProclaimedWaterSafetyWeek.
OnMay11,2026,CityCouncilPresentedtheMayor’sLetterandPlaqueCommending JonathanMcLaughlinforTwentyYearsofEmploymentwiththeCityofFortBragg
OnMay11,2026,CityCouncilAcceptedtheCertificateofCompletionfortheTownHall RetrofitandBathroomRemodelProjectandDirectedtheCityClerktoFiletheNoticeof Completion.
OnMay11,2026,CityCouncilAdoptedaResolutionAwardingthePuddingCreekWater MainPaintProjecttoDunnRightPainting,Inc.,ApprovedBudgetAmendment2025/2612, andAuthorizedtheCityManagertoExecutetheContract.
OnMay11,2026,CityCouncilApprovedtheMinutesofApril27,2026.
OnMay11,2026,CityCouncilReceivedaStaffReportontheInitiationofCommunity EngagementandPublicScopingforaPotentialDowntownPark/TownSquareandGrant FundingOpportunities.
OnMay11,2026,CityCouncilReceivedaPresentationofMillSiteCommunityEngagement FindingsandEconomicDevelopmentPriorities.
OnMay11,2026,CityCouncilDiscussedCodeEnforcementPolicyandProvidedDirectionto Staff.
OnMay26,2026,CityCouncilProclaimedJune2026asPrideMonth
OnMay26,2026,CityCouncilProclaimedthe30thAnniversaryofPacificTextileArts.
OnMay26,2026,CityCouncilAdopted,byTitleOnly,andWaivedFurtherReadingof Ordinance10222026UpdatingandReplacingMultipleChaptersoftheFortBragg MunicipalCodeRelatedtoBuildingandConstructionStandards.
OnMay26,2026,CityCouncilAdopted,byTitleOnly,andWaivedFurtherReadingof Ordinance1023‑2026AmendingChapter15.06toRequireSprinklerInstallationinBuildings withBuildingPermitsTotaling$125,000orMoreOveraThree‑YearPeriod.
OnMay26,2026,CityCouncilReceivedandFiledMinutesfromtheVisitFortBragg CommitteeMeetingofMay12,2026.
OnMay26,2026,CityCounciLReceivedandFiledMinutesfromthePublicWorksand FacilitiesCommitteeMeetingofMarch12,2026.
OnMay26,2026,CityCouncilApprovedMinutesoftheSpecialMeetingofMay11,2026
OnMay26,2026,CityCouncilApprovedMinutesoftheRegularMeetingofMay11,2026.
OnMay26,2026,CityCouncilAdoptedaResolutionApprovingBudgetAmendment 2025/26‑14fortheFourthofJulyFireworksDisplayandAuthorizedtheCityManagerto ExecutetheContract.
OnMay26,2026,CityCouncilReceivedPresentationoftheCommunityRetailSurvey ResultsandConsideredRetailRecruitmentandRevitalizationStrategies,Includinga ProposedProfessionalServicesAgreementwithTheRetailCoach.
OnMay26,2026,CityCouncilReceivedthe2025AnnualPoliceReport.
OnMay26,2026,CityCouncilReceivedaPresentationonthe2026SecondAnnualBlues Festival:RecapandCommunityImpact.
OnMay26,2026,CityCouncilReceivedaPresentationontheTide&TimberMusicFestival ConceptandProvidedDirectionforFY2026–27BudgetPlanning
CITY OF FORT BRAGG LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE PERMIT PORTAL
The City of Fort Bragg is pleased to announce that its new Accela Citizen Permit Portal is now LIVE and available to the public. This tool can be used for all Building, Planning, and Encroachment Permits!
Residents, contractors, architects, engineers, and business owners can now create an account, submit permit applications, upload documents, track application status, and manage permit-related activities online anytime and from anywhere.
The new portal provides a streamlined, user-friendly experience designed to improve access to City services and make the permitting process more efficient and convenient.
Get Started Today
To create an account and begin submitting permit applications online, visit: Accela Citizen Permit Portal: https://aca-prod.accela.com/ftbragg/Default.aspx
CITY OF FORT BRAGG LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE PERMIT PORTAL
Types of Permits Available Through the Portal
The new permit portal supports online applications for a variety of permit types, including:
Planning Permits – including sign permits and other land use or developmentrelated approvals.
Building Permits – including permits for reroofing projects, electrical work, and other construction activities.
Public Works Permits – including encroachment permits and other permits related to work within public rights-of-way and infrastructure.
Benefits of the New Portal:
Submit permit applications at any time, 24/7.
Upload plans and supporting documents electronically.
Monitor application and permit status in real time.
Receive automatic notifications and review updates.
Access permit records and project information from any device.
For assistance with the portal or the permit application process, applicants are directed to contact the City of Fort Bragg Community Development Department.
COMMUNITY EVENT FACILITATION:
WalkandBiketoSchoolDay
TheFortBraggPoliceDepartmenthadthepleasureofjoiningRedwoodstudentsfortheir Walk,Bike&RolltoSchoolDay!Spendingtimewiththeseamazingkidsisalwaysthe highlightofourday.
Wewereproudtogiveawayfreehelmetstohelpkeepouryoungriderssafe,andtheenergy wasincredibleaseveryonecametogetherforafunparade,ledbyafiretruckwithpolice officersensuringasafeandsmoothrouteforall.
Eventslikethisremindushowimportantcommunity,safety,andhealthyhabitsare Thanks toeveryonewhoparticipatedandmadeitsuchagreatmorning!
FishingClinic
TheFortBraggPoliceDepartment participatedintheannualMendocino CoastPoliceActivitiesLeague(PAL)Fishing Clinic,acommunity-basedyouthoutreach eventdesignedtofosterpositive relationshipsbetweenyoungpeopleand publicsafetyprofessionals.
Thefishingclinicwelcomedchildren rangingfrompreschoolagethroughfifth grade.Throughouttheevent,participants receivedhands-oninstructioninavariety offishing-relatedtopics,includingwater andfishingsafety,knottying,fishhabitats, castingtechniques,fishingethics,and properequipmentrigging.Theprogram providedanengagingoutdoorlearning experiencewhilepromotingenvironmental stewardship,skilldevelopment,and responsiblerecreation.
PublicSafetyDayatBigRiverBeach:
ThePoliceDepartmentparticipatedinthe annualpublicsafetydaydownatBigRiver BeachinMendocino.Thiseventgave studentstheopportunitytomeetlocalfirst responders,askquestions,andgetanupcloselookattheequipmentweuseevery day.ThankyoutoCaliforniaStateParksfor hostinganothergreateventandto everyonewhostoppedbytosayhello,ask questions,andsupportyourlocalfirst responders.
SpecialOlympicsRun:
TheFortBraggPoliceDepartmentwas honoredtoparticipateintheannual SpecialOlympicsLawEnforcementTorch Run,joininglawenforcementandpublic safetyprofessionalsfromacrosstheregion insupportofSpecialOlympicsathletesand theorganization'smissionofinclusion, determination,andachievement.Thank youtoallthoseattendedandthankyouto theincredibleathleteswhoinspireour communitiesthroughtheirperseverance andaccomplishments.
FrisbeeGolfProgram:
InpartnershipwithNoyoHighSchool,the PoliceDepartmentlaunchedapilot programintroducingstudentstothesport ofdiscgolf.Theprogramwasdesignedto strengthenpositiverelationshipsbetween studentsandlawenforcementwhile providingparticipantswithanopportunity tolearnanewrecreationalactivity,develop outdoorskills,andengageinhealthy physicalexercise.
CassitiBaronistartedthismonthastheFortBraggPoliceDepartment’sfirstcollege intern.
BornandraisedinFortBragg,CassitirecentlycompletedherjunioryearatCampbell University,wheresheisaDivisionIsoftballplayermajoringinCriminalJustice.Overthe nextfewmonths,shewillrotatethroughourthreedivisionstogainhands-onexperience inlawenforcement.
Cassitiplanstopursueacareerasapoliceofficeraftergraduation,andweareexcited tobepartofherjourney.
TheCityispleasedtosharethatAssistantDirectorofEngineering,ChantellO’Neal,hasofficially earnedherQualifiedSWPPPDeveloper(QSD)certification California’shighestprofessional credentialforconstructionstormwatercompliance.ChantellhasheldherQualifiedSWPPP Practitioner(QSP)certificationsince2018,completingaminimumsixhoursofprofessional developmenteveryyeartostaycurrentwithevolvingstormwaterregulations EarningtheQSD wasthenaturalnextstep,buildingonyearsofhands‑onexperiencewithconstructionoversight, publicinfrastructure,andenvironmentalcompliance.
AQSDisresponsiblefordesigningthestormwaterpollutionpreventionstrategiesthatprotect localwaterwaysduringconstructionactivities.ThiscertificationensurestheCityhasinhouse expertisetodevelopandreviewSWPPPs,evaluatecomplexconstructionsites,andsupportour MS4programbypreventingsediment,debris,andpollutantsfromenteringthestormdrain system.Inpracticalterms,itstrengthensourabilitytosafeguardwaterquality,reduce regulatoryrisk,andimplementbestpracticesacrossCityprojects.
HerachievementreflectsbothpersonaldedicationandtheCity’songoingcommitmentto environmentalstewardshipandhighqualitypublicinfrastructure
