Napa County has become the 16th county to join the
Easy Smart Pay (ESP) program. Taxpayers in Napa County will now
be able to pay their property tax in monthly installments at the
lowest credit card transaction rate in the state. ESP promotes
and ensures easy monthly installment payments and allows
taxpayers to avoid large one-time payments and/or significant
penalties, benefiting both counties and taxpayers.
The CSAC Finance Corporation shares an update on recent endeavors
from the California Statewide Communities Development
Authority (CSCDA) and California Statewide Communities
Development Corporation (CSCDC). CSCDA and CSCDC help
provide local governments and private entities access to
low-cost, tax-exempt financing for projects that provide a
tangible public benefit, contribute to social and economic
growth, and improve the overall quality of life in local
communities throughout California.
Following a four day “Tour of the State,” Governor Gavin Newsom
delivered a
letter to the Legislature this week, fulfilling his annual
duty to report to the Legislature on the condition of the state.
The letter, which was delivered in lieu of a formal speech,
highlights the Administration’s accomplishments over the past
four years and the major policy announcements made on his
statewide tour of California.
After successfully distributing funds to nearly 13,000 eligible
homeowners statewide, the
California Mortgage Relief Program has expanded to assist
even more homeowners who have struggled with housing payments due
to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
CSAC Platinum Partner, DRC Emergency Services, is a trusted
partner to the CSAC community.
DRC’s natural disaster response and recovery services may be
critical for many of our Counties impacted by the intense
atmospheric river storm events that our State has experienced. If
your County has experienced flooding, especially flooding of
homes or commercial buildings, disaster debris removal and
management services are imperative.
CSAC Finance Corporation shares updates on its Corporate Platinum
Partner - The California 2-1-1 Providers Network (211 CA) -
and spotlights the continued success of the recently launched
Easy Smart Pay (ESP) program.
Situated 26 miles north of the Arctic Circle near the drainages
of the Noatak, Kobuk, and Selawik rivers lies a hidden gem of
Alaska’s Northwest Arctic Borough – the Town of Kotzebue. Home to
one of the largest populations of Alaska Native peoples in the
state – 80 percent of its residents are Iñupiat – the Town of
Kotzebue and surrounding villages face significant unique
challenges meeting the needs of their communities due to being in
such a remote area of the country.
Friday, September 30, was the deadline for Governor Gavin Newsom
to sign or veto the over 1,100 bills passed by the Legislature
this session. Per usual, many of these bills awaited action up
until the last few days before the deadline and in the end the
Governor signed 997 and vetoed 169 pieces of legislation.
The following is an update on major bills of interest or concern
for key county policy areas.
The California State Association of Counties® is
thrilled to announce an exclusive new service for counties:
the CSAC Grants Initiative. Recognizing the
increasing demand for county services and the need to stretch
every dollar further, more and more counties are seeking grant
funding opportunities to meet the needs of their residents.
All California counties are active members of NACo with a county
designee for purposes of general assembly voting. As a NACo
member, you have the opportunity to represent California and CSAC
on one of NACo’s 10 Policy Steering Committees. Your involvement
is crucial and can help ensure that California has a strong voice
on federal policy issues and legislation that supports local
decision-making, prevents unfunded mandates, and provides direct
federal investments in county priorities.
The legislative session is winding down to a close with less than
a week to determine the fate of several hundred bills. As the
August 31 deadline draws closer, the Senate and Assembly continue
to debate and amend bills with significant potential impact on
California counties.
Below is an update on key bills of interest to counties:
The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) joins the
Oxnard and Ventura County communities in mourning the loss of
Supervisor Carmen Ramirez, who tragically passed away in a
vehicular accident on Friday, August 12.
The California Emerging Technology Fund is hosting Get Connected
California! Day on Saturday, August 27, 2022,
throughout California to expand access to eligible low-income
households. Information about confirmed locations and the program
can be accessed at the Internet for All
Now website.
Broadband Grant Opportunity – Rural eConnectivity Program
The United States Department of Agriculture has announced that
beginning September 6, 2022, applications can be submitted for
the Rural eConnectivity Program (ReConnect) Program. Applications
will be accepted until November 2, 2022.
State lawmakers reconvened in Sacramento this week for the final
month of the legislative session. Facing down an August 31
deadline, the fate of hundreds of bills remains to be determined.
