The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development and
the California Department of Technology are hosting a webinar
featuring the California Local Jurisdiction Permitting Playbook:
Updates and Strategies.
The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) is thrilled
to report the appointments of Supervisor Luis Alejo, District 1,
Monterey County and Supervisor Valerie Starkey, District 2, Del
Norte County to the Middle-Mile Advisory Committee.
The deadline is approaching for completing the Governmental
Accounting Standards Board’s (GASB) survey regarding its
Post-Implementation Review (PIR) of its pension
standards—Friday, January 20, 2023.
This survey is administered by a private-sector organization that
establishes accounting standards for federal, state, and local
governments.
To support California stakeholders interested in the Federal
Communication Commission’s (FCC) broadband mapping challenge
process, the California Public Utilities Commission and the
California Department of Technology are hosting an informational
webinar on Friday, December 2, 2022, at 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm.
Counties and other interested stakeholders can register
here.
The White House recently published updated interactive
maps illustrating the funding allocated under the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law (BIL). As of October 25, 2022, $16.2 billion
in funding has been allocated to the State of California and
local governments in California, with over 700 specific projects
identified for funding.
No cost registration available only until October 31,
2022
The National Association of Counties (NACo) is offering a
cyberattack simulation course on November 14 – 18, 2022, from
10:00 am to 11:00 am (Pacific Time). NACo is partnering with the
Professional Development Academy and their community of
information security officers, risk managers, and cyber leaders
to provide this cyberattack simulation training.
This process will determine the flow of over $42 billion
in funds for broadband deployment.
Counties have an opportunity to review and inform the Federal
Communication Commission’s (FCC’s) broadband mapping data in
their communities during the Broadband Data Collection (BDC)
Process. This process is instrumental in the distribution of more
than $42 billion in federal broadband grants by the end of 2023.
Last week, CSAC reported on the final outcomes of measures that
were approved by the Legislature and delivered to Governor Newsom
for action. To keep counties informed of new laws of interest and
impact, CSAC will publish a series of articles to spotlight those
laws in each policy area. This week, the Government Finance and
Administration (GFA) policy area provides information on new
laws impacting broadband, the Brown Act, labor, pensions,
personnel, workers’ compensation, and more.
October 3 – 7, 2022 marks a special week in recognition and
celebration of Digital Inclusion.
Organizations and individuals throughout the nation are hosting
special events and campaigns to promote digital equity in their
communities. This year’s theme is “Turning Our Moment into
Movement,” and California has mobilized through Get
Connected! California.
California’s Broadband for All Action Plan directs the California
Department of Technology (CDT) to explore actions to enhance
permitting processes at all levels of government to support
broadband deployment in the State.
On Friday, September 23, 2022, at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (Pacific
time), the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the
Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Broadband Data Task
Force will hold an overview of the ongoing Broadband Data
Collection process, which will be used to create an updated
broadband availability map. These forthcoming maps are
instrumental in determining the allocation of billions of dollars
in federal funds for broadband deployment from the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law.
Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed
AB 1951 (Grayson), which would have reduced county and city
revenues by more than $2 billion over five years by giving a full
sales tax exemptions for manufacturing equipment. This is
welcome news for CSAC and the broad coalition of local government
organizations that opposed this measure (veto
request).
The California Emerging Technology Fund is hosting its second Get
Connected California! Day on Saturday, October 22, 2022,
throughout California to expand access to eligible low-income
households. Information about the program and locations
(forthcoming) can be accessed at the Internet for All
Now website.
California’s legislative session came to a close in the early
morning hours this week with hundreds of bills now awaiting
action by Governor Gavin Newsom. The following provides an update
on major bills of interest for the Government, Finance, and
Administration policy area. CSAC staff will continue to monitor
and advocate for County priorities during the signing
period, which ends September 30, 2022.
Over its proposed five-year shelf life,
AB 1951 (Grayson) would reduce county and city revenues by a
combined $2 billion by exempting the local share of sales tax for
manufacturing companies that buy equipment. Manufacturing
equipment purchases are already exempt from the state share of
the sales tax, and they can get a full exemption through another
state program (CAEATFA) for equipment under certain conditions.
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.
The California Public Employees’ Retirement System’s (CalPERS)
2021-22 fiscal year investment returns will impact employer
contribution rates for contracting counties, cities, and special
districts beginning in fiscal year 2024-25. On August 10, 2022,
CalPERS hosted a webinar to discuss the impact of its recently
announced negative 6.1 percent return on investment for
employers. A recording of this webinar is anticipated to be
posted on CalPERS’ website by the end of this week.
