Collage of pictures of Supervisor Manfree and the other Supervisors

Dear friends and neighbors,


Happy New Year. As we move into 2026, it’s already clear that the months ahead will be active and demanding. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share that my colleagues selected me to serve as Acting Chair of the Napa County Board of Supervisors at our January 13 meeting. In this role, I look forward to bringing science to the Board, collaborating in service of our community, and addressing conflict with care, using communication and planning to prevent it whenever possible.


Recent events across the country have been deeply concerning and difficult to process. During times of uncertainty, our local actions and commitments matter more than ever. Napa County is home to people from many backgrounds who contribute every day to the strength and vitality of our community. I appreciate those who have shown up thoughtfully and peacefully in support of their neighbors, and I remain committed to doing my part to ensure our county is a place where everyone feels safe, respected, and welcomed.


I look forward to staying connected with you in the year ahead and continuing our work together. As always, if you would like to schedule time to meet or share your perspective, please feel free to reach out to my aide, Abigail Flores.



Warmly,

Facebook  Instagram

Aircraft Noise Concerns: UPDATE

Napa County has engaged Coffman Associates, to assist us in analyzing air traffic patterns and developing an alternative public airport approach that may yield reduced impacts on residents. Once the contract is executed, the firm will begin a detailed assessment to guide recommendations. Your feedback is an important part of that process. 

 

We are also grateful to share that Congressman Mike Thompson has offered his full support as we advocate for an alternative published approach with federal partners—one that would meaningfully reduce disturbances to Napa County residents. His partnership strengthens our ability to push for changes at the federal level, where flight paths and airspace decisions are ultimately made.

 

Information Links

 

Thank you again for your time, your insights, and your commitment to ensuring Napa County remains a livable and thriving community. We look forward to continuing this work together and will keep you informed as the next steps progress. 

BDR & General Plan Update

river at sunset

Napa County is updating its Baseline Data Report (BDR), a foundational document first developed in 2005 to support data-informed planning and policymaking. The BDR provides a comprehensive assessment of Napa County’s existing land uses, environmental, cultural, economic, and social conditions, as well as the current regulatory landscape.


Round 3 of Community Workshops will be announced early this year and scheduled for Spring 2026. In the meantime, continue sending any ideas or thoughts to bdr@countyofnapa.org and help spread the word. Your input is valuable, and we look forward to continuing work on this initiative together.

Housing Impact Fees

What Are Affordable Housing Impact Fees?

When new homes or businesses are built, they bring new jobs, some of which pay wages too low for workers to afford local market-rate housing. Affordable housing impact fees ensure that new development contributes its fair share toward meeting this increased need. These fees are not a tax; they are cost-recovery fees allowed under the Mitigation Fee Act.


The updated fee structure aims to protect the “missing middle.” Homes under 2,500 square feet remain at a $0 fee, strong ADU incentives continue, and fees apply only to added square footage (not interior remodels). The new structure will be phased in over three years and applies only to unincorporated Napa County; cities and towns maintain their own programs.


These fees support the Napa County Affordable Housing Fund, which has helped deliver more than 1,700 affordable homes through rental developments, down-payment assistance, supportive housing, farmworker centers, ADU loans, and more. The program includes annual reporting, inflation adjustments, and periodic reviews. If a regional housing bond passes, the Board may revisit fee levels.


Questions?

Jennifer Palmer, Director of Housing & Community Services

jennifer.palmer@countyofnapa.org

Groundwater Fees

Napa River bend with tall grass.

On December 9, 2025, the Napa County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution to implement groundwater sustainability fees in the Napa Valley Subbasin. The action is required to support implementation of the state-mandated Groundwater Sustainability Plan, which protects local groundwater supplies by preventing long-term groundwater overdraft and ensure the sustainable management of California’s groundwater basins, which are critical for drinking water, agriculture, and commercial uses.  


The groundwater sustainability fee applies only to properties located within the Napa Valley Subbasin. Use this map to see if your property falls within the subbasin.

PG&E College Scholarships

PG&E logo

The PG&E Foundation will award $350,000 in scholarships to up to 60 students. Eligible students can receive awards of $10,000, $5,000 or $2,500.


Applications are open to:

  • High school seniors or graduates
  • Students who have received a GED certification
  • Current undergraduate students
  • Non-traditional students or military veterans returning to school or pursuing their first undergraduate degree

Napa County Bicycle Champion of the Year

flyer for bike champion of the year

Do you know somebody who goes above and beyond to promote biking for transportation and inspires others in their community to go by bike?


Nominate them as Napa County's Bike Champion of the Year today! Every year, the Napa County Bicycle Coalition honors two individuals who go above and beyond to promote bicycling as a primary mode of transportation and inspire others in their communities. Winners will receive prizes and be recognized across the Bay Area!


Nominations are open from January 30 to February 28, 2026. Winners will be announced in mid-April, just in time to be celebrated during Bike Month in May!


Bike Champion of the Year is part of the Bay Area Bike to Wherever Days program, funded by a grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, 511.org, and Amazon.

Community Preparedness

Napa County is quickly entering the rainy season. Now whether or not we get lots of rain is still yet to be seen, but it is always a good idea to be prepared for winter storms and prolonged power outages.


Many older adults in our community live alone and may need extra support during an evacuation. Take time to check in with neighbors and work together to build a more resilient, connected community.


Below are some helpful resources to support your preparedness this season. You can always find local resources at Ready Napa County.

COAD logo

COAD provides leadership to the nongovernmental response during all phases of disaster by creating linkages across all sectors and providing effective coordinated efforts to promote community resilience. 


Winter Storm Preparedness


AFN Preparedness


Preparedness Calendar

Ready.gov logo

Ready is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies and disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement.


Floods


Landslide and Debris Flow


Power Outages


Make a Plan



Out in the Community

Supervisor Manfree and staff from the Napa County Flood Control & Water Conservation District and the Napa County RCD

World Wetlands Day 2026

Rusty truck with a banner that reads: Operation with Love from Home

Operation with Love from Home

Group photo of Cultivar 360 graduates

Cultivar360 Graduation Ceremony

resource tables at Napa County Office of Education

NCOE Early Learning Center Grand Opening

Community Events

Find Your Furry Valentine


Come find your special furry Valentine and give them a second chance at love! ALL adoption fees are waived.


Questions? 707-253-4382


Where: 942 Hartle Court, Napa


When: Feb 13-15 (10am-12pm) & (1pm-4:45pm)

Napa Lighted Art Festival


The Napa Lighted Art Festival continues through 2/15! Bring the family and experience the magic of the new artwork celebrating creative arts, technology, and light.


This free, walkable outdoor experience takes place in downtown Napa and features 15 lighted art installations on display for five weeks. 


FOR MORE INFORMATION


Composting Workshops


Join a free composting workshop and learn simple, effective methods to reduce waste and enrich your soil. Must live in Napa County and attend a workshop to purchase a discounted compost bin.


Schedule:

  • March 28 (10am-12pm) | Skyline Park
  • April 25 (10am-12pm) | Skyline Park
  • May 16 (10am-12pm) | NVC Upper Valley Campus
  • September 19 (12-2pm) | Napa Senior Activity Center


REGISTER HERE

Napa County Updates

2026 Legislative & Regulatory Platform


On January 27, the Board adopted the 2026 Legislative & Regulatory Platform, establishing the County’s advocacy priorities and policy positions for the year ahead. The platform guides engagement with federal and state legislators, agencies, and regional partners on issues affecting community members, businesses, and the delivery of public services, and informs the County’s approach to legislation, budget actions, and administrative rulemaking during the 2026 legislative session.

Airport Operations

Recent changes to the Federal Aviation Administration’s instrument approach to Napa County Airport have had unintended noise impacts to residents. The County will engage the FAA to encourage the publication of alternative approaches to our airport. Doing so will enhance the coexistence of the airport and our residents for the long term.  


Policy: Napa County will engage the FAA to encourage the publication of alternative approaches to the Napa County Airport. 


California’s Property Insurance Market and the FAIR Plan

In the wake of recent wildfires in California, residents returning to damaged or destroyed homes face complex and uphill battles to secure insurance payouts necessary to rebuild. The fight to solve California’s property insurance crisis this year gained powerful advocates in Los Angeles County – and Napa County welcomes these new partners in our ongoing efforts.  


Policy: Napa County supports federal and State legislation and regulatory actions to address the residential and commercial property insurance crisis.  


Carrier of Last Resort Obligations

Napa County opposes discontinuation of copper line service and cessation of existing carrier of last resort obligations in rural, unincorporated areas of the county, where residents lack reliable access to highspeed internet and consistent cell coverage.


Policy: Napa County supports continued use of copper-line telephone service as a reliable, cost-effective means of serving rural unincorporated areas of the County, including support for the California Public Utilities Commission to issue rulemaking rather than involving the State legislature and a statewide coverage mapping program led and funded by CPUC. 

Board of Supervisors Meetings Overview

December Highlights

  • The Board awarded a construction contract to AJM General for the Atlas Peak Generator Replacement Project, which will replace the unreliable backup generator that supports Napa County’s primary Atlas Peak communications facility, ensuring dependable emergency power for critical public safety communications (12/9/25 4W).


  • The Board received a presentation on proposed Groundwater Sustainability fees for the Napa Valley Subbasin and adopted the resolution on a 3-2 vote with direction to staff to incorporate an 80% AMI threshold to the program (12/9/25 9A).


  • The Board conducted a public hearing and received a presentation on proposed updates to the County’s rooster-keeping ordinance to address cockfighting, avian disease risk, and neighborhood impacts. The Board voted its intent to adopt the ordinance, directing staff to return with provisions for educational leaders and retired flocks included, with ordinance proposed to take effect February 1, 2026 (12/9/25 9C).


  • The Board approved an amendment to its agreement with the City of Napa to extend joint water quality monitoring in the Lake Hennessey and Milliken Reservoir watersheds through June 2026, increasing the County’s cost-share to support continued data collection and analysis that informs watershed and drinking water management (12/16/25 4X).


January Highlights

The Board of Supervisors presented a proclamation recognizing January 2026 as "Positive Parenting Awareness Month."

The Board of Supervisors presented a proclamation recognizing Supervisor Anne Cottrell's service and accomplishments.

  • The Board elected Supervisor Amber Manfree as Chair and Supervisor Liz Alessio as Vice Chair for calendar year 2026 (1/13/26 4A).


  • The Board approved the application for and acceptance of up to $1,000,000 in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Continuum of Care funding to support permanent housing, rental assistance, housing navigation, coordinated entry, and data systems for individuals and families experiencing homelessness (1/13/26 6H).


  • The Board approved a Statement on Economic and Community Impacts of Labor Strife, following a presentation by Legislative & Policy Analyst Andrew Mize, expressing concern for striking employees at Westlake Royal Stone Solutions, recognizing the company’s importance to the local economy, and urging the parties to work toward a resolution of the labor dispute (1/13/26 10B).


  • The Board approved and adopted the County’s 2026 Legislative & Regulatory Platform, as amended at its January 13, 2026 meeting and with an additional amendment proposed today, incorporating changes to strengthen priorities related to utilities regulation, public safety funding, airport operations, and environmental and disaster resilience (1/27/26 5J).


  • The Board received a presentation on the use of edge line rumble strips on Napa County roadways, including safety data, community feedback from the Silverado Trail pilot installation, and alternative safety treatments, and provided direction to staff on potential future use (1/27/26 9A).


  • The Board received a presentation on the Countywide Active Transportation Plan and provided feedback on proposed walking and bicycling improvements across Napa County (1/27/26 9B).

To access Board meeting agendas and accompanying materials, subscribe to receive agendas when they are posted, learn how to address the Board on a specific agenda item or provide general public comment, and watch videos after the board meeting, please click here.

Thank You!


Please forward this email to your friends and neighbors! Click the button below to have this newsletter delivered to your in-box.


If you have any questions or would like to schedule a meeting, please reach out to Abigail Flores. I look forward to seeing you out in the community!


Supervisor Amber Manfree

amber.manfree@countyofnapa.org


Abigail Flores

abigail.flores@countyofnapa.org

Facebook  Instagram