Edition 126/ June 2026

Four California Consulting clients have successfully secured a combined $1,224,921 through the Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program, advancing local efforts to create safer, more connected, and environmentally sustainable transportation networks.

The awarded projects include:

• City of Waterford – $398,385
• City of Albany – $318,711
• City of Industry – $286,500
• City of Grass Valley – $221,325

The Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program supports local and regional planning efforts that promote transportation systems aligned with California’s climate, equity, public health, and mobility goals. Funding helps communities develop plans that improve multimodal transportation options, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance safety, and support sustainable growth.

Through these grants, each city will be able to advance critical planning initiatives that address current transportation needs while preparing for future development and mobility challenges. Strategic transportation planning plays a vital role in creating communities that are more accessible, resilient, and connected for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

California Consulting is proud to have partnered with these communities in securing funding for their transportation planning efforts. These awards reflect the importance of proactive planning and investment in infrastructure that supports long-term economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and quality of life throughout California.

"These awards demonstrate the value of investing in thoughtful, long-range transportation planning. By securing more than $1.2 million in funding, these communities can take important steps toward building transportation systems that are safer, more sustainable, and better equipped to meet future needs. We are proud to support our clients as they pursue projects that enhance mobility and improve quality of life for their residents."

— Dan Rodriguez, Director of Operations, California Consulting

Congratulations to the City of Industry, Albany, Grass Valley, and Waterford on this significant funding achievement.

The City of Grass Valley has been awarded $720,000 through the Sierra Nevada Conservancy’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Grant Program to support critical wildfire mitigation efforts throughout the community.

The grant funding will be used to treat approximately 240 acres of forested land, creating multiple defensible buffer zones designed to slow the spread of wildfire and protect residents, infrastructure, and natural resources. The project will help reduce hazardous fuels, improve forest health, and strengthen the community’s long-term resilience to increasingly severe wildfire threats.

The Sierra Nevada Conservancy’s grant program supports projects that improve forest and watershed health, reduce wildfire risk, and promote climate resilience across California’s Sierra-Cascade region. By investing in proactive forest management and fuel reduction strategies, the program helps communities better prepare for and respond to wildfire events.

California Consulting is proud to have partnered with the City of Grass Valley on this successful application. Grant Writer Matt Kamm worked closely with City staff throughout the grant development process, helping to secure funding that will advance the City’s wildfire preparedness and community protection goals.

"This award reflects the City of Grass Valley’s commitment to protecting its community and natural environment through proactive wildfire mitigation efforts. We congratulate City leaders and Grant Writer Matt Kamm on securing this important funding and look forward to seeing the positive impact these forest resilience improvements will have for years to come."

— Shasta Bell, Director of Communications, California Consulting

Congratulations to the City of Grass Valley and Project Manager Matt Kamm on this important funding achievement.

This grant award has also been featured in The Sacramento Bee!



Sierra Nevada Conservancy awards $4.6 million for wildfire projects | Sacramento Bee



The City of Industry has been awarded $500,000 through the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Grant Program, supporting the City’s ongoing efforts to strengthen water management, conservation, and long-term sustainability initiatives.

The WaterSMART Program provides funding for projects that improve water reliability, increase efficiency, and help communities address current and future water supply challenges. Through strategic investments in water infrastructure and resource management, the program helps communities conserve water, enhance operational efficiency, and build resilience to drought and changing environmental conditions.

This award will enable the City of Industry to advance important water-related improvements that support both community needs and responsible stewardship of natural resources. WaterSMART funding plays a critical role in helping local agencies implement innovative solutions that promote sustainable water use and ensure reliable access to water for years to come.

California Consulting is proud to have partnered with the City of Industry on this successful grant application. Grant Writer Tim Lewis worked closely with City of Industry administration throughout the application process, helping to develop a competitive proposal that secured this significant federal investment.

Congratulations to the City of Industry and Project Manager Tim Lewis on this funding achievement and their commitment to advancing water sustainability and resilience.

May brought another strong month of grant funding success for California Consulting and our clients. Through strategic partnerships and competitive grant applications, communities across California secured funding for projects that will improve services, strengthen infrastructure, and enhance quality of life for residents. The following is a summary of the grants awarded during the month.

California Consulting continues to monitor federal funding opportunities that can benefit communities across California. This month, Caitlin Williams, California Consulting's Washington, D.C. representative, met with staff from Representative Kevin Kiley's office to discuss federal funding opportunities and priorities impacting local communities.

During the meeting, congressional staff reaffirmed their support for projects focused on education, transportation, and infrastructure, recognizing the vital role these investments play in strengthening public services and improving quality of life. The office also confirmed its continued willingness to provide letters of support for competitive federal grant applications, with requests evaluated on a case-by-case basis. This provides an additional resource for communities pursuing federal funding opportunities.

Several significant federal grant programs are currently accepting applications:

FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER)

Deadline: June 22, 2026

Funding Available: $360 million nationwide

The SAFER Program provides funding to fire departments and volunteer firefighter organizations to increase staffing levels, improve emergency response capabilities, and enhance community fire protection. Eligible activities include hiring new firefighters, rehiring laid-off personnel, retaining firefighters facing layoffs, and supporting volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention efforts.

FEMA Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S)

Estimated Deadline: June 22, 2026

Funding Available: Up to $1.5 million

This program supports fire prevention initiatives, firefighter safety programs, and research projects designed to reduce injuries, improve firefighter health, and enhance community safety through education and prevention efforts.

FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG)

Deadline: June 22, 2026

The AFG Program helps fire departments obtain critically needed equipment, training, protective gear, vehicles, and other resources necessary to protect both emergency personnel and the communities they serve.

USBR WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects

Deadline: June 2, 2026

Funding Available: Up to $100,000

The WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Program provides cost-share funding for projects that improve water conservation and operational efficiency. Eligible projects include canal lining, flow measurement systems, automation improvements, and other small-scale infrastructure upgrades that enhance water management.

USDOT Bridge Investment Program

Deadlines: June–August 2026

Funding Available: $2.5 million to $100 million

This competitive program funds bridge rehabilitation, replacement, preservation, and planning projects. The program is designed to reduce the number of bridges in poor condition while supporting infrastructure improvements that enhance safety and mobility for communities nationwide.

National Endowment for the Arts – Grants for Arts Projects

Deadline: July 9, 2026

Funding Available: $10,000–$100,000

The Grants for Arts Projects Program supports public engagement with the arts, arts education, community development initiatives, and projects that strengthen the nation's arts sector. Funding is available across a wide range of artistic disciplines, including visual arts, theater, music, dance, museums, literary arts, and more.

USBR Drought Resiliency Projects

Deadline: July 28, 2026

Funding Available: Up to $5 million per project

The Drought Resiliency Projects Program helps water agencies and eligible organizations implement infrastructure improvements that increase water supply reliability, improve drought preparedness, and strengthen long-term resilience to water shortages. Projects must be tied to an existing Drought Contingency Plan and be in the final design stage.

California Consulting remains committed to identifying and sharing funding opportunities that help our clients address critical infrastructure, public safety, environmental, and community development priorities. For assistance determining eligibility or preparing a competitive application, please contact our team.

On June 9, Assemblymember Mike Gipson hosted a highly successful Grant Webinar that brought together more than 136 community leaders from across California to learn about key funding opportunities and grant development strategies. The event highlighted strong interest in expanding access to competitive grant programs and strengthening local capacity to secure funding.

Participants gained valuable insight into grant best practices from California Consulting Grant Specialists, who shared practical guidance on developing competitive applications and aligning projects with available funding sources. The webinar also featured an economic development update from Kosmont Companies Senior Vice President Bob Valenti, who provided important context on current market trends and regional development opportunities.

The session underscored the importance of collaboration between public agencies, economic development experts, and grant professionals in advancing impactful community projects throughout California.

California Consulting is proud to spotlight Senior Grant Writer Ilya Malinsky, a highly experienced grant professional who has been with the firm for over a decade. With more than 10 years of professional writing experience, Ilya brings deep expertise in developing competitive grant proposals that support impactful community programs across California and beyond.

Throughout his career at California Consulting, Ilya has authored successful applications focused on social services, education, and community development, helping secure millions in grant funding for clients. His work has supported a wide range of initiatives, including after-school programs, services for pregnant and parenting youth, and skill-building opportunities in underserved communities across cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.

Before joining California Consulting, Ilya contributed writing and editorial work for organizations including AOL, Nielsen Business Media, and Audible.com. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Boston University and continues to apply his strong communication background to advancing meaningful, equity-focused funding opportunities for public agencies and nonprofits.

Coastal Waterways Grants

Housing Grants

Fire Grants

USBR Water Smart Grants

Library Museum



Education Grants

Municipal Grants

Police Grants

Park Grants

California Consulting is pleased to welcome Clayton Owens as our newest Associate, supporting the firm's business development efforts throughout California.

Clayton's journey with California Consulting began as a University of Southern California intern before he was hired as a Management Assistant, where he provided valuable support to our administrative team. After gaining additional experience, Clayton has returned to the firm, bringing with him a strong understanding of our mission, culture, and commitment to helping clients secure critical funding opportunities.

A graduate of USC with a degree in Real Estate Development and a former NCAA Division I baseball student-athlete, Clayton combines leadership, teamwork, and relationship-building skills that make him a tremendous asset to our team and the communities we serve.

Please join us in welcoming Clayton back to California Consulting!

Cal Consulting is excited to welcome the City of Huntington Beach, the City of Lathrop Parks and Recreation Department, City of Los Angeles Regional Park and Open Space District, the City of Soledad, the Riverside County Parks and Open Space District, and Woodlake Unified School District for grant-writing services. We are excited to secure funding for your projects.  

California Consulting is proud that the City of Sierra Madre, the City of Fort Bragg, the City of Sand City, the City of Needles, Azusa Unified School District, the City of Redlands, Gilroy Unified School District, and Los Nietos School District have renewed their contract. We greatly appreciate your continued trust in our services and look forward to building on the successes we’ve achieved together.

Our team continues to stay actively engaged across California, connecting with leaders and tracking the policies shaping our communities.

May 2026

• 05/01 – Janine Heft – State of the City (San Clemente),
• 05/01 – Dale Sumersille – APWA Sacramento Chapter Luncheon
• 05/08 – Dale Sumersille – Trust for Public Lands Funding Strategy Summit
• 05/09/2026 – Caitlin Williams – California State Society Summer Picnic
• 05/11 – Roland Serna – Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Spring Celebration
• 05/11 – Scott Carpenter – Association of California School Administrators Awards Gala Region XIX
• 05/11 – Griselda Ramirez – San Diego County Division Meeting Biotech 50th Anniversary Event
• 05/12 – Roland Serna – Cal Cities San Diego County Division Meeting
• 05/12/2026 – Sarah Gorman – Siskiyou County Local Transportation Commission (TAC)
• 05/13 – Griselda Ramirez – San Diego County Division Legislative Delegation
• 05/13–05/17 – Karen Herrera – California Contract Cities Association Conference
• 05/14 – Roland Serna – San Diego County Division Elections
• 05/15/2026 – Sarah Gorman – LCOE Educator Gala
• 05/15 – Griselda Ramirez – Cal Cities Imperial County Division Meeting
• 5/15 - Sarah Gorman - Lassen County Office of Education- Lassen County Educators Gala
• 05/16 – Griselda Ramirez – MMASC Annual Conference
• 05/17 – Karen Herrera – California Contract Cities Association Conference
• 05/20 – Janine Heft – SOCEC State of the 5th Luncheon
• 05/20 – Scott Carpenter – Riverside & San Bernardino Counties CalCities Luncheon
• 05/20 – Dwight Williams – State of the City (Stockton)
• 05/20/2026 – Karen Herrera – Cal Cities IE Riverside/Desert Mountain Joint Division Dinner
• 05/27/2026 – Sarah Gorman – Placer County Transportation Planning Agency

June 2026

• 06/02 – Dale Sumersille – APWA Sacramento Chapter Luncheon
• 06/03/2026 – Sarah Gorman – Modoc County Transportation Commission Meeting
• 06/04/2026 – Clay Owens – LA Cal Cities Meeting
• 06/05 – Janine Heft and Scott Carpenter– Orange County Taxpayers Association Luncheon
• 06/11 – Janine Heft – Cal Cities Orange County Division Meeting
• 06/11 – Sonia Hall and Dwight Williams– Central Valley Division Membership Meeting
• 06/12/2026 – Karen Herrera – San Gabriel Valley Legislative Network Event
• 06/12 – Dale Sumersille – League of California Cities Sacramento Division Meeting (Citrus Heights)
• 06/13 – Dale Sumersille – CalCities Peninsula Division Brunch

Thank you to all of the media outlets that feature California Consulting in their publications.

Caitlin Williams, Leading Opportunties in Mental Health Education and Public Welfare

California Consulting Releases Education Grant Opportunties

Cal Consulting Publishes Coastal Waterways Grants



California Consulting is proud of our Business Development Associates across the state.

The State's Premiere Grant Writing Company