States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Wash. State Utilities & Transportation Commission Rejects East Side Improvement's Request for 131% Increase, Authorizes a Limited Rate Increase
OLYMPIA, Washington, May 10 -- The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission issued the following news:
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UTC rejects East Side Improvement's request for 131% increase, authorizes a limited rate increase
LACEY, Wash. - On April 30, 2026, two administrative law judges (ALJs) for the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) issued an initial order rejecting a request by East Side Improvement Co. (East Side or company) to increase its water rates by 131.67%.
After reviewing the case and considering public comments, the ALJs found the requested increase unjust and unreasonable.
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OLYMPIA, Washington, May 10 -- The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission issued the following news:
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UTC rejects East Side Improvement's request for 131% increase, authorizes a limited rate increase
LACEY, Wash. - On April 30, 2026, two administrative law judges (ALJs) for the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) issued an initial order rejecting a request by East Side Improvement Co. (East Side or company) to increase its water rates by 131.67%.
After reviewing the case and considering public comments, the ALJs found the requested increase unjust and unreasonable.However, the ALJs did approve a two-phase rate increase starting in May 2026. This covers increased costs since 2022 for operating expenses, required water quality tests, and other needed repairs and improvements.
Since the new rates begin mid-month, May 2026 bills will be prorated. East Side's customers currently pay a surcharge of $26.09 per month that covers a portion of the company's irrigation screen replacement project. This will expire on May 31, 2026.
[View table in the link at bottom.]
While rate year one includes a 48.4% increase to reimburse the company for one-time costs, customer rates will drop in year two. The permanent 26.1% increase supports ongoing reliable service.
The decision balances the company's need to cover its costs while also protecting customer rights to fair and affordable water rates. Parties have 21 days to petition for administrative review of the decision. Customer rates will not increase until East Side files revised tariff pages in compliance with the decision.
This is East Side's first rate case since they became regulated in 2022.
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About the UTC
The UTC regulates the rates and services of investor-owned water and natural gas companies, electric utilities, telecommunications companies, solid waste collection companies, household-goods movers and passenger transportation companies, commercial ferries, pipeline companies, marine pilotage, and a low-level radioactive waste repository. The commission does not regulate the rates of broadband services, cellular, cable, or Internet service.
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About East Side Improvement Co.
Bellevue-based East Side provides water and irrigation service to 45 customers from four wells in Kittitas County.
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Original text here: https://www.utc.wa.gov/news/2026/utc-rejects-east-side-improvements-request-131-increase-authorizes-limited-rate-increase
Maine Gov. Mills Radio Address: Thank You, George Hale
AUGUSTA, Maine, May 9 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following radio address:
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Thank you, George Hale
Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
Well, Happy Mother's Day this weekend. I first want to say thank you -- a great note of gratitude -- to all those people in Maine celebrating Mother's Day. That includes mothers, step mothers, step grandmothers, and aunts, and other people who serve as mother figures to thousands of people in Maine. That includes foster parents as well, who do so much work in helping kids grow here in Maine. So Happy Mother's Day!
In
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AUGUSTA, Maine, May 9 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following radio address:
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Thank you, George Hale
Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
Well, Happy Mother's Day this weekend. I first want to say thank you -- a great note of gratitude -- to all those people in Maine celebrating Mother's Day. That includes mothers, step mothers, step grandmothers, and aunts, and other people who serve as mother figures to thousands of people in Maine. That includes foster parents as well, who do so much work in helping kids grow here in Maine. So Happy Mother's Day!
Inaddition to celebrating Mother's Day this week, I was proud to proclaim Friday, May 8th as "George Hale Day." We proclaimed this throughout Maine in honor of our friend and legendary broadcaster from Bangor, George Hale. His career in television and radio here has spanned more than seventy years.
George was a Navy veteran, and he first moved to Maine in 1953, when he was hired as a staff announcer for WABI Radio in Bangor. George Hale's role grew quickly, first to doing live commercials on TV, and then to broadcasting sports with coverage of University of Maine football games in 1957. Well before long, George found himself traveling the country to broadcast UMaine football, basketball, and baseball, and that was only the beginning of decades that he would cover thousands of games at the collegiate and high school level.
While his voice became synonymous with sports, George Hale also covered nearly every other aspect of Maine life and news through his role as a broadcaster, including the past two decades when he co-hosted the George Hale/Ric Tyler Show, providing his thoughtful commentary and insights on the issues of the day.
Throughout his various roles, generations of Maine people came to know and love George Hale for his work, and found comfort in his voice. Maine is so much better off today because of George Hale's decades of dedication to our state and all of its residents.
George Hale's longtime Black Bear Sports broadcasting partner, Walt Abbott, said that the thing that impressed him the most about George was his care for student athletes and their teams. "If there was a mistake made, he never blamed the kid," Walt said. "He always put a positive spin on what happened, and that was important."
Another longtime broadcasting partner, Ric Tyler, said, "George Hale could have been an outstanding television and radio broadcaster in Boston, New York, or Los Angeles, but he chose to stay in Maine." As Ric said, "We are beyond blessed for it."
Well, a special tribute episode of The Nite Show with Danny Cashman dedicated to George Hale will air this weekend on television stations in Portland, Bangor and Presque Isle. I ask Maine people to tune in and join me in recognizing George Hale's legendary career and countless contributions to our great state.
And again, Happy Mother's Day to all those who serve as mothers, mother surrogates, mother figures, grandmothers, aunts, great grandmothers, stepmothers, and those who help children grow into productive, healthy citizens here in Maine.
This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/radio_address/thank-you-george-hale-2026-05-08
LCRA Awards $14,847 Grant to Ingram VFD to Provide Covered Area for Firetrucks, Equipment
AUSTIN, Texas, May 9 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release:
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LCRA awards $14,847 grant to Ingram VFD to provide covered area for firetrucks, equipment
New shelter will help protect firefighting apparatus from the elements, capture rainwater for use in fighting fires
Key Takeaways
* LCRA awards a $14,847 grant to the Ingram Volunteer Fire Department for a covered area behind the fire station to protect firetrucks and gear.
* The new structure will protect firefighting apparatus and be outfitted with gutters to direct rainwater to the department's retention
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AUSTIN, Texas, May 9 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release:
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LCRA awards $14,847 grant to Ingram VFD to provide covered area for firetrucks, equipment
New shelter will help protect firefighting apparatus from the elements, capture rainwater for use in fighting fires
Key Takeaways
* LCRA awards a $14,847 grant to the Ingram Volunteer Fire Department for a covered area behind the fire station to protect firetrucks and gear.
* The new structure will protect firefighting apparatus and be outfitted with gutters to direct rainwater to the department's retentiontank.
* The grant is one of 41 being awarded through LCRA's Community Grants program through June. LCRA will accept applications in July for the next round of grants.
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INGRAM, Texas - The Ingram Volunteer Fire Department soon will install a metal building behind its fire station to safely store firetrucks and other equipment out of the weather, thanks to a $14,847 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.
The LCRA Community Grant, along with $6,363 in matching funds from the VFD, will provide a covered space for fire apparatus, equipment and supplies to prevent weather-related damage and deterioration and keep the equipment ready for action when needed.
"This grant from LCRA is a godsend," said Diana Baccus, Ingram VFD fire chief. "This new structure will also be fitted with a gutter system to collect rain and feed water into our retention tank. We'll be able to better protect our equipment and increase our water capacity to serve our community, and I see that as a wonderful thing."
Baccus said the project will increase the quality and quantity of services the department is able to provide.
"Our vehicles and equipment will remain in better working condition if they're properly sheltered," Baccus said. "If our equipment is in better condition, we will be able to respond to emergencies more efficiently, and the extra storage area will also allow us to retain additional equipment and resources, which then expands our capacity to help our community."
This is one of 41 grants awarded recently through LCRA Community Grants. These grants are awarded twice a year as part of LCRA's effort to give back to communities in its wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in July. More information is available at lcra.org/cdpp.
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About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves communities across Texas by managing the lower Colorado River, generating and transmitting wholesale electric power, providing clean water supplies, operating telecommunications infrastructure, and owning parks for outdoor recreation. LCRA delivers power, water and infrastructure that support the region's growth and quality of life. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. Created by the Texas Legislature in 1934, LCRA receives no state appropriations.
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Original text here: https://www.lcra.org/news/news-releases/lcra-awards-14847-grant-to-ingram-vfd-to-provide-covered-area-for-firetrucks-equipment/
Gov. Meyer Swears In New CIO for Delaware
DOVER, Delaware, May 9 -- Gov. Matt Meyer, D-Delaware, issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Governor Meyer Swears In New CIO for Delaware
Following a confirmation vote from the Delaware State Senate on Thursday, Governor Matt Meyer swore in Robert (Bob) Osmond to serve as Delaware's next Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Department of Technology & Information (DTI), leading the state's technology strategy, cybersecurity, and digital services.
"Technology plays a vital role in delivering public services, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and creating a more responsive
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DOVER, Delaware, May 9 -- Gov. Matt Meyer, D-Delaware, issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Governor Meyer Swears In New CIO for Delaware
Following a confirmation vote from the Delaware State Senate on Thursday, Governor Matt Meyer swore in Robert (Bob) Osmond to serve as Delaware's next Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Department of Technology & Information (DTI), leading the state's technology strategy, cybersecurity, and digital services.
"Technology plays a vital role in delivering public services, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and creating a more responsiveand effective government," said Governor Matt Meyer.
"Bob Osmond has demonstrated strong leadership in modernizing state technology systems, enhancing cybersecurity, and overseeing complex IT operations.
I'm confident he will help drive Delaware's continued innovation and improve service for residents across the state."
Osmond served as Virginia's CIO since 2022, where he led the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA).
In that role, he oversaw statewide cybersecurity efforts, managed IT infrastructure supporting more than 65,000 users across executive branch agencies, governed major technology investments, and directed approximately $1.3 billion in annual technology procurement.
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ABOUT CIO OSMOND
Bob Osmond has served as the Commonwealth CIO for Virginia since 2022. As Commonwealth CIO, he led the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) whose responsibilities included: Protection of the Commonwealth's information security programs; Operation of the IT infrastructure for the 65 in-scope executive branch agencies (supporting 65,000 users); Governance of IT investments; and Procurement of $1.3B annually of technology for VITA and on behalf of other state agencies and institutions.
Prior to his appointment as Virginia CIO, Bob was the Chief of Technology and Business Strategy for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) where he led divisions responsible for information technology, process improvement and strategic innovation. Prior to joining the Commonwealth and becoming a state employee, he was a Partner for IBM Global Business Services.
Bob also volunteers as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and is certified by the National Registry of EMTs and licensed by the Virginia Department of Health. He has also lectured on business management consulting at the George Washington School of Business; served as President for the Maryland Chapter of the American Society of Training and Development; and co-founded the Quantum Career Consulting organization that helps the Citizens of Virginia find new workforce opportunities. Bob has been recognized by StateScoop as a State Executive of the Year (2023 and 2025) and GovTech as a Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers (2025). In 2026, Bob was selected as an Honoree of Virginia Business' 2026 C-Suite Awards.
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Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/05/08/governor-meyer-swears-in-new-cio-for-delaware/
Del. Gov. Meyer Swears In New Inspector General
DOVER, Delaware, May 9 -- Gov. Matt Meyer, D-Delaware, issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Governor Meyer Swears In New Inspector General
After being confirmed by the Delaware State Senate on Thursday, Governor Matt Meyer swore in Robert Storch as the state's first Inspector General at Legislative Hall.
"With Robert Storch's experienced leadership guiding the new OIG, I am confident the office will strengthen transparency and accountability across state government for the benefit of our citizens," said Governor Matt Meyer.
Governor Matt Meyer signed Senate Bill 4, creating
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DOVER, Delaware, May 9 -- Gov. Matt Meyer, D-Delaware, issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Governor Meyer Swears In New Inspector General
After being confirmed by the Delaware State Senate on Thursday, Governor Matt Meyer swore in Robert Storch as the state's first Inspector General at Legislative Hall.
"With Robert Storch's experienced leadership guiding the new OIG, I am confident the office will strengthen transparency and accountability across state government for the benefit of our citizens," said Governor Matt Meyer.
Governor Matt Meyer signed Senate Bill 4, creatinga non partisan, independent Office of the Inspector General (OIG) on August 14, 2025.
"As Delaware welcomes Mr. Storch as our first Inspector General, we take a major step toward our goal of deterring and detecting waste, fraud, and abuse in our government. This is a momentous day for Delaware that comes after nearly 20 years of hard-fought efforts to strengthen government transparency," said Senator Laura Sturgeon (D - Wilmington), lead sponsor of Senate Bill 4. "It is our intention that the Office of Inspector General will safeguard taxpayer dollars, ensure effectiveness and efficiency in our government, and instill confidence in Delawareans."
"Creating an independent Office of the Inspector General was about restoring and strengthening public confidence in government, and that mission begins with selecting the right person to lead it," said Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn (R-Georgetown). "Robert Storch's extensive background in oversight, accountability, and public integrity makes him exceptionally qualified to serve as Delaware's first Inspector General. I appreciate Governor Meyer's commitment to appointing someone with the experience and independence necessary to ensure taxpayer dollars are protected and state government is held to the highest standards."
"Delaware is incredibly fortunate to have someone of Mr. Storch's caliber serving as our first Inspector General. I have no doubt that he will serve us well by bringing a new level of transparency to our state government, and I look forward to seeing the great work he will do on behalf of Delawareans," said Rep. Cyndie Romer (D - Newark).
"Although the state already has an auditor and an attorney general, this office would address gaps in their oversight," said Rep. Jeff Hilovsky (R-Long Neck, Oak Orchard). "An inspector general will collaborate with these agencies to strengthen overall accountability while also serving as a clear, accessible point of contact for citizens to directly raise their concerns about fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption in government. It was an honor to be selected to be a member of the panel recommending our first Inspector General to Governor Meyer."
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ABOUT INSPECTOR GENERAL STORCH
Robert Storch most recently served as the Senate-confirmed Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Defense, where he led a global workforce of more than 1,800 professionals conducting nonpartisan oversight of the Department's programs and personnel. In that role, he oversaw U.S. assistance to Ukraine as the Congressionally designated Special Inspector General and served as Lead Inspector General for major contingency operations in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.
He previously served as the first Senate-confirmed Inspector General of the National Security Agency and held senior leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, following a distinguished career as a federal prosecutor handling complex public corruption and national security matters.
Storch is currently serving as a Lecturer in Law at Columbia Law School, teaching a seminar titled "Combating Corruption and Strengthening Government," which examines the work of Inspectors General and other oversight mechanisms.
The Office of the Inspector General was established in 2025 following the passage of bipartisan legislation to strengthen accountability and transparency across Delaware state government. The office serves as an independent, nonpartisan watchdog responsible for investigating fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption, marking a significant step in enhancing public trust and ensuring the responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
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Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/05/08/governor-meyer-swears-in-new-inspector-general/
Calif. Governor Requests Extension of FEMA Disaster Funding to Help Survivors of LA Wildfires
SACRAMENTO, California, May 9 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Governor requests extension of FEMA disaster funding to help survivors of LA wildfires
What you need to know: California is requesting a 12-month extension of federal disaster assistance for Los Angeles fire survivors to ensure thousands of families can continue accessing housing and financial support as they rebuild.
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With thousands of Los Angeles fire survivors still working to rebuild their lives as they await long-term federal disaster recovery aid, Governor Gavin
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SACRAMENTO, California, May 9 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Governor requests extension of FEMA disaster funding to help survivors of LA wildfires
What you need to know: California is requesting a 12-month extension of federal disaster assistance for Los Angeles fire survivors to ensure thousands of families can continue accessing housing and financial support as they rebuild.
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With thousands of Los Angeles fire survivors still working to rebuild their lives as they await long-term federal disaster recovery aid, Governor GavinNewsom has formally requested that the federal government extend critical disaster assistance programs to ensure families can continue their recovery.
California is requesting a 12-month extension of the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which provides financial and housing assistance to disaster survivors. The extension would allow eligible survivors to continue receiving support through July 9, 2027.
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"Thousands of Californians are still navigating the long road to recovery after these devastating fires. We're doing everything in our power to support survivors, but they need continued federal support to rebuild safely and fully. Cutting off assistance now would leave families without the resources they need at a critical moment in their recovery."
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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The request reflects the scale and complexity of the ongoing recovery from the devastating LA wildfires. Many survivors remain displaced due to delays in insurance payments, housing shortages, and limited contractor availability. Without an extension, thousands of households risk losing essential assistance while facing challenges outside their control.
According to the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), as of May 3, 2026, nearly 29,500 households that may be eligible for this assistance were still navigating insurance claims, and nearly 1,000 households continued to receive federal Continued Temporary Housing Assistance. While thousands of rebuilding permits have been issued and thousands more are in progress, many survivors are waiting to begin construction due to financial uncertainty, lack of clarity about their insurance funds, and labor and supply constraints.
California's request follows months of coordination by Cal OES with FEMA and local partners to assess survivors' needs and ensure the request is supported by current data. The state will provide additional information in the coming weeks to further document the ongoing need for assistance.
At the same time, California continues to lead an aggressive, all-of-government effort to support recovery. Since the wildfires, the Governor has issued more than two dozen executive orders to speed rebuilding, cut red tape, and restore critical infrastructure. State and local partners have also completed one of the largest debris removal operations in California history in record time.
Governor Newsom has expanded direct financial support for survivors, including making available more than $100 million in grants through the CalAssist Mortgage Fund to help homeowners stay housed during recovery. Additional protections have been put in place to prevent price gouging and support renters.
Still, significant barriers remain -- particularly for families facing underinsurance or difficulty finding permanent housing in a constrained regional market.
FEMA delays are impacting the ability to rebuild
In addition to the need for expanded relief through the Individual and Households Program, California desperately needs FEMA to release more than $732 million in Public Assistance funding associated with the LA wildfires that is approved at the regional level but still awaiting final sign-off approval from DHS Headquarters. Only $37 million has been obligated. These delays are holding up critical recovery projects and rebuilding efforts in impacted communities that FEMA experts have already approved. Stalled projects include funding for schools, parks, water systems, and critical emergency response measures.
For survivors like spouses Bishop Charles D. Dorsey and Dr. Lisa Dorsey in Altadena, the recovery process remains ongoing. After losing their church in the fires, they spent months navigating the FEMA Public Assistance process due to delays caused by multiple federal shutdowns and onerous DHS review protocols. Stories like theirs are unfortunately the norm and underscore the need for continued federal support to ensure no family is left behind.
Trump abandons LA fire survivors
In addition to taking action to speed rebuilding, the Governor is also standing up for the Altadena, Palisades, and Malibu communities by calling out the White House for failing to submit to Congress long-term disaster funding for survivors of last year's catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires. The supplemental appropriation the Governor has championed will fund important programs like Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds that provide flexible sources of funding for communities to rebuild and recover. The Governor, who went to Washington, D.C in December to advocate for survivors, renewed his call for immediate approval of disaster supplemental funds, urging Congress and the President to deliver the same compassion and urgency that have been extended to other communities across the nation. The federal government plays a critical role as a partner to the state in this long-term recovery effort. Funding in this supplemental appropriation would:
* Fund the rebuilding of schools, childcare centers, homes, and vital community facilities.
* Keep small businesses open, support the economy, and maintain jobs.
* Restore damaged water systems, rebuild responder infrastructure, and improve air quality monitoring.
Supporting survivors through full recovery
Extending federal assistance will help ensure survivors have the time and resources needed to transition from temporary housing to permanent homes and complete their recovery with stability and dignity.
California will continue working closely with FEMA and local partners to support survivors every step of the way.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/05/08/governor-requests-extension-of-fema-disaster-funding-to-help-survivors-of-la-wildfires/
Calif. Gov. Newsom Announces Major Hiring Milestone With Over 1,000 Young Adults Entering the Wildland Firefighting Force
SACRAMENTO, California, May 9 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces major hiring milestone with over 1,000 young adults entering the wildland firefighting force
What you need to know: Governor Newsom today announced a major hiring milestone for the wildland firefighting force with more than 1,000 young adults trained, certified, and hired to full-time and seasonal wildland fire positions since 2018 in a partnership between the California Conservation Corps (CCC) and CAL FIRE.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today announced
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SACRAMENTO, California, May 9 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces major hiring milestone with over 1,000 young adults entering the wildland firefighting force
What you need to know: Governor Newsom today announced a major hiring milestone for the wildland firefighting force with more than 1,000 young adults trained, certified, and hired to full-time and seasonal wildland fire positions since 2018 in a partnership between the California Conservation Corps (CCC) and CAL FIRE.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today announceda major milestone in his commitment to build the world's premier wildland firefighting force. Since 2018, CAL FIRE has hired over 1,000 young adults, who were trained and certified by the California Conservation Corps, to full-time and seasonal wildland fire positions.
Since Governor Newsom took office in 2019, the state has grown the number of CCC-CAL FIRE partnered firefighting crews by nearly 450%, adding critical resources in protecting communities across California. These record statewide investments are critical to ensuring California continues to build a trained wildland firefighting force that's ready to serve.
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California is paving the way for meaningful career pathways in emergency response and wildfire preparedness. I'm proud to see the work carried out by these young adults who are committed to making their communities more resilient while leaving a lasting environmental impact. With the climate crisis leading to more extreme weather events, it's more imperative than ever that we cultivate the next generation of wildland firefighters.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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Investing in the next generation of leaders
When Governor Newsom took office, the CCC and CAL FIRE jointly operated six hand crews at three locations with 90 Corpsmembers. Today, that partnership runs 33 crews across 13 locations with more than 450 Corpsmembers actively training and serving, an expansion that made 1,000 firefighter hires possible.
Since 2020, in partnership with the Legislature, the state has invested $238 million in the CCC to build its wildland firefighter training and response capacity. An additional $180 million has funded the CCC Forestry Corps, fuel reduction, and community hardening to build upon the state's wildfire resilience efforts.
Corpsmembers aged 18 to 25, and military veterans up to 29, receive a monthly stipend while completing all the wildland firefighting certifications CAL FIRE requires. No prior experience is necessary. Celebrating its 50th year of service, the CCC has spent five decades turning that same entry point into careers in natural resources and firefighting for young adults throughout California.
In 2025, Corpsmembers supported wildfire, base camp support, and forest-health activities:
* CCC fire crews were dispatched to 355 wildfire incidents statewide, including the Palisades and Eaton Fires in Los Angeles. CCC fire crews totaled 415,930 emergency response hours.
* Corpsmembers assisted state and federal partners at base camp for 33 incidents in California, plus one out-of-state camp. There were 173 dispatches totaling 347,488 hours.
* Corpsmembers in the CCC Forestry Corps program reduced fire risk and improved forest health. Together, they treated 1,515 acres, removed 1,700 trees for fuel management, and planted 8,000 trees to support reforestation.
"The Corpsmembers CAL FIRE hired put in the work while they were with us, long days on fire lines, coursework in the classroom, and the physical demands that come with this job," said JP Patton, Director, California Conservation Corps. "Thanks to our CAL FIRE partners, we have built a pathway that turns that commitment into a lasting career."
"Corpsmembers bring a level of discipline, adaptability, and commitment to public service that makes them outstanding candidates for careers with CAL FIRE," said CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler. "Their training and real-world experience position them to succeed on the frontlines and beyond."
California builds the world's most powerful firefighting force
Governor Newsom, backed by the Legislature, has transformed California's firefighting capacity from the ground up -- investing billions to expand the workforce, and opening new training academies to keep communities safe year-round.
Historic investments-statewide
Since 2019, California has significantly expanded its firefighting capacity by investing in personnel, equipment, and training to protect communities from increasingly severe wildfires and extreme weather events. Under the Newsom administration, California's fire protection budget nearly doubled--from $2 billion to $3.8 billion and more than $2.5 billion in wildfire resilience and forest health projects. Governor Newsom and the Legislature have also invested over $350 million for wildfire safety projects on federal lands -- which make up 58% of California's forestlands. At the same time, the budget for the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)--the state's leadership hub for responding to and rebuilding after major wildfires--increased from $1.8 billion to $4.5 billion.
Training the next generation of frontline leaders
In July 2025, California opened a new CAL FIRE training academy in Merced County, the Atwater Training Center to accommodate an expanding workforce. The Atwater Training Center is the fourth addition to CAL FIRE academies, joining Ione, Redding, and Riverside. Academies specialize in leadership, aviation, and equipment operations programs. In October 2025, California celebrated the first graduation of company officers at the new Atwater Training Center. Company officers are CAL FIRE's frontline leaders in emergency response, leading crews during emergencies and overseeing readiness, training, and prevention efforts during non-emergency periods. In 2025 alone, CAL FIRE trained more than 650 new company officers. In 2026, CAL FIRE has graduated about 60 new company officers, and they're on track to reach over 600 by the end of the year.
Building the world's best firefighting workforce
Since 2019, CAL FIRE has nearly doubled the fire protection workforce--growing from 5,829 to 11,436 positions. Over the past five years, Governor Newsom, in partnership with the Legislature, expanded CAL FIRE's firefighting workforce by adding an average of 1,800 full-time and 600 seasonal positions annually--nearly double that of the previous administration. Last year, Governor Newsom launched a new recruitment effort to hire more firefighters and empower prospective applicants with comprehensive information about diverse career paths. For more information about career opportunities ranging from firefighting to land use planning and information technology, visit JoinCALFIRE.com.
Trump weakens wildfire preparedness while California continues to lead
President Trump has made dramatic cuts to wildfire readiness across the United States and especially in rural and high-fire-risk California communities.
* In the final year of the Biden administration, the Forest Service treated more than 4 million acres of hazardous vegetation to reduce wildfire risk. Under Trump, that number plummeted to 2.6 million -- a drop of nearly 1.5 million acres heading into what experts are warning could be an extreme fire season.
* Trump slashed prescribed burns by nearly half, dropping from over 1.6 million acres in 2024 to roughly 900,000 acres in 2025.
* Trump has proposed eliminating annual block grants that support state, tribal, private landowner, and urban forestry programs, which is funding that directly supports wildfire prevention partners across California.
* Trump is also turning his back on California communities trying to rebuild more resilient after wildfires. In April 2025, Trump cut a $35 million grant for Napa to reduce wildfire threats and build back more resilience after devastating fires. The Trump administration said the program was wasteful and ineffective. California is actively challenging the Trump administration to restore critical funds for the people of Napa, in addition to 86 other California hazard mitigation projects.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/05/08/governor-newsom-announces-major-hiring-milestone-with-over-1000-young-adults-entering-the-wildland-firefighting-force/
