Police Chief Survey

The City of Fort Bragg would like your input on the qualities you would like to see in our next Police Chief. Please click the link below to take our short survey, so that we can hire the candidate that best suits our community.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6uOHLVvuNeKFgGgAv5fmksfh9BX6n0GTiEENhbQzrmvgXLw/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawM9urNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFSTFZ2Zk03U1hoMFRpUHlGAR4jcBXdsUWWAweHeQNkR5ZZBA0fcls_VcnDijyqZwnDDli9BrLxFoNQwL062A_aem_1k5MVMWqLPwEY9JY02Gkgg&pli=1

City Manager’s Initiatives – 2025

City Manager Isaac Whippy continues to advance a bold and community-focused agenda for 2025, centered on housing, economic vitality, and quality of life improvements. Key initiatives include:

  1. Housing, Housing, Housing!
    • Addressing Fort Bragg’s housing shortage remains the top priority. In 2025, the City will:
      • Pursue public-private partnerships with developers to accelerate the production of affordable and workforce housing.
      • Expand incentives for infill development, reduce barriers to ADU construction, and waive select development fees.
      • Implement zoning amendments and parking reform to promote multi-family and mixed-use housing.
      • Continue seeking state and federal funding to support affordable housing projects.
  2. Vacancy Strategy for Downtown and the Central Business District
    • The City is developing a comprehensive strategy to address vacant commercial properties, which includes:
      • A proposed Vacancy Tax Ordinance to incentivize activation of underutilized buildings.
      • A business recruitment campaign to attract new tenants.
      • Repurposing vacant properties for community use, pop-up retail, or public art projects.
  3. Mill Site Framework and Coastal Commission Engagement
    • In partnership with the Coastal Commission and Mendocino Railway, the City will:
      • Finalize a Master Development Agreement (MDA) and regulatory framework for the Mill Site.
      • Advance technical studies, including the LCP Amendment and Environmental Impact Review (EIR).
      • Hold community engagement workshops to shape the Mill Site’s redevelopment into a mixed-use, coastal-accessible space with housing, trails, and economic opportunity.
  4. Microgrid and Energy Resilience
    • To increase community resilience and sustainability, the City will:
      • Launch planning and feasibility studies for a Microgrid Project, initially targeting municipal facilities and critical infrastructure.
      • Partner with PG&E, CEC, and regional energy agencies to identify funding and technical support.
      • Position the microgrid as a model for energy independence and climate resilience on the North Coast.
  5. Launch of the Parks and Recreation Department
    • The newly created Parks and Recreation Department will:
      • Oversee operations of CV Starr Center, community parks, and recreation programming.
      • Introduce new youth, senior, and fitness programs, as well as seasonal events.
      • Initiate capital planning for park upgrades and multi-use facilities that double as emergency shelters.
      • Strengthen community partnerships and volunteer opportunities for park stewardship.

Summary of Completed 2024 Initiatives

In 2024, City Manager Whippy and the City Council successfully advanced several foundational efforts:

  • Strategic Planning 2025–2028: Completed and adopted a new Strategic Plan to guide the City's priorities over the next four years.
  • Economic Development Department Created: Launched a new department to support business retention, attraction, and workforce development, including the Business Boost Fund and Façade Improvement Grants.
  • Municipal Broadband Utility Created: Acquired Mendocino Community Network (MCN) and secured a $10.4M CPUC grant for fiber infrastructure citywide.
  • Permitting Modernization: Deployed Acella permitting software and contracted 4Leaf to expedite plan checks and inspections.
  • Online Budget Transparency Portal: Developed a public-facing portal to improve accessibility and understanding of the City’s finances.
  • Master Tax Sharing Agreement Finalized: Established a long-term tax sharing arrangement with Mendocino County to support annexation and fiscal equity.
  • Improved Communications & Public Engagement: Launched City Manager Roundup, hired a Public Information Officer, and hosted business roundtables and strategic retreats.
  • Expanded Community Events: Introduced two new annual events—the Blues Festival and Mountain Bike Tournament—to boost tourism and local pride.
  • Volunteerism and Community Spirit: Expanded opportunities for civic engagement and service through new volunteer initiatives.