Memorandum
Date: 03/03/2026
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Mireya G. Turner, Community Development Department Director
Shannon Walker-Smith, Deputy Community Development Administrator
Subject: Approve Agreement between County of Lake and Lake County Resource Conservation District (RCD) for implementation of a comprehensive agricultural planning initiative, in the amount of $376,300.00, and Authorize the Chair to Sign.
Executive Summary: The Lake County Board of Supervisors adopted resolution 2025-80 on July 8th, 2025, authorizing the Community Development Department (CDD) to apply as the lead agency in partnership with the Lake County Resource Conservation District (RCD) for the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC) grant. CDD was awarded funding for the SALC grant on October 17th, 2025, for $500,000. The proposed agreement authorizes the Lake County Resource Conservation District (RCD) to assist the Community Development Department (CDD) with implementation of a comprehensive agricultural planning initiative. The project will evaluate agricultural conditions countywide, engage stakeholders, analyze economic and environmental factors affecting agriculture, and develop policy and program recommendations to support agricultural viability, land conservation, and climate resilience.
Agriculture is a cornerstone of Lake County’s economy, environment, and cultural identity. However, agricultural lands face increasing pressures from development, climate impacts, infrastructure limitations, and economic challenges. The funding for this project is provided solely through grant funding provided under the State’s Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC) grant. In Partnership with the RCD, the County is initiating a planning effort to better understand these challenges and identify strategic actions to preserve working lands and strengthen the agricultural sector.
The Lake County Resource Conservation District (RCD) has expertise in agricultural outreach, conservation planning, and technical analysis, making it well suited to support implementation of this project. The Community Development Department named the RCD as the technical expert and partner for implementation in the grant application.
Under this agreement, the Contractor will perform technical, analytical, and engagement services organized into four primary task areas:
1. Community Engagement and Outreach
The Contractor will design and implement a countywide engagement strategy to gather input from farmers, ranchers, Tribes, agricultural businesses, and community partners. Activities include surveys, workshops, meetings, listening sessions, and culturally appropriate outreach materials to ensure broad and inclusive participation.
2. Mapping, GIS Analysis, and Economic Assessment
Work will include GIS-based mapping of agricultural lands and evaluation of factors such as soil quality, water access, infrastructure, wildfire risk, climate vulnerability, and land conversion pressures. The Contractor will also prepare an economic analysis assessing workforce trends, production value, infrastructure needs, and opportunities to strengthen local food systems.
3. Evaluation of Agricultural Land Protection Tools and Incentives
The Contractor will review existing policies and programs affecting agricultural land retention, including zoning, Williamson Act participation, Right-to-Farm provisions, and conservation tools. Recommendations will identify strategies to support long-term agricultural viability and opportunities to protect approximately 1,250-6,000 acres of agricultural land based on stakeholder input and feasibility.
4. Integration with County Planning Processes
All project findings will be coordinated with existing and future County initiatives, including the Lake County 2050 General Plan Update, Climate Adaptation planning efforts, and agricultural land use policy development. The Contractor will coordinate regularly with County staff, partner agencies, and the Technical Advisory Committee.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: $ Amount Budgeted: $ Additional Requested: $ Future Annual Cost: ________
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☐ Fully Article X.- and/or Consultant Selection Policy-Compliant (describe process undertaken in “Executive Summary”) ☐ Section 2-38 Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in “Executive Summary,” attach documentation, as needed)
☐ For Technology Purchases: Vetted and Supported by the Technology Governance Committee (“Yes,” if checked)
☐ Other (Please describe in Executive Summary)
Consistency with Vision 2028 (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☐ Well-being of Residents ☐ Public Safety ☐ Disaster Preparedness, Prevention, Recovery
☒ Economic Development ☒ Infrastructure ☐ County Workforce
☒ Community Collaboration ☐ Business Process Efficiency ☐ Clear Lake
If request for exemption from competitive bid in accordance with County Code Chapter 2 Sec. 2-38, fill in blanks below:
Which exemption is being requested?
How long has Agreement been in place?
When was purchase last rebid?
Reason for request to waive bid?
Recommended Action: Approve Agreement between County of Lake and Lake County Resource Conservation District (RCD) for implementation of a comprehensive agricultural planning initiative, in the amount of $376,300.00, and Authorize the Chair to Sign.