Memorandum
Date: December 10, 2024
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Susan Parker, County Administrative Officer
Stephen L. Carter Jr., Assistant County Administrative Officer
Matthew Barnes, UCCE Area Director
Subject: Consideration of a Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the Regents of the University of California-Agriculture and Natural Resources and the County of Lake for a Partnership for the Provision of the University of California Cooperative Extension Program and Authorizing the County Administrative Officer to sign the MOU on Behalf of the County
Executive Summary:
As your Board is aware, the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) program is an effective conduit for translating scientific research into practical applications. Residents engage with cutting-edge research and bring new challenges to the University for exploration and resolution. This invaluable and symbiotic relationship addresses local needs while promoting innovation in the critical areas of agriculture, natural resources management, healthy food systems and youth development.
The County of Lake has long valued the significant contributions of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) and its connection to the national cooperative extension network. This partnership, established in 1921, has provided over a century of collaborative service to the agricultural community, youth development programs, and regional innovation in Lake County.
Pursuant to Section 32330 of the Educational Code of the State of California, your Board has customarily allocated County funds to support and maintain UCCE operations. This commitment underscores the County’s dedication to fostering this critical partnership, which continues to deliver meaningful results through local education and applied research.
This new Memorandum of Understanding (between the County of Lake and the Regents of the University of California’s Division of Agriculture and National Resources, UC ANR) builds on the foundational agreement signed in 1963, which formalized the collaborative relationship between Lake County and UCCE. The revised MOU outlines roles responsibilities, and expectations of both parties, and reflects the evolving needs of the community while ensuring continuity in providing science-based resources, outreach, and support.
As part of the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), UCCE brings statewide expertise and resources to address local challenges, enhancing Lake County’s agricultural productivity, environmental stewardship, and community resilience.
Staff recommends your Board Approve the Resolution (pending your Board’s Approval, the Chair will sign the Resolution document). Further, staff recommends you Authorize the County Administrative Officer to sign the MOU; this delegation will ensure a streamlined process to formalize the MOU, allowing for timely and effective implementation of agreed initiatives.
County Administrative Office staff find doing so will enhance collaborative efforts, maximize mutual benefits, and ensure the efficient delivery of UCCE programs within our county, furthering your Board’s environmental sustainability and economic development goals.
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Recommended Action: Adopt the Resolution Approving the Memorandum of Understanding Between the Regents of the University of California-Agriculture and Natural Resources and the County of Lake for a Partnership for the Provision of the University of California Cooperative Extension Program, and Authorizing the County Administrative Officer to sign MOU on Behalf of the County