AGENDA
ITEM
15 OF
AGENDA
CALEXICO California ITEM
COUNTY. C WHERE CALIFORNIA AND MEXICO MEET
15 CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA STAFF REPORT
DATE: June 17, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
APPROVED BY: Benjamin A. Martinez, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Laura Bowen, Grants Manager B
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution and Authorize Submission of Grant Applications to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) FY 2025 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), and Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Programs.
Recommendation:
1. Adopt a Resolution authorizing the submission of grant applications to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) FY 2025 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), and Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Programs.
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to submit the grant applications and all required application documents on behalf of the City; and
3. Direct staff to return to the City Council for approval of grant acceptance, execution of grant agreements, and budget amendment resolutions should funding be awarded.
Background:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released the FY 2025 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), and Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) funding opportunities. These competitive grant programs are designed to strengthen local fire departments by supporting firefighter staffing, emergency response equipment, firefighter safety, training, and community fire prevention initiatives. The SAFER Grant Program provides funding to assist fire departments in increasing frontline firefighting staffing levels and improving emergency response capabilities. The City of Calexico Fire Department is preparing a SAFER application requesting approximately $2.3 million to support additional firefighting personnel. The AFG Program provides funding for equipment, training, and resources that enhance firefighter safety and operational readiness. The City is preparing an AFG application requesting approximately $290,000 for critical firefighting equipment and supplies. In addition, the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program supports activities that reduce fire-related injuries, deaths, and property loss through prevention, education, and community risk reduction initiatives. Staff is currently developing an FP&S application and anticipates requesting approximately $35,000 to enhance public awareness, strengthen fire safety outreach efforts, and promote safer communities throughout Calexico.
Applications for all three FEMA grant programs are due on June 22, 2026. Approval of this item will authorize staff to complete and submit the grant applications before the deadline. If awarded, staff will return to the City Council with a separate item requesting authorization to accept grant funds, execute grant agreements, approve any required matching funds, and adopt the necessary Budget Amendment Resolution(s).
Discussion and Analysis:
The City of Calexico Fire Department continues to experience increasing demands for emergency response services while operating with limited staffing and equipment resources. To enhance service delivery and improve firefighter and public safety, staff is preparing applications under three FEMA grant programs. The SAFER Grant Program will focus on funding additional firefighter positions intended to improve emergency response capabilities, staffing levels, and compliance with national fire service standards. The estimated funding request is approximately $2.3 million. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program will focus on acquiring critical firefighting equipment, protective equipment, and operational resources necessary to improve firefighter safety and emergency preparedness. The estimated funding request is approximately $290,000. The Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program will support community risk reduction, fire prevention education, public outreach, and related safety initiatives intended to reduce fire-related injuries and increase public awareness throughout the community. The estimated funding request is approximately $35,000.
These grant opportunities represent a significant funding source that would allow the City to address critical public safety needs without an immediate impact on local funding sources. Grant funds would enhance emergency response capabilities, improve firefighter safety, support compliance with national fire service standards, and expand community risk reduction efforts that directly benefit Calexico residents. Staff is currently working on the development of the applications, including project narratives, cost estimates, supporting documentation, and program-specific requirements. Should any of the applications be selected for funding, staff will return to the City Council with a separate item requesting authorization to accept the award, execute grant agreements, appropriate grant funds through a Budget Amendment Resolution, and approve any required matching funds or staffing commitments.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no immediate impact to the General Fund associated with the submission of these grant applications. If awarded, staff will return to the City Council with a detailed fiscal analysis 2 identifying grant revenues, local match requirements, staffing commitments, and any required Budget Amendment Resolution prior to acceptance of the awards.
Coordinated With:
City Manager's Office.
Fire Department.
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution Authorizing Submission of FEMA FY 2025 SAFER, AFG, and FP&S Grant Applications.
ATTACHMENT NO. 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-_
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALEXICO
AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF GRANT APPLICATIONS TO THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) FY 2025 STAFFING FOR
ADEQUATE FIRE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE (SAFER), ASSISTANCE TO
FIREFIGHTERS GRANT (AFG), AND FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY (FP&S)
PROGRAMS
WHEREAS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), and Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Programs to assist local fire departments in enhancing staffing levels, emergency response capabilities, firefighter safety, equipment readiness, training, and community risk reduction efforts; and
WHEREAS, the SAFER Grant Program provides funding to support the recruitment and retention of firefighters and to increase frontline firefighting staffing levels in order to improve emergency response capabilities and public safety; and
WHEREAS, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program provides funding for equipment, training, protective gear, and other resources that improve firefighter safety and operational preparedness; and
WHEREAS, the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program provides funding for fire prevention education, public outreach, community risk reduction initiatives, and other activities intended to reduce fire-related injuries, deaths, and property loss; and WHEREAS, the City of Calexico Fire Department is currently preparing grant applications seeking approximately $2.3 million under the SAFER Grant Program, approximately $330,000 under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, and approximately $35,000 under the Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, the City of Calexico is eligible to apply for such funding opportunities and desires to authorize the submission of grant applications under these programs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Calexico as follows:
1. The City Council hereby authorizes the submission of grant applications to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) FY 2025 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), and Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Programs.
2. The City Manager, or designee, is hereby authorized to prepare, execute, and submit all grant applications, certifications, assurances, and any other documents necessary to apply for said funding opportunities on behalf of the City of Calexico.
3. Acceptance of any grant award, execution of grant agreements, appropriation of grant funds, approval of matching funds, and authorization of any staffing commitments shall be subject to future City Council approval.
4. The City Manager, or designee, is authorized to take any additional actions necessary to carry out the intent of this Resolution and ensure compliance with all applicable program requirements.
This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 17th of June 2026.
Victor Legaspi, Mayor
Attest:
Veronica Alvardo, City Clerk
State of California)
County of Imperial) ss.
City of Calexico )
I, Veronica Alvarado, City Clerk of the City of Calexico do hereby certify the above Resolution No. 2026-_ was approved at a regular City Council meeting held on the 20"h day of May 2026, by the following vote to-wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Veronica Alvardo, City Clerk