Paradise City Council
July 14, 2026

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and 3 years of progressively responsible administrative support experience, preferably supporting executive-level leadership. Some college courses preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:
 Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 15 pounds with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. 486 323
July 2026
FLSA: Hourly

POLICE INTERN (PART-TIME, TEMPORARY)

DEFINITION
Under the direction of Police Department staff, perform a variety of administrative, research, analytical, community engagement, and project support duties while gaining practical experience in law enforcement administration and public safety operations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from Police Department staff including the Dispatch and Records Support Services Supervisor, Investigations Supervisor, Patrol Supervisors, Administrative Assistant, and other designated personnel.

Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is an internship-level classification designed to provide college students with practical exposure to law enforcement administration and public safety operations. Responsibilities include assisting with special projects, policy research, crime analysis, grant development, records management initiatives, community outreach activities, and administrative support functions.

The position provides opportunities to observe various divisions within the Police Department, participate in professional development activities, and gain meaningful experience in local government and public safety administration.

The ideal candidate will possess strong computer skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to conduct research and analyze information, and an interest in law enforcement, criminal justice, public administration, emergency management, communications, data analytics, or related fields.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
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Engineering Intern

• Assists supervisors and department staff with a variety of administrative and support duties as assigned. • Conducts research and compiles information related to departmental projects, policies, programs, and operational initiatives.
• Assists in collecting, organizing, and analyzing crime, traffic, and calls-for-service data. • Assists with grant research, grant applications, and grant reporting requirements. • Assists in preparing reports, correspondence, presentations, statistical summaries, and other documents. • Performs computer data entry and retrieves information from department databases and records systems as authorized.
• Assists with records management, file organization, document scanning, and records retention projects. • Assists with annual report preparation and data collection. • Assists with community outreach events, crime prevention programs, and public education initiatives. • Assists with website content updates, social media projects, recruitment materials, and public information efforts.
• Conducts online research regarding law enforcement best practices, legislation, and public safety programs.
• Observes departmental operations and attends meetings, training sessions, and ride-alongs as authorized. • Interacts with Town staff, community members, outside agencies, and educational institutions in obtaining or providing information.
• Performs routine clerical duties including filing, copying, scanning, and document preparation. • Picks up and delivers documents, materials, and supplies as needed. • Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

Business English, spelling, punctuation, and grammar; modern office practices, procedures, and equipment; personal computer operations; Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; basic research methods; data collection and analysis techniques; effective public relations and customer service principles; and basic understanding of local government and law enforcement operations.

Ability to:

Utilize standard office equipment including telephones, printers, scanners, copiers, and computers; learn and apply Town and Police Department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; conduct research and compile information from multiple sources; prepare accurate reports, correspondence, and presentations; maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; reason logically and draw valid conclusions; manage multiple assignments and deadlines; communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships; provide quality customer service; and exercise sound judgment and professionalism.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Preferred: Current enrollment as a Sophomore, Junior, Senior, or Graduate student in an accredited college or university pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Emergency Management, Sociology, Psychology, Communications, Information Technology, Data Analytics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Business Administration, or a related field. 488 325
Engineering Intern

Accepted: Current enrollment in an accredited college or university.

Licenses and Certifications:

Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; operate a motor vehicle; and travel to various Town facilities, community events, and meeting locations. Vision is required to read printed materials and computer screens. Hearing and speech are required to communicate in person and over the telephone.

This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing, walking, bending, and carrying materials may occasionally be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard and other office equipment. Employees may occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

SPECIAL REQUIRMENTS
This position is designated as a temporary, part-time internship classification.

Interns are not peace officers and shall not exercise peace officer authority.

Interns may participate in ride-alongs, observations, and special projects as approved by supervisory staff but shall not engage in enforcement activities, make arrests, carry firearms on behalf of the Department, or access restricted information except as authorized.
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TOWN OF PARADISE
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-__

A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF PARADISE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE SALARY PAY PLAN FOR TOWN OF PARADISE EMPLOYEES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 WHEREAS, the Town wishes to revise the salary pay plan; and WHEREAS, the salary pay plan will incorporate all salary paid within the Town into one salary pay plan.

NOW, THEREFORE be it resolved by the Town Council of the Town of Paradise, that the Town of Paradise salary pay plan attached to this resolution is hereby adopted.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Town Council of the Town of Paradise this 14th day of July, 2026, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

NOT VOTING:
_________________________________
Steve Crowder, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Melanie Elvis, Town Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________
Scott E. Huber, Town Attorney
490 327

Town of Paradise
Council Agenda Summary
Date: July 14, 2026
Agenda Item: 6(d)
ORIGINATED BY: Colette Curtis, Recovery and Economic
Development Director
REVIEWED BY: Jennifer Macarthy, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Opportunity Zones 2.0 Application

LONG TERM
RECOVERY PLAN:

Yes
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED:

1. Consider adopting Resolution No. 2026-__ “ A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Paradise Authorizing the Town of Paradise to submit Applications for Three Eligible Census Tracts Under the Proposed Federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 program.” Background:

The federal Opportunity Zones program was established through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to encourage long-term private investment in economically distressed communities by providing federal tax incentives for qualifying investments. Communities designated as Opportunity Zones have leveraged the program to attract investment in housing, commercial development, business expansion, manufacturing, infrastructure, and other economic development projects.

Congress is currently considering legislation commonly referred to as Opportunity Zones 2.0, which would establish a new generation of Opportunity Zones with updated eligibility criteria and incentives. While the legislation has not yet been finalized, states are expected to nominate eligible census tracts for designation following adoption of the program.

Based on the current eligibility criteria, three census tracts within the Town of Paradise qualify for consideration:

Priority Census Tract General Area
1st Priority 06007002100 Skyway Corridor, Downtown, and Paradise High School Area 2nd Priority 06007002300 Lower Clark Road Industrial Area 3rd Priority 06007001900 Upper Clark Road Area
491
Analysis:

Opportunity Zones 2.0 represents a significant opportunity to attract private capital to Paradise and accelerate the community's long-term economic recovery. Federal Opportunity Zone designation can increase investor interest by providing favorable tax treatment for qualified investments, making redevelopment projects more financially feasible and competitive.

The Town has made substantial public investments within all three proposed census tracts that strengthen the case for designation. These investments include:
 Major infrastructure improvements supporting redevelopment and economic growth.  Downtown planning and revitalization initiatives.
 Utility and transportation improvements.
 Ongoing wildfire recovery investments.
 Housing and commercial redevelopment efforts.
 Economic development planning and implementation activities.

Collectively, these investments demonstrate the Town's commitment to revitalization and position Paradise as a strong candidate for Opportunity Zones 2.0 designation. Securing designation would complement these ongoing efforts by encouraging additional private-sector investment and leveraging existing public investments.

Approval of the proposed resolution authorizes staff to prepare and submit the necessary application materials and coordinate with state and federal agencies throughout the nomination process.

Applications for the program are due on July 25th, 2026. The Governor will then select up to 618 census tracts to nominate as Opportunity Zones by September 28, 2026. Selected census tracts will go into effect as of January 1, 2027 and will be designated for 10 years until January 2037. 492
Financial Impact
Approval of the resolution has no direct fiscal impact. Staff time associated with preparing and submitting the applications will be absorbed within existing departmental budgets.

If one or more census tracts are ultimately designated as Opportunity Zones 2.0, the Town could realize significant long-term economic benefits through increased private investment, expanded commercial activity, job creation, housing development, and growth of the local tax base. 493

TOWN OF PARADISE
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-____

A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF PARADISE, CALIFORNIA,

AUTHORIZING THE NOMINATION OF THREE ELIGIBLE CENSUS TRACTS FOR DESIGNATION AS OPPORTUNITY ZONES 2.0
WHEREAS, the Town of Paradise continues to recover from the devastating Camp Fire of November 8, 2018, and remains committed to implementing strategies that encourage long-term economic recovery, business investment, job creation, housing development, and community revitalization; and
WHEREAS, Congress is considering legislation commonly referred to as "Opportunity Zones

2.0," which would establish a new generation of Opportunity Zones designed to attract private capital investment into economically distressed communities; and WHEREAS, the proposed Opportunity Zones 2.0 program is anticipated to allow states to nominate eligible census tracts that meet federal eligibility criteria for designation by the United States Department of the Treasury; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Paradise contains three census tracts that are expected to meet the eligibility requirements for nomination under the proposed Opportunity Zones 2.0 program; and WHEREAS, designation of these census tracts as Opportunity Zones 2.0 would increase the Town's competitiveness for private investment by providing federal tax incentives that encourage capital investment in businesses, commercial development, housing, infrastructure, and other qualified projects; and
WHEREAS, Opportunity Zone designation would complement the Town's ongoing recovery efforts, General Plan implementation, Downtown revitalization initiatives, housing production, economic development strategies, infrastructure investments, and wildfire recovery objectives; and WHEREAS, the Town Council finds that pursuing Opportunity Zone designation is in the best interest of the Town and its residents and will support the continued economic recovery and long-term prosperity of the community.

NOW, THEREFORE be it resolved by the Town Council of the Town of Paradise as follows:

Section 1. Supports the nomination of all eligible census tracts located within the Town of Paradise for designation under the federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 program, subject to the eligibility requirements established by federal law.
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TOWN OF PARADISE
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-___
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Town Council of the Town of Paradise on this 14 th day of July
2026, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Steve Crowder, Mayor
ATTEST:
_ ____________________________
Melanie Elvis, Town Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Scott E. Huber, Town Attorney
495

Town of Paradise
Council Agenda Summary
Date: July 14, 2026
Agenda Item: 6(e)
ORIGINATED BY: Colette Curtis, Recovery and Economic
Development Director
REVIEWED BY: Jennifer Macarthy, Town Manager
SUBJECT: State Advocacy Platform Update

LONG TERM
RECOVERY PLAN:

Yes
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED:

1. Consider reviewing and approving the updated State Advocacy Platform.

Background:

The State Advocacy Platform is utilized as a foundational document for Town Council and staff to support advocacy efforts at the state level. Every 2-3 years, Town Council approves a State Advocacy Platform which documents recovery successes, immediate needs, as well as long term needs and policy considerations. This document has been utilized by Council and staff in our legislative advocacy for funding and other policy needs during recovery from the 2018 Camp Fire.

Analysis:

The attached platform includes the achievements in recovery over the last several years, as well as the existing needs to address the barriers our community faces. If approved, this platform will serve as the foundation for advocacy efforts over the next two years.

Financial Impact:

This item has no impact to the General Fund. The platform was drafted by Town staff and by Broad and Gusman through the Town’s existing contract.
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TOWN OF PARADISE, CA
20 26 S T A T E P L A T F O R M A N D P R I O R I T I E S 497
On November 8, 2018, the Camp Fire left the Town of Paradise largely destroyed, forever changing the future of the community. The Town is focused on rebuilding the community into a safer, stronger, and more resilient Town. The state government has been crucial to the Town’s recovery thus far and will continue to play a key role as Paradise rebuilds for the future. The Town’s 2023 State Platform and Priorities highlights the successes of the Town’s partnership with the state government and outlines how this partnership can be used to address the critical recovery needs that remain.
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TOWN OF PARADISE, CA – 2026 STATE PLATFORM | 3

T H E TO W N
 Incorporated on November
27, 1979
 Located in Butte County
 Home of the longest
running harvest festival in
the State

T H E P E O P L E
 10,500 residents (2026)
 26,218 residents (preCamp Fire)
 4,600 Daytime Population

T H E C O M M U N I T Y
 40% growth since the
Camp Fire
 600+ businesses
 Changing from retirement
community to young
families

T O W N O F P A R A D I S E
Steve Crowder
Mayor
Steve “Woody” Culleton
Vice Mayor
Greg Bolin
Councilmember
Heidi Lange
Councilmember
Ron Lassonde
Councilmember
****
Jennifer Macarthy
Town Manager
Paradise Town Hall
5555 Skyway
Paradise, CA 95969
(530) 872-6291
www.townofparadise.com
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TOWN OF PARADISE, CA – 2026 STATE PLATFORM | 4

C O M M U N I T Y N E E D S

H E A L T H C A R E
Support the return of a full range of health care.

The Camp Fire severely impacted health care services in Paradise, and since November 2018, the Town has been without a hospital or Emergency Room. Prior to the fire, the hospital was the largest employer in Paradise, and served not only the Paradise population, but also the surrounding unincorporated communities as well as being a destination location for cancer and birthing services. The lack of a full hospital and emergency room is a barrier to recovery, and the Town is focused on working with any provider who is interested in investing in the Paradise community into the future.

In 2025, the Town completed its Strategic Healthcare Recovery Plan, which establishes a phased approach to restoring healthcare services based on community growth and demand. The Plan emphasizes expanding primary care, specialty care, urgent and rapid care services, emergency medical services, workforce recruitment, and long-term care while creating the conditions necessary for continued healthcare investment on the Ridge.

The Town requests the State's partnership in advancing the following priorities:
 Support the expansion of healthcare services by providing funding and technical assistance to attract and retain primary care providers, specialists, urgent and rapid care services, behavioral health providers, and other healthcare professionals serving the Paradise Ridge.
 Invest in rural healthcare infrastructure through grant and financing programs that support the construction, expansion, and modernization of medical clinics, diagnostic facilities, telehealth capabilities, and other healthcare facilities needed to meet the community's growing demand.
 Expand support for emergency medical services (EMS) by increasing funding opportunities for rural ambulance services, EMS workforce recruitment, and innovative emergency response models that improve access to emergency care in rural and disasterimpacted communities.  Support healthcare workforce development through loan repayment programs, residency partnerships, workforce housing initiatives, and education and training programs that encourage healthcare professionals to live and practice in rural communities.
 Increase access to long-term care services by supporting the development of assisted living, skilled nursing, adult day care, respite care, and in-home care options as the community continues to recover and grow.
 Create and expand rural healthcare funding opportunities that recognize the unique challenges faced by disaster-impacted communities rebuilding essential healthcare services. The Town supports continued state investment in rural healthcare programs and seeks eligibility for future Rural Health grant funding and other competitive funding opportunities that advance implementation of the Strategic Healthcare Recovery Plan.  Recognize healthcare restoration as essential disaster recovery infrastructure.

Healthcare access is fundamental to public safety, economic recovery, workforce recruitment, housing development, and long-term community sustainability. State 500
TOWN OF PARADISE, CA – 2026 STATE PLATFORM | 5
investment in healthcare restoration should be a priority for communities recovering from catastrophic disasters.

The Town is committed to working collaboratively with healthcare providers, state agencies, regional partners, and the Legislature to restore a comprehensive healthcare system that meets the needs of Paradise and the surrounding Ridge communities. Through continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, provider recruitment, and rural healthcare funding, Paradise can once again become a regional center for quality healthcare services while supporting the long-term recovery and vitality of the community.

I N S U R A N C E
Support efforts to reduce insurance cost and increase insurance availability in Paradise.

Access to affordable and available insurance remains one of the greatest barriers to Paradise's continued recovery. While thousands of homes have been rebuilt to modern wildfire-resistant standards and the community has made unprecedented investments in wildfire mitigation, many residents and businesses continue to face limited insurance availability, escalating premiums, high deductibles, or reliance on the California FAIR Plan. These challenges impact homeowners, businesses, developers, lenders, and prospective residents, slowing housing production, business investment, and long-term economic recovery.

Following the Camp Fire, the Town has made wildfire resilience a central component of its recovery strategy. Paradise is no longer the community reflected in pre-2018 catastrophe models.

Today, the Town has fundamentally changed its wildfire risk profile through aggressive mitigation, modern building standards, and ongoing community investment.

Wildfire Mitigation Investments
The Town has undertaken significant actions to reduce wildfire risk, including:
 Adoption of locally enhanced wildfire building standards that exceed California WildlandUrban Interface requirements and align with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Wildfire Prepared Home™ principles, including Class A roofing, emberresistant construction, non-combustible materials, tempered glass windows, and Zone Zero requirements.
 Maintaining one of California's most proactive defensible space programs, with annual inspections of every parcel, approximately 90 percent compliance, dedicated fire prevention staff, and streamlined enforcement of hazardous properties.  Dramatically reducing community fuel loads through hazardous tree removal, weed abatement, vegetation management, and strategic fuel reduction projects throughout the community.
 Supporting neighborhood-level wildfire preparedness through twenty nationally recognized Firewise USA® Communities and continued resident education and engagement.
 Partnering with regional agencies to establish strategic fuel breaks, improve evacuation infrastructure, harden critical infrastructure, and strengthen emergency preparedness throughout the Ridge.

Collectively, these efforts have materially reduced Paradise's wildfire risk and created one of the most wildfire-adapted communities in California. However, these measurable risk reductions are not consistently reflected in insurance underwriting, catastrophe models, or premium calculations.
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TOWN OF PARADISE, CA – 2026 STATE PLATFORM | 6
The Town requests the State's partnership in advancing the following priorities:
 Ensure wildfire mitigation is fully recognized in insurance underwriting and catastrophe modeling. Require greater transparency and accountability so that verified communitywide and property-level mitigation efforts are reflected in insurance availability, pricing, and underwriting decisions.
 Support continued modernization of wildfire risk assessment tools by incorporating post-fire rebuilding, updated construction standards, defensible space compliance, community fuel reduction, Firewise participation, and other measurable mitigation investments into insurer risk models.
 Increase insurance market participation in wildfire-impacted communities by encouraging responsible competition and expanding coverage options beyond the California FAIR Plan.
 Support incentives that reward mitigation. Encourage programs that provide meaningful premium reductions or improved coverage availability for homeowners, businesses, and communities that invest in wildfire risk reduction.  Provide ongoing funding for community wildfire mitigation through grants supporting defensible space, hazardous fuel reduction, home hardening, Firewise implementation, evacuation improvements, and community-scale resilience projects that continue reducing wildfire risk.
 Support local insurance advocacy efforts by strengthening collaboration among the California Department of Insurance, insurance carriers, local governments, and wildfireimpacted communities to improve understanding of modern wildfire risk and accelerate insurance market recovery. The Town has established an Insurance Advocacy Committee to serve as a collaborative forum connecting community mitigation efforts, insurance industry practices, and public policy.
 Promote innovative insurance solutions that improve long-term market stability, including evaluation of alternative insurance mechanisms, catastrophe financing tools, and other models that reduce dependence on the California FAIR Plan while maintaining consumer protections.

Paradise has demonstrated that wildfire resilience can be achieved through coordinated investment, strong local policies, and community commitment. The State now has an opportunity to ensure that these investments translate into measurable insurance outcomes. Recognizing real-world risk reduction within insurance markets will not only support Paradise's continued recovery but will also create a model for other wildfire-prone communities across California to follow.
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TOWN OF PARADISE, CA – 2026 STATE PLATFORM | 7

I N F R A S T R U C T U R E N E E D S

S E W E R S Y S T E M
Secure funding to support the construction of the Paradise Sewer Project, unlocking the missing piece of the Town’s affordable housing and economic recoveries.

The Paradise Sewer Project represents the most critical infrastructure need for the Town’s recovery, and securing the remaining construction funding is paramount to its success.

For more than 50 years, even prior to incorporation in 1979, the Paradise community has pursued a municipal wastewater solution. Reliance on individual septic systems has constrained economic development and housing growth, while degrading groundwater quality in areas with failing systems. The 2018 Camp Fire intensified these challenges, accelerating septic failures and compounding regulatory and financial barriers for residents and businesses seeking to rebuild.

Today, septic system limitations remain one of the most significant structural impediments to Paradise’s recovery. Commercial parcels are generally small and concentrated within the Town’s core, where soil composition, high groundwater conditions, and limited parcel area restrict the feasibility of modern on-site systems. Existing businesses often operate at or near septic capacity, while prospective businesses and essential community services face cost-prohibitive upgrades.

Higher-density and affordable housing developments — particularly multi-family housing — require centralized wastewater treatment capacity that individual septic systems cannot reasonably provide within available parcel sizes.

The Paradise Sewer Project addresses these long-standing limitations through three primary objectives:
 Provide long-term, reliable, and environmentally protective wastewater treatment in compliance with Regional Water Quality Control Board requirements.  Eliminate septic-related constraints that inhibit economic reinvestment and the return of essential services.
 Enable development of affordable and workforce housing, particularly within the Town’s urban core and along major evacuation corridors.

In 2025, following coordination with the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Town Council adopted a revised project description consisting of a hybrid gravity/low-pressure collection system and a local wastewater treatment facility using aerated lagoons with treated effluent disposal via percolation and evaporation ponds. This revised approach improves cost efficiency, scalability, and long-term operational feasibility.

A Subsequent Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) is currently being prepared to reflect the updated project description and selected treatment site, with public release anticipated in late spring 2026. Engineering design of the collection system and treatment facility is advancing concurrently to maintain implementation momentum.

Funding Status and State Partnership
The Town has secured significant federal disaster recovery funding to advance Phase I of the project, including:
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TOWN OF PARADISE, CA – 2026 STATE PLATFORM | 8
 $30 million in CDBG-DR funding dedicated to design, and  $86.45 million in CDBG-DR funding allocated toward initial construction.

These funds support construction serving Downtown Paradise and key multi-family housing opportunity sites. However, the current allocation supports only a portion of the originally planned Sewer Service Area.

The Town is also pursuing approximately $50 million in authorized funding through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, an effort championed by the late Congressman Doug LaMalfa. The Town is deeply grateful for his leadership and advocacy in advancing federal support for this project.

The Town is now actively coordinating with the Sacramento District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on an initial $2 million increment of work request to begin advancing federal participation in 2026. This increment requires support through the federal appropriations process in order to initiate Corps involvement and progress toward subsequent phases.

Completion of the full Sewer Service Area will:
 Remove septic-related constraints that limit business recovery and redevelopment;  Provide infrastructure capacity necessary for higher-density affordable housing;  Support coordinated land use planning along major evacuation routes; and  Deliver generational improvements to groundwater protection and public health.

The Paradise Sewer Project is not solely an environmental infrastructure investment. It is the foundational component of the Town’s affordable housing strategy, economic revitalization, and long-term fiscal sustainability.

State Advocacy Priorities
The Town of Paradise respectfully requests continued state support through State Water Quality Control Board funding for current and future phases of the project.

Paradise has demonstrated the capacity to administer and deliver complex federal infrastructure programs. Completion of the Paradise Sewer Project represents the final critical step in unlocking sustainable housing growth, economic reinvestment, and long-term community resilience. 504
TOWN OF PARADISE, CA – 2026 STATE PLATFORM | 9

E V A C U A T I O N I N F R A S T R U C T U R E
Seek additional funding opportunities for the improved resiliency of critical evacuation routes within Paradise as well as those arterial roads that provide access to and from the Town.

The Town of Paradise remains one of California’s most geographically constrained communities.

Situated along a narrow ridge between two deep canyons, the Town has limited ingress and egress routes. The 2018 Camp Fire exposed the consequences of this constraint, with severe congestion and life-threatening evacuation delays along primary arterials including Skyway, Pentz Road, Clark Road, and Neal Road.

In response, the Town completed its 2022 Transportation Master Plan, identifying 48 evacuationrelated projects designed to:
 Increase capacity on primary evacuation corridors
 Eliminate long dead-end road segments
 Construct new east-west connections
 Improve key intersections
 Expand multi-use pathways that function as emergency access routes  Strengthen signal coordination and traffic control systems These projects collectively represent more than $625 million in identified need.

Progress Achieved
Since adoption of last year’s Federal Advocacy Platform, the Town has advanced several highpriority evacuation projects from planning into funded implementation.

Southeast Paradise Evacuation Route Project
The Southeast Paradise Evacuation Route Project represents a combined total project investment of approximately:
 Phase 1A (Edgewood to S. Libby): $9.3 million
 Phase 2 (S. Libby to Clark / SR-191): $61.0 million
 Total Project Investment: ~ $70 million
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TOWN OF PARADISE, CA – 2026 STATE PLATFORM | 10
CDBG-DR Infrastructure funding allocated toward these phases totals approximately $35.5 million, with additional funding secured through federal PROTECT resources administered by Caltrans.

This project will:
 Construct a new east-west roadway between Edgewood Lane and Clark Road/State Route 191
 Relieve pressure on existing north-south corridors
 Provide alternative neighborhood evacuation options
 Increase outbound capacity during emergency events
 Improve overall circulation redundancy in southeast Paradise The project is fully funded and advancing toward implementation.

Additional Funded Evacuation Corridor Improvements
The Town’s adopted CDBG-DR Infrastructure Program portfolio includes the following major evacuation investments:
 Pentz Road Widening (Pearson to Skyway) - $28.5 million  Pentz Pathway Project Phase II (Pearson to Skyway) - $25.0 million  Skyway/Pentz Intersection Improvements - $5.0 million  Upper Skyway Widening (Bille to Wagstaff) - $17.5 million Collectively, these funded evacuation roadway and pathway projects represent well over $225 million in total project investment, with more than $127 million in direct CDBG-DR allocations dedicated specifically to evacuation corridors and capacity improvements.

These investments, scheduled for phased completion through 2030, represent meaningful progress in transforming the Town’s evacuation network from a single-corridor dependent system into a more interconnected grid.

Remaining Unfunded Evacuation Needs
Despite this progress, significant unmet needs remain. Even after current federal awards, more than $300 million in identified evacuation infrastructure projects remain unfunded.

These include:
 Additional roadway widening segments on major arterials  Remaining missing east-west connectors
 Secondary route enhancements to reduce bottlenecks
 Additional intersection capacity upgrades
 Traffic signal interconnect systems
 Intelligent transportation system improvements
 Additional multi-use path segments designed to function as emergency evacuation assets Completion of the full Transportation Master Plan network is essential to achieving the level of evacuation redundancy necessary for a ridge-top wildfire-prone community.

State Advocacy Priorities
The Town of Paradise respectfully requests continued federal partnership to:

1. Support implementation-phase evacuation infrastructure construction funding.

2. Provide flexibility to address construction cost escalation affecting disaster recovery infrastructure.

3. Recognize Paradise as a nationally significant wildfire recovery model requiring sustained investment in life-safety evacuation systems.

Paradise has demonstrated the capacity to move complex evacuation infrastructure projects from concept to funded implementation. Continued state investment is essential to complete the interconnected network necessary to ensure that no future evacuation replicates the constraints experienced in 2018.
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S T O R M W A T E R A N D D R A I N A G E S Y S T E M
Secure funding opportunities to upgrade and redevelop the current stormwater and drainage system in Paradise.

As the community continues to rebuild, adequate stormwater capacity is essential to protect public safety, roadway integrity, and private property. Post-fire conditions have significantly altered hydrology throughout Paradise. Loss of vegetation, soil changes, and increased runoff have intensified peak storm flows, accelerated erosion, and increased strain on drainage infrastructure that was originally designed for pre-fire conditions.

In 2022, the Town completed a comprehensive Storm Drain Master Plan to assess system deficiencies and prioritize improvements necessary to support a multi-hazard hardened recovery.

The Master Plan identified more than $25 million in critical drainage projects, many of which address undersized conveyance systems, localized flooding, and infrastructure vulnerabilities affecting key evacuation corridors and residential neighborhoods.

Since adoption of the prior State Advocacy Platform, the Town has secured significant federal mitigation funding through the Community Development Block Grant – Mitigation Resilient Infrastructure Program (CDBG-MIT RIP). Through this program, Paradise has been awarded funding for:
 Storm Drain Resiliency Project – Phase 1: $9.3 million  Storm Drain Resiliency Project – Phase 2: $8.7 million These investments allow the Town to begin implementing priority projects identified in the Storm Drain Master Plan, including installation of new storm drain systems, upsizing of undersized infrastructure, and targeted improvements in areas experiencing increased runoff and erosion.

While these awards represent meaningful progress, substantial drainage needs remain. Many improvements identified in the Master Plan are still unfunded, and future climate variability is expected to further stress existing systems. Continued partnership is necessary to complete the remaining priority projects and ensure that Paradise’s rebuilt neighborhoods, evacuation corridors, and commercial areas are protected from flooding and storm-related damage.

Investing in stormwater infrastructure is not solely a drainage initiative; it is a resilience strategy that protects housing, supports transportation reliability, and safeguards long-term recovery in a wildfire-impacted community.
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E C O N O M I C R E C O V E R Y

N E E D S

E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T S T R A T E G Y
Support economic recovery through targeted investments to restore jobs, attract private investment, and rebuild Paradise’s tax base.

The Camp Fire devastated Paradise's economy, destroying hundreds of businesses, eliminating thousands of jobs, and fundamentally disrupting the community's commercial center. While significant progress has been made in rebuilding homes and infrastructure, commercial recovery continues to lag behind residential recovery. The Town has rebuilt critical infrastructure, adopted streamlined development processes, and created a businessfriendly environment, yet extraordinary post-disaster market conditions continue to limit private investment.

Recent economic analyses demonstrate that Paradise has long-term market potential but faces a significant development funding gap. Current construction costs substantially exceed achievable commercial rents, making new private commercial development financially infeasible without public assistance. The Town's Downtown Implementation Strategy identifies targeted public investment, catalytic redevelopment projects, and business incentives as essential tools to accelerate economic recovery and establish a vibrant, walkable downtown that serves residents and attracts visitors.

The Town has also established an Economic Development Committee and is developing a comprehensive incentives policy designed to leverage private investment, support local businesses, and maximize the return on public investments while maintaining long-term fiscal responsibility.

To further attract private investment, the Town is applying to designate three qualifying census tracts as Opportunity Zones 2.0, including the Downtown/Skyway corridor, Lower Clark Industrial area, and Upper Clark area. These designations would provide powerful incentives for long-term private investment in commercial, industrial, mixed-use, and housing projects while complementing the Town's broader economic recovery strategy.

Opportunity Zones 2.0 would help bridge financing gaps, stimulate redevelopment, and accelerate job creation in areas most critical to Paradise's continued recovery.

Census Tract 06007002100 (Priority 1)
Census Tract 06007002300 (Priority 2)
Census Tract 06007001900 (Priority 3)
The Town requests the State's partnership in advancing the following priorities:
 Support the designation and implementation of Opportunity Zones 2.0 by prioritizing Paradise's three eligible census tracts and ensuring the program provides meaningful incentives that attract long-term private investment to 508
TOWN OF PARADISE, CA – 2026 STATE PLATFORM | 13
disaster-impacted communities. The Town also supports state policies that complement federal Opportunity Zone investments through infrastructure funding, streamlined permitting, and targeted economic development programs.  Expand economic recovery funding for disaster-impacted communities by creating grant and financing programs specifically designed to address the unique market challenges faced by communities rebuilding after catastrophic wildfires.  Provide flexible funding for catalytic downtown projects that activate vacant properties, encourage private investment, support adaptive reuse, establish public gathering spaces, and create destination amenities that generate sustained economic activity. Early activation projects can create the momentum needed to attract long-term private investment.
 Support development funding gap programs that bridge the difference between construction costs and achievable market rents, allowing commercially viable projects to proceed while private market conditions continue to recover.  Increase funding for business attraction, retention, and expansion programs, including technical assistance, revolving loan funds, small business financing, entrepreneur support, and workforce development initiatives that strengthen local businesses and create quality jobs.
 Support local business incentive programs by expanding grant opportunities that allow communities to provide targeted incentives, infrastructure assistance, and gap financing that leverage significantly greater private investment while protecting public resources through performance-based accountability.  Invest in infrastructure that enables economic development, including wastewater infrastructure, transportation improvements, broadband, utility upgrades, and other public investments that remove barriers to business growth and commercial redevelopment.
 Expand funding for rural tourism, destination development, and community activation that helps rebuild visitor-serving businesses, supports local entrepreneurs, and establishes Paradise as a destination for outdoor recreation, dining, events, and wildfire resilience innovation.
 Recognize economic development as an essential component of disaster recovery.

Recovery extends beyond rebuilding homes and infrastructure; it requires restoring jobs, expanding the tax base, attracting private investment, and creating sustainable economic opportunities that allow communities to thrive for generations.

Paradise has made significant investments in rebuilding safer infrastructure, streamlining development processes, and planning for long-term economic success. With continued partnership from the State—including support for Opportunity Zones 2.0, infrastructure investment, catalytic redevelopment, and business incentives—the Town can overcome the remaining market barriers, attract private investment, revitalize its downtown and commercial corridors, and serve as a model for economic recovery in disaster-impacted communities throughout California.
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TOWN OF PARADISE, CA
– 2026 STATE PLATFORM | 14
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TOWN OF PARADISE, CA – 2026 STATE PLATFORM | 15

H O U S I N G A N D T R A N S I T

N E E D S

H O U S I N G D E V E L O P M E N T
Support funding for the rebuilding of all types of housing in the Town.

The majority of housing that existed in Paradise
pre-fire was older, single-family homes,
duplexes and mobile homes, both in parks and
on private land. The fire destroyed 90% of the
Town’s housing stock and replacement costs are
currently so high that homeowners and
landlords are unable to rebuild their units.

Paradise needs more housing of all types,
including affordable multifamily housing. The
lack of a sewer system has been a major barrier
to this type of housing in the past, however with
the current sewer project underway, affordable
multifamily housing is achievable.

Currently, CDBG-DR funds are being utilized through the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to rebuild single-family and multifamily housing, however the need is greater than the current funding available. Funding for workforce housing (80%-120% Area Median Income) is also greatly needed, for reconstruction and first-time homebuyer. In addition, more funding toward local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), housing trusts and land trusts would assist considerably with our ability to create programs (such as first-time homebuilders, contractor loan programs, etc.) to rebuild all types of housing lost to in the disaster.

P U B L I C T R A N S P O R T A T I O N
Support funding for Butte County Association of Governments to explore and expand additional transit needs in Paradise.

The Town of Paradise is working with the Butte County Association of Governments to plan for the future of public transportation in Paradise to include:
 Continue exploring unmet transit needs in Paradise along corridors that service and provide increased access to employment, housing, and education.  Expanding paratransit services to meet the needs of our population accessing medical and essential community services within the boundaries of Butte County and together with transportation options to adjoining communities.
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TOWN OF PARADISE, CA – 2026 STATE PLATFORM | 16

S U C C E S S E S
3 Y E A R P R O P E R T Y T A X B A C K F I L L
In the immediate aftermath of the fire, the State of California provided a 3-year property tax backfill to the Town of Paradise to sustain operations until a long-term fiscal solution could be found.

G A S T A X B A C K F I L L
With the drastic population reduction after the Camp Fire, the Town’s gas tax allocation took a severe hit. The State of California provided a $9 million gas tax backfill in order for the Town of Paradise to continue gas tax-funded road work until other revenue has been restored.

S T A T E T A X E X E M P T I O N F O R S E T T L E M E N T

F U N D S
AB 1249, authored by Assemblyman James Gallagher, made settlement payments from the Fire Victims Trust to Camp Fire survivors exempt from State taxes. This was a major victory for fire survivors trying to move forward in their recovery.

A B 1 5 0 0 A N D A B 5 5 6
AB 1500 and AB 556 were sponsored by the Town of Paradise and carry over property tax assessments for both rebuilding and selling properties destroyed by the Camp Fire. These bills make a significant impact for survivors coming back to Paradise.
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Town of Paradise
Council Agenda Summary
Date: July 14, 2026
Agenda Item: 6(f)
ORIGINATED BY: Melanie Elvis, Town Clerk
REVIEWED BY: Jennifer Macarthy, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Continuum of Care Committee Assignment

LONG TERM
RECOVERY PLAN:

No
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED:

1. Appoint a Council representative to the Continuum of Care Committee.

Background:

On June 24, 2026, the Town Clerk received an email from Council Member Lange notifying the Town of her resignation from the Continuum of Care Committee. The Town of Paradise has traditionally appointed one Council Member to serve as its representative on this committee.

Analysis:

The Butte Countywide Homeless Continuum of Care (CoC) is a multi-agency planning body with the common goal of ending homelessness. It coordinates the implementation of a housing and service system that meets the needs of persons experiencing or at risk of homelessness throughout the Butte County geographic region, otherwise known as a Homeless Prevention and Response System.

The Continuum of Care Council meets monthly on the third Monday from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Locations alternate between Oroville and Chico and online. Oroville DESS Andes Room, 78 Table Mountain Blvd. Oroville. Chico DESS Condor Room, 765 East Ave. Suite 200, Chico (North Valley Plaza).

Financial Impact:

None.
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Town of Paradise
Council Agenda Summary
Date: July 14, 2026
Agenda Item: 7(b)
ORIGINATED BY: Town Council
REVIEWED BY: Jennifer Macarthy, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Town Council Committee Reports

LONG TERM
RECOVERY PLAN:

No
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED:

1. Council Members’ written reports on committee standing, external and ad hoc committee representation.

Background:

During the May 12, 2026, Council meeting, the Council approved changing Council reports on committee representation from verbal reports to written reports. The Councilmembers submitted the following reports for July 2026.

Standing Committee Reports
Economic Development Committee:

Mayor Crowder: Attended our Business Summit and had good attendance and good information as to what new and existing businesses need and want as well as what is going well and what isn’t. June 29 Attended the business summit at town hall, went over results from the last summit and had more discussion.

Council Member Lange: Business Summits, Hiring Economic Development Director, Opportunity Zone Application, much more to come.

Insurance Advocacy Committee:

Council Member Bolin: Attended the Insurance Advocacy Committee meeting.

Council Member Lange: Launched campaign to get all of Paradise in a Firewise USA Community, Tour of Paradise with Farmers Insurance, Scheduling tour with both candidates for State Insurance Commissioner.
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Ad Hoc Committee Reports
Facilities Committee
Council Member Bolin: Met with the Facilities Committee Council Member Culleton: Met with Facilities Committee update on progress of rebuilding of town corporation yard.

Finance Committee
Mayor Crowder: June 17th Attended a budget presentation prior to our council meeting.

Vice Mayor Culleton: June 17th Met with finance committee before council review.

Paradise Sewer Project
Council Member Lange: Subsequent EIR two treatment sites, response to community proposal.

Grand Jury Response Committee
Vice Mayor Culleton: Crafted responses for full council consideration.

Council Member Lange: Working through response draft for full council consideration.

External Committee Reports
Butte County Air Quality Management District
Council Member Lassonde: BCAQMD did not meet this month.

Butte County Association of Governments
Council Member Lassonde: Council Member Lassonde: BCAG BOD approved Resolution 2025/2026-14 Amendment #6 to the 2025 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) and 2024 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy Amendment #1. Of importance to Paradise were the following items:

Go Paradise: Oliver-Park Connection Project (AKA Oliver Curve Pathway Phase 1) – Town of Paradise. This amendment programs the Preliminary Engineering component with $533,000 in Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program (CMAQ) funds in the 2025/26 federal fiscal year.

This project is located on Oliver Road between Skyway and Valley View Road. Distance is approximately 0.4 miles. The project will construct a grade separated, Class 1, bike-ped facility along the west side of Oliver Road within the project limits. This project is a proactive safety effort 515
to protect bicyclists and pedestrians along a heavily traveled corridor around a horizontal curve and be able to connect to a destination safely as well as reducing emissions through reducing the amount of vehicle miles traveled through active transportation.

LAFCo
Council Member Bolin: Attended the LAFCo meeting, but there were no items to report that affect the Town of Paradise.

Butte County Fire Safe Council
Council Member Lange: Grazing Festival June, Inherited Gravel Grant from Rebuild Paradise.

Additional Community Activities:

Mayor Crowder:

Monday June 15th Attended the PD promotion of officer Wood to Sergeant.

Tuesday June 16th attended swearing in of Congressman James Gallagher in Oroville and was honored to be able to say a few words and lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

June 18th Attended a Meeting at the Moose Lodge updating what is going on. They are in desperate need of volunteers and new members to be able to serve us.

June 24 Special Council meeting for Budget meeting.

Worked Town Booth at Party in the Park with Code Enforcement and gave out in home siren systems.

June 25 Spent an hour talking to a commissioner about the Cotton Fire in Utah and shared our experience.

June 26 Went to Burnt Barn release party which was also a fund raiser for our Chamber of Commerce, very well attended over 325 people.

June 27th Attended the farewell for Rebuild Paradise, got to thank them for their service to our community and present them with a Proclamation from the Town, very nice event with food, music, and beverages and a large community presence.

June 29 Attended a medical meet and greet with our town manager in the evening at Golden Valley Bank in Chico and made some contacts for future services.

July 3 Phone conversation with GM of Eagle Point Ski Resort in the Cottonwood Fire, basically a lot of conversation about FEMA and tree programs.

July 6th Zoom meeting with Beaver County about Cottonwood Fire also had elected from Altadena and other fire areas around the Cottonwood fire area. 516
Vice Mayor Culleton: June 24 worked Party in the Park with Town Manager Jennifer, she got to meet a lot of our citizens and answer questions.

Council Member Lange:

Party in the Park Zone 4
Block Party
Parade of Flags - Flag Day
Officer Montana Wood Sergeant Promotion Upper
Ridge Community Council Meeting Dispatcher
Brooke Worthington Swearing In
Multiple meetings with residents
Council Member Lassonde:

Attended the following activities:
 Town Booth at Party in the Park on multiple Wednesdays  Sgt Montana Wood’s Promotion
 James Gallagher Swearing in as our U.S. Congressman
 TOP Initial Budget Presentation to Council
 Color Guard for the Paradise Symphony 4th of July Concert 517