Agenda Item #13.5
For Council Meeting of: August 18, 2026
CITY OF SANTA ROSA
CITY COUNCIL
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JOHN CREGAN, CHIEF OF POLICE
SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDING AWARD FROM THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL (CHP) CANNABIS TAX FUND GRANT PROGRAM FY26/27 AGENDA ACTION: RESOLUTION
RECOMMENDATION
The Police Department recommends that the Council, by resolution: 1) accept grant funds in the amount of $358,323.06 from the California Highway Patrol through the Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program FY26/27; 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute award documents and any additional documents for administration of the grant; and 3) appropriate $358,323.06 of grant funds. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On February 3, 2026, the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) applied to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program. On July 3, 2026, SRPD received a notification of an award in the amount of $358,323.06 for the project period July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The grant will support enhanced DUI saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints, as well as the purchase of a DUI truck and trailer.
GOAL
This item relates to Council Goal #4 – Foster a Safe, Healthy, and Inclusive Community by providing funding to support DUI enforcement operations, including enhanced DUI saturation patrols, DUI checkpoints, and the purchase of equipment that will improve the Police Department's ability to deter and address impaired driving.
BACKGROUND/PRIOR COUNCIL REVIEW
The California Highway Patrol administers the Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) and awards grant funding to eligible agencies and organizations. The CHP works closely with state and local agencies and other traffic safety stakeholders to actively address impaired driving. The CHP has considered a variety of factors in determining specific needs for each grant cycle, including opportunities and projects best suited to prevent loss of life, injuries, and property damage caused by driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The purpose of the Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program is to provide alternative funding sources to augment current activities and programs.
The Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) applied for grant funding through the CHP Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) to support enhanced impaired driving enforcement efforts. Through this grant, SRPD will conduct targeted DUI saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints focused on reducing impaired driving incidents and improving roadway safety throughout the City of Santa Rosa.
Grant funds will be used to purchase a traffic patrol truck dedicated to the Traffic Division to support high-visibility DUI and drug-impaired driving enforcement operations. This will replace the existing patrol truck currently in service. Funding will also be used to acquire a DUI trailer that will enhance DUI checkpoint operations by providing secure equipment storage, lighting, signage, and operational workspace necessary to conduct checkpoints safely and efficiently.
The Grant Agreement contains certain unfavorable terms and conditions to the City including, but not limited to, an indemnity against the City, various representations and warranties, and project administration requirements.
ANALYSIS
Acceptance of this grant funding will provide resources to expand the Santa Rosa Police Department's DUI enforcement activities, including targeted DUI saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints. Funding will also support the acquisition of a dedicated DUI enforcement truck and trailer to enhance the Department's operational capabilities. These investments will strengthen impaired driving enforcement efforts, improve roadway safety, and further the City's goal of fostering a safe and healthy community.
The grant does not require matching funds and therefore will have no adverse impact on the Department’s operating budget.
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this action does not have an immediate fiscal impact on the General Fund because the grant will fund the approved personnel and equipment costs. The Police Department will absorb the ongoing operating and maintenance costs associated with the vehicle and trailer within its existing budget. The vehicle will not be included in the Fleet Replacement Program and will not be replaced when it reaches the end of its useful life.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, the recommended action is not a “project” subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because accepting and administering grant funds for impaired-driving enforcement activities on existing roadways and purchasing a replacement traffic enforcement vehicle and mobile equipment does not have the potential to result in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. In the alternative, the recommended action is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the recommended action may have a significant effect on the environment.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Not applicable.
NOTIFICATION
Not applicable.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – CHP Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program Award, Grant No. 30929 Resolution
PRESENTER
John Cregan, Police Chief
ACCEPTANCE OF CHP CANNABIS TAX FUND GRANT PROGRAM
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