Cal Cities-sponsored bill would provide equitable access to disaster assistance

By Melissa Sparks-Kranz, legislative advocate (environmental quality)

Last week, Asm. Chris Rogers introduced a bill that would fill a major gap in disaster aid. Sponsored by Cal Cities, AB 1866 would clarify that the state can prioritize funding for public facilities and infrastructure that do not qualify for federal aid during state-declared emergencies. This clarification would provide more equitable access to state disaster funding and speed up recovery for communities with limited fiscal capacity.

"My district is no stranger to natural disasters, and we have missed out on much-needed federal funding when we needed it most," said Rogers. "In 2022, the Ferndale Earthquake Sequence severely devastated the city of Rio Dell, but it did not qualify for any federal assistance. AB 1866 ensures that small, rural, and low-income communities are prioritized by the state, creating more equitable access to disaster-assistance funding for severely disadvantaged communities in rural areas that have historically been overlooked."

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides aid to cities once damages reach a certain threshold. For California, the minimum damage threshold - currently over $72 million in damage - is based on statewide metrics rather than local impacts. This often excludes small, rural, and low-income communities that have experienced severe disasters with substantial costs.

Three years ago, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake devastated Rio Dell on California's North Coast. "The damage impacted 25% of homes, interrupted water, power, and communication services," Mayor Debra Garnes said. "Despite the immense impact, this event wasn't declared a federal disaster."

Strengthening climate change resilience and disaster preparedness is a top priority for Cal Cities. Cities, as well as the state, must be able to prepare for, prevent, and adapt to natural disasters and climate impacts.

"California cities of all sizes are experiencing extreme weather events and natural disasters, from earthquakes to floods to wildfires. After a disaster, the road to recovery is not easy," said Cal Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman. "Cal Cities is proud to sponsor AB 1866, which ensures California's most vulnerable communities are prioritized for state assistance when not eligible for federal aid."

To show your support, please submit a letter using Cal Cities' sample support letter. The bill must remain in print for 30 days before lawmakers can hear it.