CSAC CEO briefs Trinity County supervisors on state priorities: Proposition 36, disaster funding and broadband

Trinity County — Graham Knauss, chief executive officer of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), gave a wide‑ranging presentation during the June 17 Trinity County Board of Supervisors meeting about state and federal policy issues affecting rural counties.

Knauss told the board CSAC’s “core focus is about advocacy,” and described the association’s structure — a business arm, a foundation arm that runs leadership credentials and grants, and an advocacy branch — that he said helps counties access grants and services. He emphasized partnerships with regional organizations including the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) and the National Association of Counties (NACo).

Why it matters: Knauss framed CSAC’s priorities in the current state legislative and budget process and described several items with direct implications for Trinity County’s services and recovery capacity.

Key points from the presentation

- Proposition 36 implementation: Knauss said voter‑approved changes to criminal justice (Proposition 36) require new county resources for probation, public defenders, district attorneys and behavioral health. He stated the funding currently proposed in the state budget is insufficient to fully implement the voter mandate.

- Homelessness and housing: CSAC continues to press for flexible state funding so counties can sustain homelessness‑related programs and avoid losing progress if one‑time funds lapse.

- Disaster policy and FEMA eligibility: CSAC is advancing a disaster policy agenda that includes prevention, response and rebuilding. Knauss highlighted an item particularly relevant to Trinity County: FEMA individual assistance eligibility currently depends on a fixed numeric threshold for home losses rather than a percentage of a county’s housing stock, which can leave smaller counties without access to federal assistance after localized disasters.

- Homeowners insurance: Knauss described CSAC’s work with a multi‑stakeholder insurance working group and engagement with other states that have addressed similar insurance market failures; he said California can learn from hurricane states’ models but noted differences in cost and coverage.

- Broadband and carrier‑of‑last‑resort: Knauss and board members discussed AB 470 (an assembly bill cited in session comments) and the need to ensure that any relief from carrier‑of‑last‑resort obligations occurs only after reliable alternatives are guaranteed for affected communities. He said CSAC and RCRC oppose relief that leaves communities without a dependable option for phone and internet service.

Quotes and outreach

Knauss described a new speakers bureau to amplify local voices in Sacramento and urged supervisors to volunteer for media or legislative testimony when appropriate. “It’s always way more effective when those who are elected locally to represent their communities are the voice that is being used,” he said.

Next steps and local implications

Knauss encouraged Trinity County supervisors to engage with CSAC on disaster reform, insurance, broadband and homelessness funding and said CSAC will continue to press for flexibility in how state dollars are administered to counties. Board members in the meeting acknowledged CSAC’s support and asked for follow‑up on specific areas including insurance and broadband reliability.

Ending: CSAC offered to follow up with the county CAO and staff on opportunities to participate in the speakers bureau and to share technical details behind CSAC’s disaster and insurance proposals.