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Auburn council accepts CHP cannabis-tax grant to boost impaired-driving enforcement
Summary
The council authorized acceptance of a $150,067.16 California Highway Patrol cannabis tax fund grant to support DUI enforcement, impaired-driving training and related equipment, after public comment urged the city to reconcile its cannabis policies with the acceptance of industry-derived funds.
The Auburn City Council voted Aug. 12 to accept a California Highway Patrol cannabis tax fund grant totaling $150,067.16 to support impaired-driving enforcement, training and equipment.
The grant, described by Chief Ryan Caden as intended to expand DUI enforcement and purchase a vehicle and equipment, was recommended by staff as a tool to reduce impaired-driving incidents linked to alcohol and drugs, including cannabis. "This allows us to increase enforcement for DUI efforts as it's related to alcohol and impaired driving with drugs like cannabis," Chief Ryan Caden said.
Why it matters: Council members said the funding expands enforcement capability without drawing on the general fund. In public comment, Rich Miller of the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis urged the council to reconsider its local business restrictions, arguing the city should not exclude licensed cannabis businesses while accepting cannabis-derived revenues. "A city should not be able to decline participation in economic benefits of the cannabis industry while still receiving financial supports derived from it," Miller said.
Staff and council responded that the grant’s stated purpose is traffic safety and that eligibility appears to be based on program criteria administered by CHP rather than a city’s local cannabis business policies. Councilmember [functional label: Council member] moved to authorize the city manager or designee to accept the funds; the motion was seconded and passed in a roll-call vote.
What the council approved: A resolution authorizing the city manager or designee to accept the CHP cannabis tax fund grant of $150,067.16 for enforcement, training and equipment.
What happens next: City staff will accept the funds, schedule required program activities and report back as equipment and training are procured.
Sources: Chief Ryan Caden's presentation to council and public comment from Rich Miller during the Aug. 12 meeting.
