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Nevada City Council approves renewal of grant-writing contract after presentation on recent awards and pending applications
Summary
The council approved Amendment No. 2 to renew grant-writing services with California Consulting, Inc., increasing the annual fee to about $48,600. The consultant summarized recent awards (including a $250,000 Neighbor-to-Neighbor grant and a $323,000 active-transportation award) and detailed pending applications including a $1.6 million wildfire defense request.
Nevada City Council approved Amendment No. 2 to its grant-writing services agreement with California Consulting, Inc., increasing the annual contract cost to roughly $48,600, after a presentation outlining recent grant awards and pending applications.
Stephen Erlandson of California Consulting told the council the firm has helped the city obtain roughly $1 million to $3 million in grant revenues and recommended the amended agreement to continue supporting the city’s grant efforts. "We do all the heavy lifting," Erlandson said, describing the firm’s role in identifying opportunities, coordinating with city departments and preparing applications.
The council cited a strong return on investment in its discussion. Examples Erlandson presented included a Neighbor-to-Neighbor (Cal Volunteers) award of about $250,000 (awarded March 1, 2024), a $150,000 congressional appropriation for police portable radios, a cannabis equity grant of about $558,000 (notification Jan. 23, 2025), a Caltrans sustainable transportation planning award of about $323,000 (July 7, 2025), and a slip-on tanker grant of roughly $54,000 (Feb. 12, 2025). Erlandson also reviewed pending or recently submitted applications: a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART request (~$34,000), a USDA Community Wildfire Defense submission (~$1.6 million), a COPS community policing microgrant ($175,000), and a Land and Water Conservation Fund proposal (~$125,000).
Council Member Fernandez asked about the consultant’s specific role in preparing applications; Erlandson said California Consulting proposes grants, educates staff about requirements, reaches out to grant agencies, compiles required information and prepares the applications in coordination with city staff.
Council Member Peterson moved to approve Amendment No. 2 to the contract; Council Member Fernandez seconded. During roll call the council recorded Peterson — yes; Fernandez — yes; Mayor Klein — yes; Council Member Fleming and Vice Mayor Cece were noted as absent earlier in the meeting. The motion passed.
The council did not receive public comment on the item. Staff will implement the contract amendment and continue collaborative monthly meetings with California Consulting to pursue awarded and prospective grants.
The council’s action authorizes staff to execute Amendment No. 2 to the agreement with California Consulting, Inc. and carry forward associated budgeted expenses for grant-writing services.
