Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tulare County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues with critical priority
FEMA reimbursement for 2023 floods and 2020 fire secured
The Sultana storm drain is done; a Kings River study, storm pump standardization backed by $2 million in grant funds, the Friant-Kern Canal project, and two FEMA flood studies (Antelope Creek, Deer Creek/White River) are in various stages — with FEMA funding uncertainty looming.
El Niño storm preparedness for unhoused residents
The county is bracing for a wet 2026-27 winter by ratifying a local emergency and giving two agency directors power to quickly buy goods and services for flood response. Residents are urged to clear properties and drainage ahead of storms — property owners are responsible for natural waterways on their land.
Permanent supportive housing capacity nearly exhausted
The county has 235+ behavioral health beds and 136 more coming online at the renamed Monarch facility, but can't force people to accept them. Members and staff discussed how relationship-building at shelters and warming centers might get more unsheltered people into beds and treatment voluntarily.
FY 2026/27 County Budget Adoption
The county's $2.26 billion budget funds public safety, health and human services, and 4% raises for elected officials and staff. Only about $256 million is truly discretionary — most goes to public safety. CAO Britt flagged future risks: federal HR 1 cuts could push people losing Medi-Cal back onto county indigent health care, and pending AB 690 could add $2-5 million a year in conflict-defender costs.
SAFER drinking water program funding crisis
California's main program for fixing contaminated small-community drinking water could drop from ~$130 million a year to under $10 million. That directly affects funding for East Orosi, bottled water programs, and dozens of Valley communities. The commission wants the Board of Supervisors to formally back the program.