DATE: October 20, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Paul Nerland, County Administrative Officer/Emergency Services Director
SUBJECT: Proclamation of a Local Emergency for Developing 2026-20276 El Niño Event
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Proclaim a Local Emergency in anticipation of the developing 2026-2027 El Niño event.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will ensure that the County of Fresno will be ready for the 2026-2027 El Niño event for any potential storms, flooding, or other extraordinary weather events that may occur. The recommended action will also allow for the potential recovery of eligible costs, and it will also allow for the County to request relief for public agencies that are impacted by this disaster. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
No viable options are available.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The recommended action is necessary to ensure specific liability protection, emergency powers of the Emergency Services Director, and potential recovery of eligible costs, if any, from State and Federal funds.
DISCUSSION:
The developing 2026-2027 El Niño event is an atmospheric phenomenon which is predicted to bring exceptionally wet and destructive winter conditions to parts of California. Historically, some El Niño events have caused significant flooding and related issues in Fresno County. On September 21, 2026, the Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency for the developing 2026-2027 El Niño event. In his proclamation, the Governor noted that certain communities and populations may face greater risks from the event, including low-income communities, farmworker families, rural residents, seniors, persons with disabilities, residents with limited transportation access, people experiencing homelessness, and communities in flood-prone or post-fire areas. Fresno County has significant communities and populations facing increased risk.
Pursuant to GC, §8630 and County Ordinance, Chapter 2.44, your Board of Supervisors may proclaim the existence of a local emergency when the County is likely to be affected by a public calamity.
County Ordinance, Chapter 2.44 requires your Board to review the need to continue the local emergency at least once every 60 days until terminated. The local emergency must be terminated at the earliest possible date when conditions warranting the proclamation have ended.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Proclamation of the Existence of a Local Emergency
CAO ANALYST:
Amina Flores-Becker