
Convening the Sierra – Fall 2026
Join SBC at these Upcoming Events Across the Region
August and September are the Get Connected! California months. SBC, in partnership with Gold Country Broadband Consortium, is promoting and supporting the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program to help qualifying households afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. Eligible households can reduce their monthly internet bill up to $30 and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. These households are also eligible for a one-time $100 discount when buying a laptop or tablet from participating providers.
Residents who qualify for the following programs will most Iikely qualify for the ACP discount:
We are looking for as much support as possible to promote this program. Reach out to Kari Sinoff at ksinoff@sierrabusiness.org or at (530)-562-4992 to receive a media packet to share with organizations who wish to participate in promoting the ACP enrollment effort and expanding digital equity.
For assistance with processing applications or any questions regarding individual eligibility, please contact Kari Sinoff at ksinoff@sierrabusiness.org or call (530)-562-4992.

Join SBC at these Upcoming Events Across the Region

Two SNEW services that are often requested by Sierra Nevada public agencies are energy benchmarking (sometimes including AB 802 reporting for buildings

California’s 2026-27 legislative session wrapped up September 1 after a turbulent final week of negotiations over wildfire policy, funding, and the state budget. While a last-minute proposal on wildfire liability ultimately stalled, the Legislature did restore and increase funding for climate resilience through Proposition 4 and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF)—a meaningful outcome for Sierra communities amid a challenging state budget year.
The final plan includes $329.5 million for wildfire and forest resilience through Prop 4 and $118 million for wildfire prevention through GGRF. While these investments are an improvement over the June budget, wildfire resilience funding remains near historic lows, with no clear plan for sustained investment in future years.
Read more about the final budget, Prop 4 and GGRF allocations, and what’s next for wildfire and climate resilience in the Sierra.