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Adopt and present a resolution and plaque of appreciation honoring William “Bill” F. Emlen, for more than 15 years of service with Solano County, including 3 years as County Administrator, and for more than 44 years of outstanding public service in city and county administration (Chair Mashburn)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No __X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No __X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The County Administrator’s Office recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution and plaque of appreciation honoring William “Bill” F. Emlen, for more than 15 years of service with Solano County, including 3 years as County Administrator, and for more than 44 years of outstanding public service in city and county administration.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
William F. “Bill” Emlen has dedicated over 44 years to public service in California, including 15 years with Solano County, demonstrating visionary leadership in planning, local government administration, and community development. Since his appointment as Solano County Administrator in March 2022, Mr. Emlen has guided more than 3,100 employees across 18 departments, provided leadership in developing fiscally responsible budgets, and directed the allocation of approximately $86.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to advance key infrastructure, housing, social services, and small business initiatives.
Under his leadership, the County implemented a new property tax collection and management system; advanced early childhood education through the acquisition and repurposing of school property for a multi-agency Early Learning Center; acquired Parkrose Gardens for conversion into permanent supportive housing; promoted agricultural land preservation through ordinances regulating agricultural mitigation and commercial-scale solar; and led significant habitat restoration projects, including Lookout Slough. He also provided guidance and oversight during the County’s review of the California Forever initiative, ensuring compliance with the General Plan, protection of County interests, and effective stakeholder engagement.
Prior to serving as County Administrator, Mr. Emlen was Assistant County Administrator beginning in July 2020, where he led the drafting and adoption of ordinances regulating hemp cultivation, oversaw the County redistricting process, supported operational and policy initiatives, and provided critical leadership guiding the County, staff, and public through the COVID-19 pandemic health emergency and the LNU Lightning Complex Fire, ensuring coordinated response, public safety, and clear communication.
Mr. Emlen joined Solano County as Director of Resource Management in September 2010. In that role, he provided visionary leadership in land use planning, environmental review, and zoning; streamlined the County Zoning Ordinance for improved accessibility; oversaw major development projects, subdivisions, and planning permits; advanced policies and ordinances to protect agricultural lands and natural resources; and fostered cooperative agreements with municipalities to support sustainable growth and annexations.
Before joining Solano County, Mr. Emlen held key leadership positions in multiple California cities. In Davis, he served for over thirteen years as Community Development Director and then as City Manager, where he co-wrote a city initiative to protect agricultural lands, managed residential and commercial development, oversaw downtown revitalization projects, and led organizational restructuring to maintain fiscal stability following the 2008 recession. In 1993, he became the first Planning Director for the newly incorporated City of American Canyon, completing the City’s first General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Earlier in his career, he served as Principal Planner for the City of Palmdale and Associate Planner for the City of Santa Cruz, beginning his public service career as a Planning Aide with the City of Simi Valley.
Born on a small family farm in the Campbell area of the Santa Clara Valley and raised among orchards of prunes and walnuts, Mr. Emlen graduated from high school in Santa Cruz and earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in urban planning from California State University, Northridge. Throughout his career, he has actively contributed to professional organizations, presented at national and international conferences, and shared his expertise in planning and governance. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and has resided in Solano County since 1993. A devoted husband and father of three adult children, Mr. Emlen’s professional accomplishments, visionary leadership, and dedication to public service have had a lasting and positive impact on Solano County and the communities he has served.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost associated with preparing the agenda item is nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2025/26 Working Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials and plaque are included in the Board’s FY2025/26 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may elect not to adopt a resolution and plaque of appreciation, however, this is not recommended, as this is an opportunity to honor Bill Emlen, County Administrator, for his years of distinguished service to the citizens of Solano County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION