Construction Begins on Public Safety Facilities

By ATASCADERO NEWS · Mon May 18 2026

ATASCADERO — The City of Atascadero has officially begun construction on the first phase of its long-planned Public Safety Facilities (PSF) Project, marking the start of major upgrades to local fire and police infrastructure after six years of planning and community input.

The first phase includes renovations to Atascadero Fire Station No. 2 and construction of a new dispatch operations building at the Atascadero Police Department.

City officials said the broader PSF project is designed to replace and modernize aging public safety facilities, including Fire Station No. 1, Fire Station No. 2, and police department buildings, with a focus on improving efficiency, safety, and emergency response capabilities.

Mayor Charles Bourbeau said the groundbreaking represents a major milestone made possible through voter support of Measure D-20.

“This moment reflects years of thoughtful planning and partnership,” said Mayor Bourbeau. “Breaking ground on these first facilities is an exciting step forward, and we are incredibly grateful to our community for making it possible through their support of the voter-approved sales tax measure, Measure D-20.”

The project is funded in part by Measure D-20, a voter-approved sales tax measure intended to provide dedicated funding for public safety infrastructure while supporting other essential city services.

Police Chief Dan Suttles said the upgrades will improve safety, operations, and response times for first responders.

“This is a significant step in delivering facilities that match the professionalism and dedication of our public safety teams,” said Police Chief Suttles. “These investments will directly benefit the safety and well-being of our community for years to come.”

Planned improvements at the police department include safer vehicle access and exit routes, expanded locker room and restroom facilities, additional office and storage space, building upgrades, and a new dispatch operations facility.

Future phases of the project include construction of a new Fire Station No. 1, which will replace the existing 70-year-old building with a larger, modern facility of approximately 18,000 square feet. The new station will also house the city’s Emergency Operations Center for coordinating large-scale emergencies and multi-agency response efforts.

City officials thanked residents and stakeholders for their continued support throughout the planning process, noting that community input has played a key role in shaping the project.