The future of federal grant programs that provide critical funding to outfit, renovate or build a new public safety building is unclear - only increasing the need for affordable solutions for emergency operations centers. In some cases, the best option is modifying an existing space to serve as an interim or permanent EOC. The City of Anaheim rose to this challenge and completely renovated an existing office space into a secure EOC for a fraction of the cost of a new facility. This presentation will review the creative and cost-saving measures used, as well as strategies and lessons learned about modifying an existing space to accommodate and support safe emergency operations. While the federal grant programs are uncertain, Dr. Wilmoth will also share practical strategies to enhance project competitiveness for Congressional Community Project Funding requests and the EOC Grant Program. The session will conclude with a discussion about engaging local, state, and federal elected officials to garner community support for proposed projects.