First 5 Sacramento rolls out community grantmaking, parent summit follow‑ups and explores childcare at Sacramento International Airport

In an executive director’s report at the Aug. 4 meeting, First 5 Sacramento staff highlighted new and forthcoming initiatives, including a participatory grantmaking process for roughly $4 million, a parent leadership summit, a family exhibit partnership and an exploratory study into on‑site childcare at Sacramento International Airport.

Julie, the First 5 executive director (name not specified in the transcript), described the Equity in Action committee as a participatory grantmaking process that will allow community members to help determine awards across 11 priority ZIP codes. She said two members of the 15‑member community panel were in the audience and the committee will aim to advance racial equity and stronger families through community‑led decision‑making.

Julie said more than 70 parent leaders gathered in June in Natomas for a parent partnership summit; several commissioners joined panels at the event. Staff said the commission will shortly invite commissioners to a Potter the Otter museum exhibit on Aug. 19, a traveling early‑childhood exhibit developed by First 5 Santa Clara and the San Jose Children’s Museum; the Aug. 19 event will include resource partners and a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m.

Julie also described exploratory work to assess feasibility for a childcare center at Sacramento International Airport. Staff said they are drafting a memorandum of understanding with the county airports department and expect to bring the MOU to the commission at a future meeting. Staff estimated an initial build‑out cost of $1–$2 million for a space that is already available at the airport, and said the plan would use a sliding scale and a mixed revenue portfolio, including a small fee for contractors working at the airport, so the center could be sustained long term. Julie said county airports leadership is supportive and that staff are already briefing state legislators about the idea.

Why it matters The participatory grantmaking process represents a shift toward community‑led funding decisions; the airport childcare feasibility work, if pursued, would expand child‑care access for airport employees and contractors and likely require capital funding.

Details and next steps - Equity in Action: Staff said the participatory process will distribute about $4 million and focus on 11 priority ZIP codes. Community panelists will participate in award decisions.

- Potter the Otter exhibit: Public opening/ribbon cutting planned for Aug. 19 at 9 a.m. Staff will circulate calendar invitations to commissioners.

- Airport childcare: Staff will return with an MOU and feasibility study; initial capital requirement estimated at $1–$2 million and a plan to use sliding‑scale fees and contractor contributions for sustainability.

Quotes "The work that we do here is critical," Julie said, noting the commission’s role in early‑childhood supports and the emphasis on family and community.