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First 5 Sacramento highlights $4 million participatory grants, Potter the Otter exhibit and airport childcare feasibility
Summary
Executive Director Julie updated the commission on the Equity in Action participatory grant process (over $4 million), a Potter the Otter traveling exhibit for children 0–5 and a feasibility study/MOU underway for a childcare center at Sacramento International Airport that could require a $1–2 million initial build‑out.
At the Aug. 4 First 5 Sacramento meeting, Executive Director Julie summarized several staff initiatives including an Equity in Action participatory grant effort, a children’s museum exhibit partnership and early work on a childcare center feasibility study for Sacramento International Airport.
Why it matters: These initiatives reflect First 5 Sacramento’s dual focus on community‑driven funding (directing money to neighborhood priorities) and building infrastructure to reach families where they are — including possible new childcare at a major employment hub (the airport).
Equity in Action participatory grants: Julie said the commission is “putting out over $4,000,000 to the community in participatory grant making process,” a first‑of‑its‑kind approach for the commission in which community members join selection committees and help shape awards. Julie acknowledged two committee members in the room and said the process focuses on 11 priority ZIP codes to advance racial equity and stronger families.
Potter the Otter exhibit: Staff announced a First 5 partnership to host a traveling children’s museum exhibit, “Potter the Otter” (created by First 5 Santa Clara and the San Jose Children’s Museum). First 5 Sacramento will host free days for children 0–5 starting with a kickoff and ribbon cutting planned for Aug. 19, with on‑site resources such as Help Me Grow and a family resource center presence.
Sacramento International Airport childcare feasibility: Julie said First 5 is exploring an on‑site childcare center with the airport department and expects to bring a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to the commission at a future meeting. "We'll need, a 1 to $2,000,000 initial investment for a build out of a space, that's already sitting there ready to go," she said, adding that staff envision a sliding‑scale fee structure and a mixed revenue portfolio (including small contractor fees) to support sustainability. Julie said staff have already begun legislative outreach and that an MOU will be placed on a future agenda.
Other updates: Julie also reported on a parent leadership summit (70+ parent leaders), staff participation in state and federal advocacy efforts and ongoing collaboration with a consultant to assess federal policy impacts.
Next steps: Staff indicated the airport childcare proposal will return as an MOU for commission review at a future meeting and that community‑driven grant decisions will proceed through the participatory process already under way.
