Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Childcare And Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves Measure C $165.8M emergency stabilization appropriation; release of funds conditioned on legal review
Summary
First 5 Alameda County presented a $165.8 million Measure C Emergency Stabilization Fund proposal; the board approved appropriations but required a positive legal review before the auditor‑controller may release funds. The package prioritizes immediate provider relief, family supports and facilities.
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted to approve First 5 Alameda County’s Measure C Emergency Stabilization Fund proposal — a $165.8 million initial investment intended to stabilize early‑care and education providers and expand family supports.
Kristen Spanos, First 5 CEO, told the board that more than 85% of the requested appropriation ($141.8M) is earmarked for four program areas, including $84.6M for immediate relief and workforce supports for providers, $25.3M for family supports, $20.4M for early‑childhood facilities, and $11.5M for capacity building and implementation. First 5 described the package as the “initial investment” of a five‑year plan developed with a Community Advisory Council.
Dozens of parents, family‑childcare providers and advocacy groups urged the board to release funds immediately, citing provider closures, gaps in subsidy referrals and the continuing impact of the pandemic. Representatives of Parent Voices, SEIU childcare organizers and community providers described risk of business closures and long waiting lists for subsidized slots; many called the appropriation urgent.
Board members pressed First 5 on eligibility criteria, geographic equity, the proposed 15% administrative allocation for the current fiscal year and a $10 million emergency set‑aside for family‑childcare providers at risk of closure. The Alameda County Taxpayers Association submitted a letter asserting that Measure C requires a five‑year plan be approved before appropriation; county counsel noted the ordinance language requires consistency with a plan and advised the board to obtain a legal opinion.
The motion adopted approvals A and B and modified authorization C: the auditor‑controller is authorized to release Measure C funds "upon receipt of a positive legal review." Supervisors said they expect the county counsel to provide an opinion quickly and that staff will return as needed if the legal review raises issues. First 5 and county staff agreed to continued engagement with the Community Advisory Council on eligibility and implementation details.
The board vote carried with supervisors present voting in favor; staff will return with contracts and implementation steps under the timeline discussed by First 5.
