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San Diego council adopts updated Child and Youth Plan, urges funding and cross‑department action
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Summary
The City Council unanimously approved an updated Child and Youth Plan that reframes the Office of Child and Youth Success as a citywide coordinating body, adds a theory of change and funding strategies, and calls for stronger departmental collaboration and a youth well‑being report. Supporters urged full funding; several council members pressed for concrete steps to implement Measure H childcare goals.
San Diego’s City Council voted unanimously Oct. 28 to adopt an updated Child and Youth Plan that repositions the Office of Child and Youth Success (OCYS) as a citywide coordinating office rather than a standalone program, emphasizing collaboration, equity, and measurable outcomes.
The update, presented by Tara Ryan, OCYS program coordinator, adds a theory of change, an overarching goal linking five focus areas (engaging activities and spaces; youth empowerment; workforce development and financial well‑being; education and enrichment; and childcare) and a clearer section on funding strategies, including seeking grants and philanthropic support. “This plan aligns with San Diego’s five strategic priority areas,” Ryan said, describing new steps to use data and KPIs to track youth well‑being.
The measure drew broad support from youth groups, nonprofits and service providers during a lengthy public comment period. Liana Soriano of Youth Will urged the council to adopt the update and “affirm the dedication to support the mission of the Office of Child and Youth Success.” Representatives from Promises to Kids, San Diego Workforce Partnership, the Center on Policy Initiatives and other organizations described partnerships already underway and emphasized the need for sustained staffing and funding.
Council members praised the plan’s goals but pressed for more detail on implementation and resources. Council Member Moreno asked for clarification on how the city will work with Promises to Kids; Ryan said the city awarded a competitive grant of about $60,000 last fiscal year to that nonprofit to strengthen workforce development services. Several council members, including Council Member Ilo Rivera, said the office needs adequate staffing and mayoral support to ensure OCYS is engaged in cross‑departmental decisions rather than siloed within the Library Department following a recent reorganization.
Childcare and Measure H were a focus in the discussion. Ryan said OCYS has collaborated with Parks and Recreation to identify five recreation centers with potential to become licensed childcare sites and is exploring modular prefabricated units and legal options with the City Attorney to expand capacity. She said two‑year priorities include building partnerships, leveraging philanthropic funds and developing a youth well‑being report with the Policy and Innovation Center.
Council members and public speakers asked for concrete next steps on converting city park spaces to childcare use, ramping up non‑rate revenue from PUD leases, and reestablishing executive leadership in OCYS. Tara Ryan and staff committed to sharing prioritized facility lists with council offices and to continuing work with city departments and philanthropic partners.
The council voted to adopt the updated Child and Youth Plan (motion and roll call recorded in the council minutes). The adoption directs staff to continue implementation planning, pursue funding strategies identified in the update and report back on measurable KPIs and pilot childcare site progress.
