Saratoga council backs West Valley homelessness task force despite questions on count and costs

Saratoga adopted a nonbinding resolution of intent on April 1 to take part in a West Valley Homeless Services Implementation Task Force, aiming to coordinate regional responses to homelessness across five West Valley cities. The council’s action, passed 5‑0, asks staff to enter discussions about forming the task force; any later memorandum of understanding (MOU) and funding commitments would return to councils for approval.

Kyle Rathbone, an associate city planner, summarized the West Valley Homeless Services Feasibility Study—prepared under an August 2024 memorandum with Campbell and the other jurisdictions—saying the study found a 13 percent increase in the West Valley’s point‑in‑time homelessness between 2023 and 2025 and used county intake data showing about 524 individuals across 322 households. “This is the best data available,” Rathbone said, while cautioning the point‑in‑time count should be treated as a baseline that likely undercounts people who are couch‑surfing or staying in vehicles.

Rathbone told the council Campbell initially allocated $100,000 in ARPA funds for the needs analysis and feasibility study. He said Campbell’s council has preliminarily identified an $80,000 consultant scope that would be shared among the five cities to support a task force, but details and a cost breakdown would be negotiated in a future MOU. “Adoption of the resolution of intent by itself does not commit each city to adopting the subsequent MOU,” Rathbone said.

Several councilmembers and residents pressed for clearer methodology and cost transparency before any binding commitment. Councilmember Tina said the 19‑person point‑in‑time count for Saratoga was “sobering” and asked how the count was conducted; Rathbone explained it was a point‑in‑time canvass and an extrapolation in areas that were surveyed. “Doing a count in that way can’t identify individuals who are couch surfing,” he said.

Public commenters urged a regional approach but also flagged funding questions. Glenn Hendrix, who has worked on Measure A oversight, told the council the study’s authors should consult local nonprofits with operating experience and the county for potential funding avenues. Bernie Mills expressed concern that the consultant’s methodology was not sufficiently detailed and asked whether the counted individuals were residents of Saratoga or visitors from other cities.

Councilmember Yan moved to adopt the resolution of intent; Cookie seconded. Councilmembers reiterated they supported the regional, collaborative approach but want future MOU language to specify funding and an agreed methodology for population estimates. The motion passed unanimously.

Next steps include Campbell obtaining a scope of services for consultant support and drafting an MOU to define governance, financing and task force roles; Saratoga staff will return the MOU to the council for consideration before any financial commitments.