Board creates ad hoc planning taskforce to redesign Continuum of Care governance; appoints Supervisors Kennedy and Desmond

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors on May 19 authorized formation of an ad hoc planning taskforce to craft bylaws and membership criteria for a reconstituted regional Continuum of Care (CoC) and broader governing body to guide cross-jurisdictional homelessness strategy.

Emily Halcon, director of the Department of Homeless Services and Housing, described a phased approach: an ad hoc planning group to draft bylaws and selection criteria, a Phase 2 reconstitution of the CoC with elected-official majority when the board sits in its CoC role, and Phase 3 to stand up a broader governing body for strategic community-level policy. Halcon said the model maintains required community voices and HUD-required CoC membership while making elected officials more directly accountable when acting on CoC authorities.

Board members debated scope and membership. Chair Rodriguez, Supervisor Serna and others emphasized geographic balance and the importance of all five supervisors having sustained involvement; several supervisors said the ad hoc should move quickly and remain staff-supported. After discussion, Supervisors Kennedy and Desmond — who already served as County CoC representatives — were appointed as county representatives to the ad hoc planning taskforce. The motion passed unanimously.

Halcon said the ad hoc will draft the recommended governing-body composition and bylaws and return to the full board and CoC for adoption; the reconstituted CoC would remain the entity for HUD purposes and continue performing grant and administrative functions.