Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Measure C topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Measure C team proposes $165M emergency stabilization fund to shore up child care providers; board to consider appropriation
Summary
First 5 Alameda County proposed an emergency stabilization fund of roughly $165 million drawn from Measure C deposits to provide immediate grants to childcare providers, workforce and facility supports; the board asked staff to agendize appropriation and will review a fuller five‑year plan with mandated wage and subsidy elements in coming months.
Kristen Spanos, CEO of First 5 Alameda County, presented an emergency stabilization proposal for the Measure C childcare account and asked the board to agendize appropriation of the proposed funds. First 5 staff said Measure C projects roughly $154 million annually for the childcare account and that about $500 million has been collected since July 2021; they proposed using about $165 million (approximately one‑third of deposits) for immediate stabilization grants while reserving the remainder for long‑term systems transformation.
Ayanna O'Gala, First 5's chief of programs, described the stabilization fund's four investment areas: immediate provider relief grants (to keep doors open), workforce development (apprenticeships and retention), family supports and navigation (referrals and eligibility systems), and facilities grants focused on health, safety and infant‑toddler space conversion. First 5 indicated eligibility criteria for provider grants would prioritize equity: providers receiving subsidy in the prior two years or those operating in higher‑poverty census tracts would qualify for one‑time grants. The staff proposal included $40–$50,000 one‑time grants to family childcare providers and larger grants to centers.
Supervisors asked whether the board could increase the emergency allocation above the staff proposal; staff said the board has appropriation authority and could alter allocations, but that changes might require additional public process and coordination with the commission and Brown Act community advisory committee. First 5 and several community speakers asked the board to ensure family childcare providers are eligible and urged larger grant ceilings for those providers; in‑person commenters emphasized including family childcare countywide.
The board agreed to agendize a formal appropriation item for a future meeting and to return with a full five‑year plan that will include a legally mandated minimum wage floor and detailed subsidy proposals. Public remote comment on Measure C was continued to a special 3:00 p.m. meeting where remaining speakers will be heard.
