Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Louise F. Rogers, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Jei Africa, Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Subject: Measure K: Grant Agreement with CoastPride for the support of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) individuals and families along the San Mateo County coast.
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing a grant agreement with CoastPride for the support of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) individuals and families along the San Mateo County coast for the term of December 10, 2024, through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed a total of $750,000.
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BACKGROUND:
Measure K is the half-cent general sales tax initially approved by the San Mateo County voters in November 2012 and extended through November 2016 for a total of thirty years. In response to Board direction, staff gathered community input regarding priorities for the allocation of Measure K funds. Staff collected feedback from Community Based Organizations, County departments and conducted a countywide survey and listening sessions to obtain resident input. At the October 3, 2023, Measure K study session, staff presented a report produced by InterEthnica, summarizing the results of the surveys, and listening sessions which provided valuable input for the Board.
On October 17, 2023, this Board finalized and approved the following priority areas for FY 2024-25 Measure K funding: Children, Families, and Seniors; Housing and Homelessness; and Emergency Preparedness. Mental Health is a component of each priority area rather than a stand-alone item. In addition to the approval of the priority areas, this Board authorized the County Executive to develop and proceed with a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process to obtain applications for funding within the approved priority areas and subcategories identified by the Board.
On March 27, 2024, this Board approved recommended applications received pursuant to the NOFO and authorized the County Executive to negotiate agreements with applicants, to be returned to this Board for approval. By this action, the application of CoastPride was approved for an award of Measure K funds for the period of December 1, 2024, through Jun 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $750,000.
DISCUSSION:
Historically, the San Mateo County Coastside communities have not had access to LGBTQ+ services due to the geographic barriers preventing access to County resources. CoastPride is addressing this issue by focusing work in three Coastside regions: rural south coast, rural/suburban midcoast and north coast.
CoastPride is a community organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and families along the San Mateo County coast. Through access to diverse programs and events, CoastPride fosters a sense of belonging and promotes a safe, welcoming environment. Partnering with local schools, the organization provides education, social services, and community events to create a robust support system for LGBTQ+ people of all ages. As a nonprofit, its mission is to build a more inclusive and accepting community where LGBTQ+ individuals and their families can thrive.
1. Measure K funding will support CoastPride plans to increase visibility, raise awareness, and create a greater sense of belonging and wellness for both the LGBTQ+ and greater communities. Services will be provided through the coordination of the following main components: (A) Education and Visibility, (B) Health and Wellness, (C) Social Justice.
A. Education and Visibility: Key activities include managing an online hub with local resources, maintaining social media, publishing a monthly newsletter, translating materials, and prioritizing outreach to marginalized communities. Additionally, the program will promote participation through outreach materials, engage in community events, and provide Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression (SOGIE) trainings for schools, community organizations, and local partners in English and Spanish
B. Health and Wellness: This program will recruit participants through local outreach and offer monthly peer support groups and wellness activities in collaboration with partner organizations, such as the community-based organization (CBO) Adolescent Counseling Services. Facilitators are supported by San Francisco based CBO On the Margins, Inc which provides guidance on best practices in mental health, anti-racism, and inclusivity. Additionally, this program provides materials, an annual facilitator mini-retreat, and plans to implement bilingual support if identified in community needs assessments.
C. Social Justice: This program oversees six $1,000 scholarships for Coastside graduating seniors who demonstrate commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, with applications accepted in various creative formats. Additionally, the program provides resources to local Gender and Sexuality Alliance clubs, assists schools in developing SOGIE policies, and hosts monthly multi-faith meetings to foster LGBTQ+ inclusion within faith communities on the Coastside.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provision allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligation by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
The agreement and resolution have been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney as to form.
It is anticipated that CoastPride will provide 6 SOGIE trainings per fiscal year - 4 English trainings and 2 Spanish trainings.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-2025 Estimated |
FY 2025-2026 Projected |
|
Number of SOGIE trainings per fiscal year |
4 English trainings 2 Spanish trainings |
4 English trainings 2 Spanish trainings |
Equity Impact:
In California, 9.1% of the population identifies as LGBTQ+, with the rate rising to 20% among young adults (2021 Census). In San Mateo County, 14% of 7th-grade boys and 24% of girls identify as non-straight (KidsData). LGBTQ+ individuals are at significantly higher risk for Serious Mental Illness and Serious Emotional Disturbance, largely due to the impacts of homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. Youth are particularly vulnerable, facing higher rates of victimization, behavioral health disorders (mental health and substance use disorders), homelessness, and suicide. LGBTQ+ adults also experience elevated risks of depression and social isolation, with transgender individuals facing the highest rates of violence and discrimination. CoastPride provides culturally responsive services to address these mental health challenges through a collaborative approach. By implementing its programs described above, CoastPride aims to increase resources in schools and the broader community, fostering a sense of belonging, reducing stigma, and strengthening connections to support services for our LGBTQ+ community members.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the agreement is December 10, 2024, through June 30, 2027. The amount of the agreement is not to exceed $750,000 for the three-year term and will be funded through Measure K funds. The Measure K funds are included in the BHRS FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget under Non-Departmental Services. Similar arrangements will be made for future years.