Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Executive
Subject: Measure K: Resolution regarding the San Mateo County Pride Center
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing and directing the County Executive or designee(s), in consultation with the County Attorney, to negotiate and execute a grant agreement with the San Francisco Public Health Foundation, acting as fiscal sponsor for the San Mateo County Pride Center, for the term of August 25, 2026 through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $350,000, and to explore the potential co-location of the San Mateo County Pride Center on an existing County property.
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BACKGROUND:
The San Mateo County Pride Center (SMCPC), which historically had been operated as a program of StarVista, has provided programs and services for individuals who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning and other Gender Identities (LGBTQ+) since 2016. Over the course of those 10 years, the SMCPC has served as a critical asset for San Mateo County, offering a literal and figurative safe space to bring community together, decrease isolation, provide low-barrier affirming resources and support the overall mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
The SMCPC has experienced, dedicated staff who have established long-standing relationships with community-based organizations, local governments, and small businesses, and strong community support, as evidenced by a recent survey. With an extensive volunteer network and solid reputation, the SMCPC serves as an important countywide community center and gathering space.
Unfortunately, events of the last year-including the permanent closure of StarVista, the loss of its physical space (as the lease was held by StarVista), and a decrease of County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services funding (from approximately $800,000 to $100,000)-have brought dramatic and unexpected financial impacts to the SMCPC. In particular, these events have forced the SMCPC to reduce staffing levels (cutting them approximately in half), quickly identify a fiscal sponsor, and convert to a fully virtual work environment, consequences which have, in turn, constrained essential programs, services and community outreach, and opportunities for launching or restoring revenue-raising activities.
With support from a one-time Measure K grant, the SMCPC has developed a strategic and business plan to achieve long term sustainability, including detailed revenue and fundraising strategies. Unfortunately, the unexpected and dramatic funding and staffing cuts of the last year have constrained the ability to implement the plan.
The SMCPC also has initiated the process to become a 501(c)(3), including the appointment of a de novo Board. In the meantime, however, the San Francisco Public Health Foundation (SFPHF) serves as the fiscal sponsor and administrative lead for the SMCPC. The SFPHF has committed to partnering with the SMCPC for at least the next two years to provide administrative stability during this period of transition to independence.
DISCUSSION:
Staff recommends that the Board authorize and direct the County Executive or designee(s) to negotiate and enter into a grant agreement with the San Francisco Public Health Foundation, acting as fiscal sponsor for the SMCPC, in an amount not to exceed $350,000 for the term of August 25, 2026 through June 30, 2027 (“Grant Agreement”) to provide immediate stabilization of the SMCPC’s financial situation, cover staff salaries and benefits, and allow the SMCPC to resume activities, programs, and services that were abruptly halted when StarVista closed.
It is expected that the Grant Agreement will include critical milestones for the SMCPC to meet, such as:
• Successful return to office space and resumption of onsite services
• Contracting with an interim executive director/consultant with clear scope of work for operational stabilization, board recruitment and governance development
• Implementation of the Measure K-funded assessment and business plan
• Implementation and launch of the private pay clinical therapy services
• Initiation of the process to regain its Medi-Cal certification so SMCPC can offer services to Medi-Cal patients
• Resumption of fundraising/development activities including targets and pathways for achievement.
Staff further recommend that the Board authorize and direct the County Executive or designee(s) to explore the potential co-location of the SMCPC on an existing County property. The concurrent provision of a temporary physical location would allow the SMCPC to expand its critical clinical program, reignite its volunteer program, provide a central location for resources and facilitate the creation of new revenue-raising activities.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Supporting the SMCPC’s financial stabilization will significantly benefit San Mateo County's LGBTQ+ communities. LGBTQ+ individuals and families, often among the most marginalized in the U.S., face constant homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia, leading to high stress and increased risk of depression, social isolation and other mental health disorders. LGBTQ+ youth are especially vulnerable. Transgender individuals face the highest levels of assault, violence, and discrimination. These issues, combined with intersectional identities and stigma, limit access to services. The San Mateo County Pride Center serves as an important countywide community asset to address these challenges.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The grant agreement will be funded through Measure K Reserves for an amount not to exceed $350,000 and will be included in Non-Departmental Services FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget.