Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Executive
Subject: Use of District-Discretionary Measure K Funds - Supervisorial District 4
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing a one-time grant of district-discretionary Measure K funds, not to exceed $15,000, to Advocates for Accessible Recreation (AFAR) to support the expansion of inclusive, accessible social recreation programming for youth and adults with disabilities in San Mateo County, and authorizing the County Executive, or designee, to execute the grant agreement.
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BACKGROUND:
Measure K is the half-cent general sales tax initially approved by San Mateo County voters in November 2012 and extended in November 2016 for a total of thirty years.
The Board of Supervisors (Board) held study sessions on Measure K expenditures and approved funds for the fiscal year (FY) 2024-25 budget cycle, divided equally among the five supervisorial districts, for one-time district-discretionary needs and projects. District 4 has submitted a request to use their district-discretionary Measure K funds as shown below and described in the Project Summary section of this memorandum:
|
District/Project |
Amount |
|
District 4 (Supervisor Lisa Gauthier) - Advocates for Accessible Recreation (AFAR) to support the expansion of inclusive, accessible social recreation programming for youth and adults with disabilities in San Mateo County. |
$15,000 |
This item is consistent with the criteria for district-discretionary Measure K funds approved by the Board in December 2018. District 4 indicates that this organization is either a public agency operating within the County, or a nonprofit organization registered and in good standing with the California Attorney General. District 4 indicates that the sponsoring Board member, member’s family, and member’s supervisorial staff do not serve as an officer, director, or play a policy role for the grantee organization.
PROJECT SUMMARY:
This is a request to authorize a grant to Advocates for Accessible Recreation (AFAR), and resulting grant agreement, in an amount not to exceed $15,000, to support the expansion of inclusive, accessible social recreation programming for youth and adults with disabilities in San Mateo County.
By awarding this grant, the County will support AFAR’s ability to serve more individuals with disabilities and reduce their social isolation, while also demonstrating institutional support that can strengthen AFAR’s ability to secure future funding from other sources. The County Executive’s Office will administer and manage the proposed agreement.
AFAR is a long-standing community nonprofit that has provided inclusive social and recreational opportunities to people with disabilities in San Mateo County since 1977. Their programs are open to participants of all ages and disabilities and are offered at low or no cost to participants, with additional scholarships available to reduce barriers to access.
Social isolation and loneliness disproportionately affect people with disabilities-especially adults-who often lack accessible environments in which to build friendships or engage with their community. AFAR addresses this gap through programs that foster joy, connection, and belonging in a supportive setting. Their inclusive bowling, art, and dance programs currently serve dozens of participants each week, providing nearly 4,000 hours of inclusive recreation annually.
District 4 indicates that this organization has not previously received Measure K district-discretionary funding.
District 4 has informed the grantee organization that this grant is one-time only, and that the grantee organization will need to find other sources of funding going forward. The grantee organization will use the Measure K grant as follows:
This $15,000 Measure K district-discretionary grant will fund staffing, activity materials, and food costs for a weekly social group serving up to 24 participants over a 46 week period. This expansion of AFAR’s services directly supports AFAR’s mission to improve the mental and physical well-being of people with disabilities by offering safe, inclusive spaces for socialization and friendship.
|
Funding Budget Item |
Notes |
Cost |
|
Food/beverage costs |
$8pp/wk (snack/drink) |
$8,832 |
|
Staff/supervision |
$100/wk |
$4,600 |
|
Activity materials/rentals |
|
$1,500 |
|
TOTAL |
|
$14,932 |
This request for $15,000 in Measure K district-discretionary funding will enable AFAR to reach more San Mateo County residents with disabilities and enhance their access to meaningful, community-based activities.
The project or services funded by this district-discretionary grant will be implemented or provided during 46 weeks and is estimated to be completed Summer 2026.
Total Measure K Request: Not to Exceed $15,000
The release of funds will be contingent on the execution of an agreement providing for the County’s confirmation of the expenditure of funds for the purposes stated herein. The County will disburse the funds to the following organization for the purposes described above:
Advocates for Accessible Recreation
Treasurer: Ben Nordell
328 Landfair Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 619-2548
btnordell@yahoo.com <mailto:btnordell@yahoo.com>
PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
|
Description |
Target |
|
Up to 24 participants served in the weekly social group each week |
Complete |
|
46 weekly social group sessions held annually |
Complete |
|
90% of surveyed participants report feeling more socially connected |
Complete |
|
At least 10 unique activities offered over the course of a year (e.g., karaoke, crafts, bingo) |
Complete |
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the agreement and resolution as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
For many youth and adults with disabilities in San Mateo County, opportunities for safe, inclusive social connection are limited-and often non-existent after school ends. AFAR’s weekly social group will offer a consistent and welcoming space for up to 24 participants. For families, it’s a chance to see their loved ones included, supported, and celebrated.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are sufficient Measure K funds for this specific FY 2024-25 Measure K request. These funds are budgeted in the Non-Departmental Services FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget.