Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Carole Groom
Supervisor Dave Pine
Subject: Appointments to the Commission on Disabilities
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Recommendation for the appointments of Dawn Ward and Lauren Bigelow to the Commission on Disabilities, each for a partial term ending June 30, 2020.
body
BACKGROUND:
The Commission on Disabilities is an advisory body to the Board of Supervisors, providing opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in, and influence the development of, public policy that promotes the full integration of people with disabilities in their communities. Members of the Commission are dedicated and committed to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities through San Mateo County.
DISCUSSION:
As per commission bylaws, the terms of members are 3 years, for a maximum of 12 years. Dawn Ward and Lauren Bigelow are being recommended for appointments to seats that were vacated mid-term and, therefore, will be appointed for partial terms which represent the remaining years on the vacated seats.
Dawn Ward is a self-employed attorney who has been California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization certified as a specialist in family law. Over the years, she has worked on ensuring that disabled individuals seeking services and benefits receive everything to which they are entitled. She was a past member of the Commission on Disabilities having served in the early 1990s.
As a Below Market Rate Program Administrator, Lauren Bigelow is a recognized expert, advocate, and leader regarding affordable housing policy within the San Francisco Bay Area, managing a multi-million-dollar portfolio of over 600 units. She is, also, actively involved in the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California and the Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County.
These appointments contribute to the 2025 Shared Vision statement of a Collaborative Community. Our diverse population works well together to build strong communities, effective government and a prosperous economy, civic engagement - including voting, public service, charitable giving, volunteerism, and participation in public discussions of important issues - is uniformly high among the diverse population of San Mateo County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.