File #: 21-0861    Version: 1
Type: Agenda Item Status: Approved
File created: 5/13/2021 In control: Board of Supervisors
On agenda: 5/18/2021 Final action: 5/18/2021
Title: Supervisor Hidahl and Supervisor Parlin recommending the Board authorize the Chair to sign a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom and State legislative leadership urging them to extend special district local governments direct access to American Rescue Plan Act COVID relief funds.
Attachments: 1. A - Special Districts Coalition letter, 2. Executed Letter of Support

Title

Supervisor Hidahl and Supervisor Parlin recommending the Board authorize the Chair to sign a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom and State legislative leadership urging them to extend special district local governments direct access to American Rescue Plan Act COVID relief funds.

Body

DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND

 

California’s special districts have received no direct access to COVID-19 relief funding programs unlike other government entities: the state, schools, cities and counties. Special districts provide vital services that many cities and counties cannot, such as fire protection, health and wellness programs, and core infrastructure, including access to reliable water, wastewater, and electricity. These special purpose local governments are struggling under the burden of an estimated $1.92 billion collective unmet fiscal need since the March 2020 Emergency Proclamation and a projected $2.43 billion anticipated unmet fiscal need by December of 2021.