Approve the Yolo County Community Services Block Grant Community Action Plan for calendar years 2026 and 2027. (No general fund impact) (Planell)

Background
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is funding administered by the federal government that is dedicated to assisting local communities combat poverty. The County of Yolo Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) in partnership with the Yolo County Community Services Action Board (CSAB) is awarded approximately $398,789 in (CSBG) funding each calendar year. To receive the funds, a key stipulation is that local service areas must conduct a bi-annual Community Needs Assessment and develop an accompanying community action plan for how the community will use the funds to better serve low-income individuals and families.

The Yolo County Board of Supervisors is the Governing Board for local (CSBG). However, as required by federal statues, the Board of Supervisors has appointed a 9-seat advisory body called the Yolo County Community Services Action Board (CSAB) to assist with administering these funds. The Community Services Action Board works with staff in the Health and Human Services Agency to oversee the bi-annual needs assessment and develop a recommended version of the Community Action Plan, which comes to the Board of Supervisors for final approval.

Needs Assessment and Public Input Process
The Community Services Action Board used a two-pronged methodology consisting of public forums and surveys to collect both qualitative and quantitative data.

The staff conducted four public forums throughout Yolo County in the cities of Woodland, Davis, West Sacramento, and Winters. The purpose of the public forums was to allow attendees to provide testimony regarding the needs of low-income residents on several critical service topics, including education, disability related services, senior services, transportation, emergency assistance, employment, housing services, income services, youth services, parenting/caregiver, and other services.

Staff also administered a survey, in multiple languages (English, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin, and Punjabi), available on paper and online, to collect further testimony as to the needs of low-income residents. The public was notified of the forums and survey via press release, social media, and flyers that were posted in HHSA public spaces. Additionally, the information was advertised with stakeholder groups and community partners.

HHSA staff shared the data obtained through the Community Needs Assessment process with the Community Services Action Board at the April 10, 2025, CSAB meeting. After reviewing the information, the CSAB provided recommendations on 5 low-income services that should be prioritized and delivered in calendar years 2026 and 2027. The services are as recommended: Housing Services, Senior Services, Disability Related Services, Youth Services, and Emergency Assistance Services. HHSA staff prepared a draft Community Action Plan based on this information. The draft was made publicly available April 11, 2025. As required by CSBG the draft will remain posted for 30 days to allow public comments and suggestions. The Community Services Action Board hosted a Public Hearing on May 14, 2025, to receive public comments on the Community Action Plan draft. At the Public Hearing, the Community Services Action Board voted to approve the version of the Plan that is attached to this report (Attachment A). 

Yolo County Community Services Action Board