To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Board of Supervisors Choose an item.
Meeting Date: June 24, 2025
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Department Contact: |
Darcie Antle |
Phone: |
707-463-4441 |
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Department Contact: |
Kelly Hansen |
Phone: |
707-463-4441 |
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Item Type: Consent Agenda |
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Time Allocated for Item: N/A |
Agenda Title:
title
Ratification of Letter of Support for California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs): Rightsize County Administrative Funding for the CalWORKs Program
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Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Ratify letter of support for California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs): rightsize County administrative funding for the CalWORKs program.
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Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
The Board of Supervisors regularly issues support letters that align with the 2025 Legislative Platform. These letters advocate for adequate and ongoing federal and state funding, timely distribution of resources, increased local authority, and flexibility in administering and providing services.
Summary of Request:
CalWORKs is California's version of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and provides cash aid, employment services, and supportive services to low-income families with children to help them achieve economic stability.
The CalWORKs Single Allocation provides counties with funding for two primary components:
• Eligibility determination and case management, including urgent benefits such as homeless assistance.
• Employment services, such as job search assistance, case management, training, and supportive services.
Due to outdated funding formulas and rising workloads, the eligibility component is chronically underfunded. In FY 2023-24, counties overspent this component by $245 million, redirecting 20% of employment services funding to cover the gap. Early FY 2024-25 data suggests the same trend will continue. In Mendocino County, this funding gap limits the County's ability to process benefits promptly.
The LAO's May 2025 analysis of the state budget highlights that while California faces a significant shortfall, many programs are absorbing real reductions in services. CalWORKs is no exception. The LAO also notes the risk of negative downstream impacts when cost pressures are shifted to counties without structural funding solutions. Mendocino County, like others, faces a constrained local budget and cannot absorb these costs without sacrificing service delivery.
Fully funding the eligibility component would allow Mendocino County to hire additional eligibility workers, employment and training staff, and expand job readiness services. These investments would improve timely access to basic needs and enhance long-term economic mobility for families.
With this letter, the Board urges the state to invest in both immediate and structural solutions to ensure counties can continue to deliver meaningful and timely services to families experiencing poverty.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Do not ratify letter of support and provide alternative direction.
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: A Safe and Healthy County
Supervisorial District: All
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supplemental Information Available Online At: The 2025-26 Budget: CalWORKs <https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4969>
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: No funding needed for requested action |
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current f/y cost: $0 |
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budget clarification: No funding needed for requested action |
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annual recurring cost: $0 |
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budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): No |
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revenue agreement: No |
AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNSEL: N/A
CEO Liaison: Executive Office
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Atlas Pearson, Senior Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Approved |
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Date: June 24, 2025 |
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