As we step into 2025, the power of collective action is more important than ever. From strengthening the nonprofit sector to ensuring the protection of immigrant communities and participating in an important local election, we can all make a difference in several key ways. This week, we urge you to take action on three critical issues:
1. Speak Up for Nonprofits: Sign the Nonprofit Community Letter
Nonprofits play a crucial role in strengthening our communities, yet they often face barriers that limit their ability to serve effectively. In order to address these challenges, the National Council of Nonprofits and Nonprofit VOTE are urging organizations to come together and encourage Congress to prioritize policies that will support and strengthen the nonprofit sector in 2025. By adding your name to the Nonprofit Community Letter, you help communicate that nonprofits are essential and must be supported. Sign here.
2. Protect Immigrant Communities: Know Your Rights & Access Emergency Support
In addition to advocating for stronger policies, we must ensure that our immigrant neighbors have access to essential resources. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) provides a variety of materials, including legal guides, know-your-rights cards, and preparedness toolkits, to help individuals navigate immigration challenges. They also host biweekly briefings through June 2025 to inform the community of policy changes.
If you witness immigration enforcement activity in San Mateo County, the Rapid Response Hotline (203-666-4472) is available 24/7 to provide immediate support. Through Faith in Action Bay Area, trained responders work to verify reports, connect individuals with legal aid, and offer emergency assistance to families. Instead of spreading unconfirmed information on social media, reporting incidents directly to the hotline ensures the right support reaches those who most need it.
3. Special Election in March: Measure A & Your Role in Local Decision-Making
Beyond advocacy and community support, civic engagement is a powerful way to drive meaningful change. In March 2025, San Mateo County voters will decide on Measure A, a proposed amendment to the County Charter that would give the Board of Supervisors the authority to remove the County Sheriff under specific circumstances, such as misconduct, neglect of duties, or interference in investigations. Currently, removing a sheriff requires a lengthy voter-initiated recall process. A "Yes" vote would allow the Board to act more swiftly in cases of serious wrongdoing, while a "No" vote maintains the existing recall process. Your voice matters—be sure to participate in this special election!
We can create policies that reflect our values and strengthen our community by taking action—whether through advocacy, education, or voting. Thank you for your continued dedication to making a difference.
In Solidarity,
Yajaira Ortega, Senior Manager, Policy and Equity
Skye Hathaway, Policy and Equity Intern
To view Thrive and community events or to submit an event, visit Thrive's Event page.
Federal Updates
Nonprofit "Terrorist" Bill
CalNonprofits has been closely tracking a proposed federal bill (H.R. 9495) that would empower the Secretary of the Treasury to strip nonprofits of 501(c)(3) status without due process if they are accused of supporting a terrorist organization. Read the full update here.
Kevin Mullin Appointed to House Energy and Commerce Committee
Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) has been appointed to the influential House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees industries critical to his district, including healthcare, climate policy, energy, and technology. With a strong record on climate resilience and economic innovation, he aims to advance policies that support working families and California’s role as a national economic hub.Read more here.
Check out Mullin's cosponsored bills, voting record, and more here.
Federal Housing Funding Freeze
The Housing Leadership Council and its partners took action against a federal order that would have temporarily frozen key housing assistance programs, including Section 8 vouchers, rental assistance, and homelessness grants. While a judge blocked the freeze just before it took effect, the ruling only lasted until Sunday, February 2, leaving critical housing resources at risk.
State Updates
Get Up to Speed on these New California Laws Taking Effect in 2025
Read CalMatters' review of new California laws here. From voter ID bans to protecting tenants, 1,000 new laws took effect on Saturday, January 1.
California's 2025 Budget
Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed 2025-26 California state budget projects a $363 million surplus after two years of deficits, with $16.5 billion in additional revenue and a $229 billion General Fund spending plan. The proposal maintains prior investments but lacks significant new initiatives to address affordability challenges or major tax policy changes.
California legislators are proposing bills to limit federal immigration agents' access to K-12 schools and daycare centers, requiring warrants and prior approval for enforcement actions on school grounds. While these measures cannot fully prevent arrests, they aim to provide a sense of security for undocumented students and their families. Read more from CalMatters here.
Our State Representatives Activities
Check out the bills sponsored by your state representatives at the links below:
You can find your representatives on the Thrive Alliance website here.
County Updates
County, City, and NGO Collaboration
San Mateo County officials are collaborating with cities and nonprofits to prepare for changes in state and federal policies that could impact health care, housing, and other vital services. Discussions focus on strategies to navigate uncertainties and ensure the continued delivery of essential services to residents.
Thrive co-presented with key nonprofit leaders to provide an in-depth look at the nonprofit sector's current state in these key issue areas: Basic Needs & Safety Net; Children & Education; Immigrant and Workers’ Rights; and Mental Health. The panel featured Laura Bent, CEO of Samaritan House; Heather Cleary, CEO of Peninsula Family Service; Rita Mancera, Executive Director of Puente de la Costa Sur; and Shareen Leland, Chief Clinical Officer of StarVista. Together, they shared insights on nonprofits' challenges and opportunities, highlighting the sector's critical role in supporting the community amid evolving federal policies.
Through these discussions, five overarching priority areas emerged: reductions in federal funding, challenges related to communication and misinformation, the impacts of housing and homelessness—including workforce effects—, the need for information, training, and legal services for immigrants, and the importance of emergency preparedness. These themes, shaped by expert insights and community input, reflect the region's most pressing issues.
Two New San Mateo County Supervisors; New Roles for Returners
San Mateo County Supervisors selected David Canepa as president and Noelia Corzo as vice president for the upcoming year while welcoming new supervisors Jackie Speier and Lisa Gauthier. In his second term as president, Canepa emphasized a vision of collaboration and common-sense governance to address priorities like affordable housing, health, the economy, and equity. Highlighting the county’s resilience, he vowed to stand firm against actions that harm the community and ensure dignity and respect for all residents.
New Housing for Farmworkers Taking Shape
San Mateo County is making progress on its commitment to farmworker housing with the development of Stone Pine Cove in Half Moon Bay, featuring 47 manufactured homes, including at least 28 for farmworker households. With construction underway, the homes are set to be installed this spring, addressing a critical need for affordable housing.
Countywide Housing Element Updates
San Mateo County has released a new draft of its housing element, making progress toward certification, though rezoning efforts could extend the process by a year or more.
Board of Supervisors Reaffirm Commitment to Equity, Safety and Inclusion for All Communities
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors reaffirmed its commitment to protecting diverse and historically marginalized communities, emphasizing that local values and protections remain unchanged despite shifting federal priorities. The resolution reinforces the county’s stance against backsliding on social progress.
Thrive Update
Translation Services Hub
Apply for Thrive Alliance'sTranslation Services Hub for translation needs that your organization cannot manage alone! We envision a nonprofit community unbounded by language barriers, meeting the needs of all our non-anglophone community members.
The Translation Services Hub offers nonprofits free language translation and interpretation services in Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino. Learn more about this service or put in a request here.
Join us for an essential update from the Elections Office as we delve into the details of Measure A—a proposed amendment that will temporarily alter our County Charter. Measure A would empower the Board of Supervisors to remove the current Sheriff from office.
This event will provide an overview of the pros and cons of Measure A We encourage community members, stakeholders, and anyone interested in the interplay of governance of the Sheriff’s Office and the Board of Supervisors to attend and bring their questions as to implications of this unusual County charter.
Mark your calendars and attend this critical dialogue on the future of our country's leadership and accountability measures.
This meeting is proudly co-chaired by San Francisco Peninsula People Power, the County Elections Office, and Thrive Alliance. We look forward to your active involvement.
The Youth Leadership Institute and the PAL Center are hosting a panel discussion by and for young people on the future of Redwood City. There will also be community centered activities, as well as a clothing and hygiene products drive. RSVP for the event here.
Fair Pay for Nonprofits Survey
The Nonprofit Compensation Association is asking nonprofit employees to participate in a survey of compensation and benefits to help nonprofits understand the labor market landscape in the sector. Check out the Northern California survey here.
Community briefings from the California Office of Community Awareness, Response and Engagement (CARE) are available here.
Everyone Belongs Here is a new resource for healthcare providers seeking to better support immigrant and refugee communities.
If you witness ICE activity or immigration enforcement in your community, call the San Mateo County Rapid Response Hotline at 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA). Find more information and printable resources here.
California by the Numbers
Here is a compilation of reports and analyses on California policy, demography, economy, and more.
Watch Tech Equity's discussion on AI and housing here. They delve into how AI-driven tenant screening is reshaping the rental market, often harming low-income renters and renters of color. Key takeaways from the discussion highlighted the lack of transparency in tenant screening algorithms, their reliance on inaccurate data, and the urgent need for regulation to protect renters.
Nonprofit leaders and experts met to discuss challenges posed by potential Trump-era policy returns, offering strategies for funding and operational resilience. Panelists include CalNonprofits, Kent State, Planned Parenthood, MALDEF, Interfaith Alliance, and CHIRLA..Watch the recording here.
Interview with Jerry Brown, Former Governor of California
The Public Policy Institute of California had a conversation about today's political environment with Jerry Brown, who served as Governor of California from '75-'85 and '11-'19. Watch it here.
Why California is Losing on Bilingual Education
Read CalMatters' overview of California's ugly history with bilingual education and what is happening today to get it back in our classrooms. Full article here.
California's Direct Democracy
California’s direct democracy process continues to shape major policy decisions, from education funding to climate initiatives. A new analysis explores how voters responded to key ballot propositions in November 2024 and what their choices reveal about the state’s political landscape. Read more about the outcomes and their implications here from the PPIC.
California's Safety Net Explained
A recent report from the California Budget and Policy Center highlights that despite the state's vast wealth, over a quarter of Californians cannot meet basic needs without safety net support. The analysis emphasizes the importance of strengthening programs like Medi-Cal and CalFresh to reduce poverty and promote economic security.Read more from the California Budget & Policy Center here.
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