As many of you know, this will be my last Policy & Advocacy Newsletter with Thrive Alliance. Although I will miss this, I look forward to diving more deeply into my roles on boards and advisory boards and growing my consulting work in nonprofit strategic planning, coaching, and meeting facilitation. If you have any questions on Policy & Advocacy-related matters, you can reach out to Yajaira Ortega, Thrive's Policy and Equity Manager at yajaira@thrivealliance.org.
The candidates running for County and Congressional seats were generous with their time and participated in forums and conversations we hosted and sponsored with many terrific partners! This allowed us to meet each of them and, importantly, for them to meet all of us. Please take advantage of the recordings before voting if you were not able to join us in person.
See you at the Vote Center (or drop box or mailbox) and the advocacy series!!
Petra Silton, Senior Director of Programs &
Yajaira Ortega, Policy and Equity Manager
For Thrive and community events or to submit an event, visit Thrive's Event page.
Thrive Activities During the March Primary
Election Reminders - The last date to vote is March 5.
In countywide races, if any candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, then the election is decided and will not appear on the November ballot.
California has a “top-two” primary system, so all elections will have the top two vote-getters go on to November, regardless of party.
Only registered Republicans can vote for that party’s nominee for president. You can change your registration online or at any vote center.
You can change your voter registration, re-register, or get language or other assistance at any Vote Center, which are all open Saturday, March 2 - Tuesday, March 5.
You can vote by mail, use a drop box, or go to a Vote Center.
Don’t forget to be patient with the results! We are unlikely to know all of the results on election night, especially in local elections, which are often decided by the smallest of margins (remember: your vote counts!)
Don't know who to *vote for? Let us help inform you.
If you have additional materials that you have created and would like to share with others, please add them to this shared Google Drive. Please share examples of previous materials you have made to generate ideas for others.
If you have additional feedback for Thrive's Election Education Toolkit, please send it directly to Yajaira Ortega.
The governor's proposed 2024-25 California budget addresses a $38 billion shortfall through $18.8 billion from state reserves, fiscal adjustments, and $8.5 billion in spending cuts while aiming to preserve prior investments without significant tax reforms. The plan focuses on maintaining key services but includes cuts and deferrals likely to impact low-income and minority communities, particularly in areas like CalWORKs, homelessness, and climate initiatives. Despite these austerity measures, the proposal seeks to continue supporting Californians' economic security and opportunities without introducing significant new revenue sources. Learn more from the California Budget and Policy Center here.
The Budget Center has the resources you need to navigate this budget season:
County of San Mateo Certified as a “Welcoming Place”
The County of San Mateo has been recognized as a Certified Welcoming Place by Welcoming America, becoming the first County in California to achieve the distinction for its commitment to immigrant inclusion and belonging. The County achieved Welcoming America’s 4-star Certified Welcoming designation, the only County in the nation to achieve the rating and one of only 21 cities and counties in the United States. The program assesses local governments against the Welcoming Standard on their efforts to include and welcome immigrants in all civic, social, and economic areas. To learn more, click here.
Supervisors to Hold Special Study Session to Address Potential Loss of Key Revenue Source
San Mateo County is facing a potential $69 million deficit due to cutbacks in in-lieu Vehicle License Fees (VLF), a form of property tax on motor vehicle ownership, as the state's latest budget proposal does not include total VLF funding. County Executive Mike Callagy has recommended a special study session for the Board of Supervisors to address this issue, expressing concern over the impact on safety-net services. The shortfall could also affect local cities, with San Mateo County and its cities collectively facing a loss of over $114 million by the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2024, leading to potential cuts in vital services. Read more here.
Sign HLC's Petition to Support Housing in Millbrae
Three Millbrae City Council members are pursuing a lawsuit to block a Homekey project, potentially setting a precedent that could hinder the development of low-income housing across California by mandating a public vote for any such initiatives utilizing public funds. The Housing Leadership Council is urging Council Members Anders Fung, Gina Papan, and Ann Schneider to retract their legal challenge to Article 34, advocating for the support of affordable housing in Millbrae and statewide. Community members who support affordable housing and the efficient use of taxpayer dollars for the public good are encouraged to express their stance by signing a petition directed at Mayor Fung. Sign the petition!
SMC “Hopeful Horizons” Encampment Ordinance
The "Hopeful Horizons" ordinance, unanimously approved by San Mateo County's Board of Supervisors on January 23, establishes a legal framework for the clearance of homeless encampments under specific conditions, such as the availability of shelter beds and prior outreach efforts. The ordinance, which has sparked debate among civil rights organizations for potential ambiguities, includes mechanisms for encampment clearance, the option of criminal penalties for non-compliance, requirements for personal belongings storage, and calls for periodic audits to evaluate the program's effectiveness. Despite ongoing concerns about the ordinance's clarity and potential for misuse, advocacy groups are prepared to work alongside county officials to ensure its responsible implementation and to promote long-term, housing-first solutions to homelessness.
Attendees of this Summit were offered opportunities to hear from community-based organizations, schools, and districts, engage in thought-provoking discussions, attend informative workshops, and network with like-minded individuals who share a passion for fostering a more equitable education system. A highlight was the infectious smiles spread throughout audience faces during the lunchtime and closing student performances by Tama’ita’i o Pasifika of Parkside Middle School.
Thrive Rise
Thrive is grateful to the Leadership Council of San Mateo County for inviting Director of Community Resilience Ana Miscolta to speak to its Leadership CORPS and Emerging Leaders classes about systemic vulnerability to disasters. Ana facilitated discussions with Rita Mancera, Executive Director of Puente de la Costa Sur, Ana Avendaño, Executive Director of El Concilio of San Mateo County, and Violet Wulf-Saena, Executive Director of Climate Resilient Communities, on how their organizational work is interrupting the systemic production of risk to disasters in our communities.
Upcoming Thrive Events
Policy Affinity Group Presents
Local Legislative Advocacy in San Mateo County
Tuesday, March 5, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, In-Person
Join Thrive Alliance and United Way Bay Area for Local Legislative Advocacy in San Mateo County. This hands-on workshop, featuring nonprofit advocates, elected officials, and their staff, will guide participants in developing productive relationships between elected officials and community advocates. Gain valuable insights into effective advocacy and enhance your ability to connect with elected leaders and advocacy groups.
Sustaining Agriculture Through Disaster: A Continuity of Operations Workshops for Farmers
Tuesday, March 12, 5:00 - 7:00 pm La Honda-Pescadero Unified School District Board Room, 360 Butano Cut Off, Pescadero
Disasters can have major impacts on agricultural operations, from crop and equipment damage to lost wages and revenue. With proactive planning and knowledge of available disaster resources, agricultural operators can help reduce impacts on their farms and get back up and running faster after a shock event like a flood or landslide.
Join Thrive, SF CARD, South Coast Sustainable, and the San Mateo Resource Conservation District for a two-hour workshop where farmers learn practical strategies to keep operations running during disasters. We will cover hazard mitigation on farms, disaster cleanup resources, planning for labor availability, guidelines for employee safety and payroll during a disaster, and where to seek relief funds.
This training is designed for farm owners and operators, but all are welcome.
Building Momentum for Resilience Hubs Across the Bay Area
March 26 - May 22, Virtual
Join Thrive Alliance and Collective Resilience for a three-part workshop series to understand the landscape of resilience hubs in the Bay Area, learn the concepts and tools needed to develop resilience hubs, and develop partnerships with nonprofits, governments, and funders. We will lay the groundwork to develop a robust network of resilience hubs across the Bay Area for communities that need them most.
The workshops will be interactive, feature guest speakers with expertise in developing resilience hubs with opportunities for networking and peer-to-peer learning. The series is free for community members and small organizations, with a suggested fee for large organizations, businesses, and government agencies. These fees go toward speaker stipends and organizer costs, with any remaining funds to be put toward a fund for resilience hub development. Registration signs you up for all three sessions.
The Voter Education and Outreach Advisory Committee will recap the last elections, discuss which outreach strategies were most effective, and share best practices for the November elections! Everyone is welcome.
Co-chaired by San Francisco Peninsula People Power, the County Elections Office, and Thrive Alliance.
Join your "troublesome" nonprofit colleagues as we learn how to get to the table and, once we're there, speak up effectively to advocate for our community, especially for those who experience structural barriers to advocating for themselves.
The AYI summit this year will again provide inspiration and practical guidance about how nonprofits can advance policy that will further racial and social justice. Register here.
California Policy Forum - Get Out the Vote: A Playbook for California Nonprofits and Funders
Thursday, March 7, 10:00 - 11:15 am, Virtual
State policy plays a decisive role in shaping our communities' opportunities and challenges, yet only some people's voices are heard at the ballot box. How can nonprofits and foundations help overcome barriers to civic engagement and mobilize every Californian to vote for a more vibrant future?
Join California nonprofits and funders for a guided tour of how the nonprofit sector can help Get Out the Vote in 2024 and beyond. Register here.
Finding Solutions Connecting the Dots: Regional Health Equity & Inequities
Saturday, March 9, 10:30 - 1:00 pm, In-Person
League Day 2024 focuses on creating healthy communities and the interconnection between health and policy. Experts will define social, economic, education, and healthy living interrelationships and discuss solutions to Bay Area health equity and inequities. Speakers will discuss the right to a clean and healthy environment where communities can live, work, learn, play, and thrive. They will explore the impact of housing affordability and stability on health and the environmental effects on health, exposure to toxins, and location exposure impacting communities of color. They will examine the learning environment, the physical and mental health well-being of students, from cyberbullying to suicide, and counselors. Register here.
Join the Housing Leadership Council to learn about your rights as a renter in North County! Dinner and Spanish translation will be provided. Register here.
As we witness the far-reaching effects of climate change, from the retreat of Arctic ice to unprecedented heatwaves and ecological shifts, we acknowledge that we stand at a critical juncture. Acterra’s Promise to Our Planet - At the Tipping Point delves into the dynamics of complex systems, emphasizing that seemingly small efforts can spark monumental change, altering the fate of our planet. Register here.
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