This Affordable Housing Month, we lift the work of local leaders and organizers expanding access to safe, dignified housing—whether through direct investments in farm worker housing, new legislation like AB 609 and AB 1165, or county-level efforts to ensure more equitable development. Many of our partners and broader nonprofit communities have a lot to offer this month, like Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County and California YIMBY. These missions reflect a broader vision: one where everyone in our community has the opportunity not just to live here, but to thrive here.
But this vision is being tested. Federal actions in recent months, including threats to public media, nonprofit protections, voting access, and civil rights, signal a coordinated rollback of values we hold dear. From proposed restrictions on birthright citizenship to new federal registration rules targeting immigrants, and executive orders undermining 501(c)(3) safeguards, these attacks necessitate our vigilance and unified response.
As always, our strength lies in community. We hope this month’s newsletter equips you with resources to advocate, organize, and protect the people and principles that make San Mateo County a place worth standing up for. Thank you for continuing to show up with us.
In Solidarity,
Yajaira Ortega, Senior Manager, Policy and Equity
Skye Hathaway, Policy and Equity Coordinator
To view Thrive and community events or to submit an event, visit Thrive's Event page.
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The California Budget & Policy Center (CBPC) offers in-depth analysis on how federal decisions affect California’s economy, public services, and budget—particularly as federal funds make up a third of the state budget. Their federal policy section breaks down the implications of tax changes, program funding, and more. Read more here.
President Trump's First 100 Days
The ACLU reflects on President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office, detailing the administration's policies and actions that have significantly impacted civil liberties—from challenges to immigration rights to targeting LGBTQ+ protections—and summarizes the organization's extensive legal efforts to combat these measures. Read more here.
President Trump vs. Birthright Citizenship
Common Cause has filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case Trump v. Casa Inc., challenging President Trump's executive order that seeks to end birthright citizenship guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. The brief argues that this action threatens the constitutional right to citizenship for those born in the U.S. and undermines the authority of federal courts to issue nationwide injunctions against unconstitutional executive actions. Read more here.
Stop the SAVE Act
Nonprofit VOTE urges action against the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which narrowly passed the House and now heads to the Senate. The bill would require in-person proof of citizenship, like a birth certificate or passport, to register to vote, effectively shutting down nonprofit voter registration drives and online registration, and disenfranchising millions. Read more here.
State Updates
Housing at the State Level
California YIMBY urges support for AB 609, a bill to streamline infill housing by exempting certain projects from CEQA review. Read more here.
Governor Newsom has released a model ordinance urging cities to ban homeless encampments on public property, backed by $3.3 billion in state funding. While the ordinance includes guidelines like 48-hour notice and shelter offers, critics warn it may lead to displacement without real housing solutions. Read more from CalMattershere.
New Bill Aims to Label AI-Generated Content
State Senator Josh Becker has introduced the California Artificial Intelligence Transparency Act, which would require large AI providers to watermark images, audio, and video generated by their models. The bill also mandates that companies offer a platform for consumers to verify whether content was AI-generated. This legislation seeks to enhance transparency and help consumers identify AI-created materials. Read more here.
ACLU Backs Bills on Housing Justice and Police Accountability
ACLU California Action shares their support for AB 1165, which would create a permanent fund for affordable housing and homelessness. They have already sent a coalition letter of support to the assembly housing committee. If you want to show your support, you may find info or submit a position letter here.
They are rallying support for AB 1388, which would ban nondisclosure agreements that conceal police misconduct. Sign their message here.
State Increases Jail Death Oversight as San Mateo County Takes Action after Measure A
Lawsuit Alleges Improper Sharing of Health Data by Covered California
CalMatters reports that LinkedIn and Google are facing a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging they improperly received sensitive personal health data from trackers on California’s health insurance exchange website, Covered California. The lawsuit follows an investigation revealing that the website's trackers transmitted information such as pregnancy status and prescription drug use to LinkedIn without user consent. Covered California has since removed these trackers and is reviewing its data-sharing practices. Read more here.
County Updates
San Mateo County Invests $2M in Farmworker Housing
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has allocated $2 million to expand affordable housing for low-income farmworkers. The funding will support loans to local farmers who provide low-cost housing to their workers, aiming to address the critical shortage of safe and affordable accommodations in the region. This initiative is part of the county's broader efforts to improve living conditions for agricultural workers. Read more here.
Thrive Updates
Translation Services Hub
Apply to Thrive Alliance’s Translation Services Hub to receive free translation and interpretation support that your organization may not be able to provide independently. Our goal is a nonprofit sector where language is never a barrier—so every community member can access services and participate fully, no matter what language they speak.
The Hub offers free translation and interpretation services in Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino for eligible nonprofits.
If you have any question, feel free to email Skye Hathaway
Voter Outreach and Education Advisory Committee (VEOAC)
Thrive's Voter Outreach and Education Advisory Committee (VEOAC) is going on a summer break, with meetings starting in September 2025. We have been working hard tracking bills at the state and federal level that impact voting and civic engagement, and we look forward to coming back together after our summer hiatus.
Check out the recording from last two sessions here: February and April
Check out this tracker maintained by members of the committee to keep up with legislation on voting and civic engagement—if you have bills that should be on there, email them to Skye Hathaway. Other resources from our meetings are available here.
Upcoming Thrive Event
Healthy Democracy
Civic Engagement Hub
Wednesday, June 11, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, Hybrid
Join us for a beginner-friendly video editing workshop designed to help you confidently create compelling videos for your organization. Guided by an experienced instructor, you'll gain hands-on practice and learn foundational techniques to enhance your storytelling through video. Bring your laptop or tablet, and leave with practical skills to immediately level up your digital content and better engage your community.
We have limited space, so please send no more than two people per organization to attend in person. If you sign up to attend in person, and find you are unable to, please email Skye Hathaway.
Nonprofit VOTE invites you to a free webinar highlighting the significance of local elections in 2025. The session will explore how nonprofits can engage communities in these often-overlooked races and connect voting to everyday issues like schools, parks, and public safety. Ballotpedia will join as a featured guest. Register here.
Fostering Promise Youth Housing Summit
Thursday, May 29, In-Person
The Fostering Promise Youth Housing Summit is an upcoming event focused on addressing youth housing challenges. It aims to bring together stakeholders to discuss solutions and strategies for supporting youth in need of housing assistance. The summit will feature expert panels, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and innovation in youth housing initiatives. Find out more and register here.
San Mateo County 13th Annual Pride Celebration
Saturday, June 14, In-Person
San Mateo County's 13th Annual Pride Celebration is set to be a vibrant and inclusive event, celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Downtown San Mateo. Attendees can look forward to a day filled with live entertainment, a DJ, resource and vendor booths, and family-friendly activities, all aimed at fostering connection and wellness within the community. With free entry and a commitment to being a sober event, this celebration invites everyone to join in the festivities and support the initiative to create a more connected and healthy San Mateo County for all. To learn more, click here.
Act Now to Protect Public Media
The Protect My Public Media campaign is rallying support to safeguard federal funding for local public radio and television stations. In response to recent proposals aiming to eliminate such funding, including an executive order pulling all funding from NPR and PBS, the campaign urges individuals to contact Congress, sign petitions, and share personal stories highlighting the value of public media. Read more and message your representatives here.
Leadership Council Releases 2024 Impact Report
The Leadership Council of San Mateo County has published its 2024 Impact Report, highlighting work on housing, early learning, and economic opportunity. The report showcases cross-sector collaboration and policy progress, including advocacy wins and new pilot initiatives.
Resources
Thrive Community Safety Resources
Thrive is committed to highlighting the incredible organizing power of our local nonprofit and partner communities always and especially during this time. We have created this Community Safety Resources section to do just that. By working collectively and shining a light on our sector's collaborative, caring power, we will lighten each others' loads as we renew ways to safeguard our diverse communities. All resources for responding to the new federal administration, from immigration to financial support (which we would normally have shared in this newsletter), can be found there.
Nonprofit Resilience Hub
CalNonprofits has launched a resource hub to help nonprofits navigate financial, legal, and advocacy challenges under the current administration. It includes webinars, planning tools, and compliance guidance. Explore the hub here.
PSLF Updates & Guidance for Nonprofit Workers
This webinar from CalNonprofits offers timely guidance for nonprofit employees navigating changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Experts discuss new policies, repayment strategies, and common mistakes to avoid—plus tips for moving out of forbearance. Watch here.
FAQ: Federal Threats to Nonprofits Explained
CalNonprofits has released an FAQ addressing rising concerns about federal actions targeting nonprofits. It clarifies legal protections, debunks misinformation about 501(c)(3) status, and outlines what nonprofits should watch for under the current administration.
Workshop Explores Economic Mobility in San Mateo County
On April 30, the Shared Prosperity Coordinating Council and San Mateo County’s Office of Racial and Social Justice hosted a virtual workshop on advancing economic mobility. The session introduced a new data-driven framework, identified gaps in local efforts, and invited feedback to shape future solutions. Community conversations with impacted residents are also being planned. Watch here.
Rising Medi-Cal Costs Prompt Budget Adjustments
The California Budget & Policy Center explains that Medi-Cal spending has exceeded expectations due to factors like high-cost prescription drugs, extended COVID-era protections, and expanded eligibility for undocumented adults. In response, the state enacted a $2.8 billion budget increase and a $3.44 billion loan to manage cash flow. These measures aim to sustain coverage for over one-third of Californians while addressing the complexities of healthcare budgeting. Read more here.
TechEquity Urges CPPA to Uphold Voter-Mandated Privacy Protections
TechEquity Collaborative, alongside organizations like ACLU California Action and SEIU California, is urging the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) to resist industry pressure and maintain strong privacy regulations as mandated by Proposition 24. Their joint letter emphasizes the importance of safeguarding Californians' personal data against misuse by AI and automated systems. Read more here.
Sustainability Ideas Bank Offers Practical Solutions for San Mateo County
Sustainable San Mateo County has launched the Sustainability Ideas Bank, a searchable online resource featuring over 80 proven sustainability initiatives implemented by local governments and businesses. This tool assists cities and organizations in advancing their climate action plans by providing access to effective strategies and programs. Recent additions focus on areas such as transportation, housing, and energy efficiency.
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