Our shared work to support inclusive civic participation continues to grow through grassroots efforts. As we move closer to the June 2, 2026Statewide Direct Primary Election, coordination, preparation, and community trust remain central to strong engagement across San Mateo County. Thrive is coordinating a countywide, nonprofit-led voter education strategy focused on historically underrepresented communities, equipping partners with trusted, nonpartisan tools and multilingual resources to support informed participation. This includes the release and dissemination of Thrive’s 2026 Election Education Toolkit, designed to help organizations share accurate election information and engage their communities with confidence.
This coordinated, nonprofit-led approach in San Mateo County was recently featured in a blog post and a companion report by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation on regional voter engagement strategies. Thrive has played a key role in establishing and maintaining this countywide effort through the Voter Education and Outreach Advisory Committee (VEOAC), supporting alignment among nonprofits, funders, and the Elections Office to enhance trusted community-based outreach.
Join us for the next VEOAC meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 10:00 am –11:30 am. Hear updates, resources, and outreach strategies from community partners and elections officials as organizations prepare for the primary. This event is a key opportunity to align efforts and strengthen nonpartisan voter engagement across our communities.
Thank you for your continued leadership and partnership as we prepare for this important election season together.
In partnership,
Yajaira Ortega, Policy and Equity, Senior Manager
To view Thrive and community events or to submit an event, visit Thrive's Event page.
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San Mateo County 2026 Stakeholder Briefing Summary
The County of San Mateo recently convened a County & Stakeholder Local Briefing, with opening remarks from Board of Supervisors President Noelia Corzo and County Executive Mike Callagy. The briefing provided an overview to local nonprofit leaders on several policy and fiscal issues currently affecting the region.
County leaders discussed the potential effects of federal H.R. 1 proposals on public benefit programs. Officials noted that changes under consideration could significantly reduce Medi-Cal and CalFresh coverage for many residents and increase pressure on locally funded safety-net services, including the County’s Access to Care for Everyone (ACE) program.
The presentation also highlighted the ongoing Vehicle License Fee (VLF) funding shortfall, which created a $119 million countywide gap in FY 2024–25. Because the Governor’s proposed FY 2026–27 budget does not include funding to address the issue, the County and its 20 cities are continuing legal and legislative efforts to pursue reimbursement while preparing for possible service impacts.
The briefing concluded with updates on the County’s work supportingunhoused residents and on Measure K investments, highlighting the importance of ongoing coordination with community stakeholders as these fiscal and policy challenges continue to unfold.
Charter Review Committee Appointed
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has selected members for the 2026 Charter Review Committee, a periodic body responsible for reviewing the County Charter and assessing the structure and operation of local government. The committee will solicit public input through hearings, consider potential updates, and submit recommendations to the Board, with any proposed changes ultimately requiring voter approval. Newly approved teleconference options are intended to broaden public participation.
Igniting Community Well-Being: Blue Zones Partnership Launches in San Mateo County
Peninsula Health Care District and Blue Zones have partnered to launch Blue Zones Ignite™ in San Mateo County, an initiative to assess well-being and create a plan for healthier, longer lives. The team will engage local leaders to identify opportunities for policy, systems, and environmental changes. Blue Zones and PHCD recently presented at Thrive’s Policy and Advocacy Steering Committee to gather feedback from nonprofit and community leaders for the initiative’s next steps.
Read more in the press release from Blue Zones and Peninsula Health Care District.
Housing Leadership Council (HLC) and One San Mateo: Zoning Training Recap
The Housing Leadership Council (HLC) and One San Mateo recently hosted a training focused on the power of zoning to determine where new homes, apartments, and businesses can be built. Architects Elaine Uang and Alfred Twu led a deep dive into the zoning updates currently moving through the City of San Mateo and the County, sharing practical ways for residents to influence these local codes. If you missed the live session, the recording and presentation slides are now available below.
California is moving to modernize its relationship with the nonprofit sector through SB 1240. This bill would create the Office of Nonprofit Empowerment (ONE) to serve as a permanent liaison within state government. By establishing a dedicated hub similar to the support provided to small businesses, this initiative aims to stabilize the infrastructure that nonprofits need to serve our communities. Take action now—sign the collective letter of support today to ensure this proposal advances through its first committee hearing and strengthens the future of the nonprofit sector.
State Budget Outlook: 2026–27
Following Governor Newsom’s 2026–27 budget proposal, experts from the California Budget & Policy Center are breaking down fiscal shifts and equity implications through their First Look: Understanding the Governor’s Proposed 2026-27 California Budget analysis. This deep dive explains what the new spending plan means for essential services and state policy debates. A major focus of the discussion is the critical shortage in childcare infrastructure, as a recent report identifies a 1.8 million-slot gap in publicly funded care across California. Staying informed on these budget priorities is vital for advocacy as the proposal moves through the legislative process.
Advancing California Antitrust Reform
A healthy economy relies on fair competition to lower costs for families and improve job quality. Following a comprehensive multi-year study, the California Law Revision Commission (CLRC) has released recommendations to modernize state antitrust laws and curb the anticompetitive influence of Big Tech. TechEquity Collaborative recently joined a coalition of organizations in a letter to the CLRC supporting these reforms, which aim to protect consumers from predatory pricing and hold monopolies accountable. Read the full update and coalition letter here.
Thrive in Action at the State Level
We attended the CalNonprofits Regional Nonprofit Advocacy Network Summit in early February, joining nonprofit leaders from across California to exchange strategies and discuss the evolving policy landscape impacting the nonprofit sector. The convening created space for peer learning and collaboration among organizations that play similar backbone and advocacy roles in their regions. The conference also included an opening reception, during which State Senator John Laird was recognized as CalNonprofits’ first Nonprofit Champion for his longstanding leadership and support of California’s nonprofit community.
Federal Updates
People’s State of the Union: A Collective Response to Federal Policy
MoveOn and MeidasTouch led The People’s State of the Union to spotlight the real-world impacts of federal policies on healthcare, immigration, and civil rights. Over 35 members of Congress, including Representative Kevin Mullin (CA-15), boycotted the official State of the Union on February 24 to attend the rally. In an official statement, Rep. Mullin described the boycott as a protest against executive overreach and policies, such as healthcare cuts and threats to voting rights, that he believes harm working families and democratic norms.
ACLU Update: A Year In Review
Over the past year, the ACLU reports that it has used every available tool to challenge the current administration’s attacks on civil liberties, ranging from filing hundreds of lawsuits to training tens of thousands of people to exercise their rights safely. The report outlines key wins, ongoing challenges, and a clear roadmap for defending democracy in the year ahead.
Limits on Public Access to Records Expand
According to analysis from the Immigration Legal Resource Center, a new DHS final rule was issued on December 22, 2025, and took effect on January 22, 2026. The rule significantly altered how FOIA requests are processed. It was issued without allowing public comment. The rule ended paper submissions and now requires all requests to be filed online. It also expanded DHS discretion to close requests or require clarification if an agency finds a request lacks sufficient detail. These changes have raised concerns about transparency and public access to information.
Thrive Updates
Are you ready for this election cycle?
February VEOAC Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined our February Voter Education and Outreach Advisory Committee (VEOAC) convening as we prepare for the June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election. During the session, we shared updates on election grants, key timelines, outreach efforts, and upcoming engagement opportunities. We also discussed voter education tools, available resources, and ways to strengthen collaboration across organizations. We appreciate the continued partnership and commitment to advancing inclusive voter participation across San Mateo County.
Voter Education and Outreach Advisory Committee (VEOAC)
Wednesday, March 18, 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM, Virtual
Join the March 18 Voter Education and Outreach Advisory Committee (VEOAC) virtual convening as partners align outreach efforts and share updates on election timelines and next steps for inclusive voter engagement across San Mateo County.
Thrive Alliance co-hosted a post-performance Talk-Back after the February 1 showing of What the Constitution Means to Me at Hillbarn Theatre. Community members, youth leaders, and the League of Women Voters North & Central San Mateo County discussed constitutional themes and democratic participation.
During the discussion, Yajaira Ortega, Thrive's Policy and Equity Senior Manager, stressed the value of civic involvement, shared insights from VEOAC, and invited attendees to upcoming nonpartisan voter engagement events across San Mateo County.
In February, Thrive RISE Issue Area Committees held their monthly meetings. The Issue Area Committees discussed ways to grow their reach through partnerships, upcoming training opportunities, and continued to deepen the relationship between Thrive RISE and County Emergency Management. Thrive RISE continues to support the County’s new Regional Emergency Communications Framework, designed to streamline information exchange between the County and local organizations during disasters and emergencies.
Highlights from each Issue Area Committee include:
The Mental Health & Spiritual Care Committee bid farewell to Co-Chair Marc Rappaport, who accepted a new position in San Francisco, and welcomed new Co-Chair Isabella Tablante, a Peer Specialist with Peninsula Health Care District.
The Food Security Committee invited representatives from U.S. Foods and Sysco to attend its monthly meeting to identify ways the organizations can help nonprofits fill food supply gaps during a disaster.
A Children & Childcare Committee member shared an upcoming training opportunity for community-based organizations to deepen expertise in community-driven disaster preparedness.
Older Adults & AFN Committee Co-Chair Irma Rodriguez-Mitton volunteered on behalf of the nonprofit Arriba South Coast to serve as a Cluster Lead Agency for the County’s Regional Emergency Communications Framework.
Environment & Sustainability:
In February, Thrive continued as a pilot member of Anchors in Resilient Communities’ Community Climate Equity Initiative (CCEI). The monthly meeting was structured around reflection of the work done in 2025, and brainstorming effective ways to structure upcoming work so community organizations are not working in siloes.
On February 11th, Thrive co-hosted the San Mateo Climate Bond Webinar alongside Coastal Quest, Nuestra Casa, Rise South City, Climate Resilient Communities, and the San Mateo County Sustainability Department’s RICAPS Climate Collaborative. This webinar supported nonprofits that are interested in developing Climate Bond proposals, exploring new funding opportunities, and meeting potential partners. Thrive has received technical assistance from Coastal Quest to help identify funding opportunities that better support climate-resilient initiatives for nonprofits.
Signature Events & Capacity Building
This year is off to a vibrant start! We kicked off the year with our signature event, ThriveNew Year Mix & Mingle, centered on the theme Art is Life. A special thank you to our co-host, the San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture, our guest speakers, Supervisor Lisa Gauthier and Rosanne Foust, and Bloomhouse for providing such a welcoming space. It was a powerful reminder of how creativity strengthens our communities and a wonderful opportunity to see so many of you in person. We had great attendance and amazing performances that celebrated and centered art. Since then, we’ve continued to provide technical and community-rooted support through events such as the 2025 Navigating the Tax Law webinar and the Connected to Place session.
Looking ahead, OnBoard 2026 is officially on the horizon! As Thrive’s premier board matching event, OnBoard connects passionate individuals with local nonprofit leadership opportunities. Nonprofit Exhibitor Registration is now open—be sure to secure your spot by March 20. Finally, stay tuned for the upcoming Nonprofit Landscape Report in partnership with SVCN, which will explore how recent federal funding and policy shifts are impacting our sector in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties.
Civic Threads
Don't forget to subscribe to Civic Threads, Thrives latest way to stay connected through quick updates and timely alerts about what’s happening in our community and how you can get involved. Think of it as your direct line to important civic news, opportunities to take action, and ways to stand in solidarity with nonprofits and community members.
This alert system is designed to keep you informed and engaged. We look forward to weaving our community together through Civic Threads and keeping you connected to the issues and opportunities that matter most to you.
If you have content that you would like to share with us through our Civic Threads, please send it directly to Yajaira Ortega.
If you'd like to stay informed and receive notifications in the future, simply click the link below to subscribe.
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, regardless of the 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 Yajaira Ortega.
We are seeking skilled translators and interpreters to join our Translation Services Hub, a network that helps San Mateo County nonprofits expand meaningful language access. Our goal is to ensure every resident can receive information and services in their native language.
By joining, you will help nonprofits better serve diverse communities and strengthen equity across the country. If you are passionate about language justice and have experience in translation or interpretation, please complete this form. Together, we can break down barriers and ensure all community members have access to vital information and support.
Please contact Yajaira Ortega if you have any questions.
Choose Children 2026 Conversations with Gubernatorial Candidates | Bay Area
Join Choose Children to hear how the Gubernatorial candidates plan to lead on issues that directly affect families and communities across California! Learn about the candidates’ vision for putting young children and their families first in California. These moderated one-on-one conversations will feature gubernatorial candidates, followed by time for audience questions. The conversations will focus on hearing from candidates about their visions and policies on child care, early learning, family economic stability, maternal health, and more. Register and learn more here.
HLC's Affordable Housing Month Bus Tour Property Interest Form
The Housing Leadership Council (HLC) and SamTrans are seeking affordable housing properties to feature in their annual bus tour on Friday, May 15, 2026. If you are a provider interested in showcasing a property to local elected officials and stakeholders, please complete the Property Interest Form here to be considered for this year's route.
Resources
Immigrants in California
A new report from the Public Policy Institute of California examines the size, characteristics, and economic and social contributions of immigrants in California, providing data and insights to inform discussions of demographic trends, labor force participation, and policy impacts across the state. You can read the full analysis here.
Why Do So Many California Workers Feel Economically Insecure?
A recent blog from the Public Policy Institute of California examines why many workers across the state report financial strain despite being employed, highlighting the impact of high living costs and limited wage growth. The analysis offers data-driven insight into how everyday expenses continue to outpace earnings for many Californians. Read more here.
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