To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Proclaim May 2026 as Community Action Month
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a resolution proclaiming May 2026 as Community Action Month in Contra Costa County, as recommended by the Employment & Human Services Director.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND:
Community Action agencies were created when the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 was signed into law and have a history of promoting self-sufficiency for those with limited income. Community Action agencies and Economic Opportunity Councils across the country celebrate National Community Action Month every year in May. The Community Action Network was established to help American families and communities overcome obstacles to poverty.
For Contra Costa County, the Employment and Human Services Department’s Community Services Bureau is the Community Action Agency. The Economic Opportunity Council serves as the advisory board to the Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services Department, Community Services Bureau, and the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None.
CHILDREN’S IMPACT STATEMENT:
This resolution supports all five of Contra Costa County’s community outcomes of the Children’s Report Card: (1) “Children Ready for and Succeeding in School”; (2) “Children and Youth Healthy and Preparing for Productive Adulthood”; (3) “Families that are Economically Self-Sufficient”; (4) “Families that are Safe, Stable and Nurturing”; and (5) “Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families.”
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
body
IN THE MATTER OF proclaiming May 2026 as Community Action Month in Contra Costa County:
WHEREAS, Community Action creates pathways to prosperity by helping hardworking families achieve economic independence rather than keeping them reliant on government assistance; and
WHEREAS, Community Action is built on innovative, responsive, and efficient programs that are uniquely tailored to meet local needs; and
WHEREAS, Community Action delivers high-impact, cost-effective results that generate a significant return on investment for local communities; and
WHEREAS, in 2025 Contra Costa County’s Community Action Program, through its 11 nonprofit partners, served 14,599 individuals with vital safety net services in the priority areas of housing, job training, mental health services, and food security; and
WHEREAS, in Contra Costa County during 2025, through Community Action, 135 individuals received job-readiness training; 43 increased their income and/or employment-related benefits such as sick leave, insurance, and retirement; 114 unemployed adults obtained jobs paying up to living wage; and unemployed adults obtained jobs paying a living wage or higher; and
WHEREAS, Community Action in Contra Costa County delivers innovative services and safety net supports that create greater opportunities for families and children to succeed, and in 2025 served 3,622 children ages 0 to 17 and their families by providing childcare, shelter, family support, nutrition, job training, and mental health services; and
WHEREAS, Community Action programs deliver high-impact, cost-effective results that generate a significant return on investment for local communities. By strengthening community assets, assisting local entrepreneurs, and promoting self-sufficiency, Community Action creates a
foundation for economic stability and growth; and
WHEREAS, Community Action values community participation and involvement ensuring that all sectors of the community have a voice and opportunity to be heard; and in Contra Costa County 5 public hearings were held reaching 129 community members who shared about their experiences and needs as low-income individuals and families. In addition, the Economic Opportunity Council (EOC), the tripartite board overseeing Community Services Block Grants (CSBG), comprises 15 Board-appointed members, with 5 each from public, private/nonprofit, and low-income sectors,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors hereby recognizes May 2026 as National Community Action Month in Contra Costa County.