To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: 20-717-0 California Emerging Technology Fund
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Employment and Human Services Director, or designee, to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the California Emerging Technology Fund to accept funding in an amount not to exceed $93,000 to distribute direct mail postcards to existing public assistance program clients for the period August 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT:
100% California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) grant fund; all of which is budgeted in FY 25-26.
BACKGROUND:
The California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) Board of Directors adopted a 3-Year Strategic Plan (FY 22-23 through FY 24-25) with the goal of achieving 99% statewide Internet adoption and connecting 90% of low-income households. To achieve this goal, there is a significant opportunity to accelerate adoption through Public Agencies, which serve as trusted “credible sources.”
CETF has offered to partner with Contra Costa County to accelerate Internet adoption through Direct Notification of affordable Internet offers to participants in existing public assistance programs. The Direct Notification effort will include direct mail postcards to potentially eligible households, as well as an “800” (toll free) number for those who may require additional support through the CETF Get Connected Call Center.
CETF will provide up to $93,000 in funding for the Direct Notification Project by reimbursing the costs associated with production and mailing of postcards to approximately 190,000 Contra Costa County households.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Should the proposed action not be approved by the Board of Supervisors, the opportunity to raise awareness of low-cost Internet plans throughout Contra Costa County will be forfeited.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
The services provided under this agreement support one of Contra Costa County’s community outcomes: (1) “Children Ready for and Succeeding School”.