To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Contract #18-504-0 (WDB) Independent Arts & Media for Measure X Youth Centers Initiative
?Recommendation of the County Administrator ? Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Employment and Human Services Director, or designee, to execute a contract with Independent Arts & Media in an amount not to exceed $869,732 to provide youth arts/music/cultural programming under the Measure X Youth Centers Initiative for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.
FISCAL IMPACT:
100% County funded by Measure X of which 50% is budgeted in FY 2025/26 and 50% will be budgeted in FY 2026/27.
BACKGROUND:
In January 2025, the Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD) issued Request for Proposals (RFP) #1215: Deliver Measure X-Funded Youth Center Services for Youth Ages 12-18 to identify and fund organizations that will deliver such services in Supervisorial Districts 3, 4, and 5 through Measure X Youth Center funding. The RFP will award approximately $3.2 million annually-across one or more service providers-for the service types and districts outlined in the Implementation Plan approved by the Board of Supervisors in August 2024.
To meet this need, Independent Arts & Media will implement its Youth Arts Connection Program for up to 200 youths annually in Districts 3 and 5. The program includes weekly spoken word, poetry, storytelling, and music workshops led by trained facilitators and artists. Youth participants will build skills in communication, self-expression, problem-solving, reading, and writing. Group projects address a variety of topics, including personal development and mental health awareness. The program integrates restorative listening practices and personal growth opportunities. All services will be offered during out-of-school hours, including evenings, weekends, and extended summer sessions. Outreach will focus on u...
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