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Approve of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Fairfield and the County of Solano, on behalf of First 5 Solano, to formalize the long-term use and operational responsibilities of the Robbieburr Berger Community Center, which will serve as the Fairfield First 5 Center; and Authorize the County Administrator, with County Counsel concurrence, to execute the MOU and subsequent amendments with no fiscal impact
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Fairfield and the County of Solano, on behalf of First 5 Solano, to formalize the long-term use and operational responsibilities of the Robbieburr Berger Community Center, which will serve as the Fairfield First 5 Center; and
2. Authorize the County Administrator, with County Counsel concurrence, to execute the MOU and subsequent amendments with no fiscal impact.
SUMMARY:
The Fairfield First 5 Center is part of First 5 Solano’s broader First 5 Center model, which establishes community-based hubs that provide prevention-focused services for children ages 0-5 and their families. These centers serve as accessible entry points where families can connect to parenting education, early learning opportunities, developmental screenings, health resources, and other supports designed to strengthen family stability and improve outcomes for young children.
The Fairfield First 5 Center builds upon the success of the Vallejo First 5 Center, which has served thousands of families since its establishment in 2020 and has demonstrated the value of co-locating early childhood services in community-based facilities.
In 2022, the Board of Supervisors approved an agreement between First 5 Solano and the City of Fairfield to establish partnership to incorporate the Fairfield First 5 Center within the new recreation complex (Legistar item 22-561). First 5 Solano committed $2,000,000 in State-allocated funding toward the design and construction of the community center building that would house the First 5 Center. The facility, now known as the Robbieburr Berger Community Center, is part of the City’s larger recreation complex that includes sports fields, open spaces, and an inclusive playground designed to serve families throughout the surrounding community.
The MOU presented today formalizes the long-term operational partnership between the City of Fairfield and First 5 Solano and establishes the roles and responsibilities necessary for the Fairfield First 5 Center to operate within the community center facility. The City of Fairfield is also considering approval of the MOU at their City Council meeting on April 7, 2026.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
First 5 Solano contributed $2,000,000 in State-allocated funding from First 5 California toward the design and construction of the Robbieburr Berger Community Center as part of the North Texas Recreation Facility project in exchange for long-term use of the Center.
Funding to support the operations and programming of the Fairfield First 5 Center has been incorporated into the Commission’s Strategic Plan and Program Investment Plan, which guide First 5 Solano’s investments in early childhood services and system coordination across the county.
DISCUSSION:
First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission was established pursuant to Proposition 10, approved by California voters in 1998, which created a dedicated funding stream from tobacco tax revenues to support programs that improve the health, development, and well-being of children from birth to age five.
As part of its strategic approach to strengthening the early childhood system of care in Solano County, First 5 Solano has developed the First 5 Center model, which establishes community-based hubs where families can access coordinated early childhood services in one location. These centers provide prevention-focused services such as parenting education, early learning activities, developmental screenings, and connections to health and family support resources.
The Vallejo First 5 Center, which has operated since 2020, has demonstrated the effectiveness of this model by providing a centralized location where families can access services and supports designed to promote healthy child development and family stability. Building on the success of the Vallejo Center, First 5 Solano pursued the development of a second center in Fairfield to expand services and improve access for families living in other parts of Solano County.
In July 2021, First 5 Solano received notification that $2 million was allocated in the California State Budget to support the development of a First 5 Center in Fairfield. First 5 Solano initiated a site selection effort for the Fairfield First 5 Center, focusing on identifying locations within areas experiencing high levels of need for early childhood services. Following discussions with the City of Fairfield, the City proposed incorporating the Center into its planned North Texas Recreation Facility, located at the corner of North Texas Street and East Tabor Avenue. The facility includes the Robbieburr Berger Community Center, sports fields, open space, and recreational amenities designed to serve families in the surrounding neighborhood.
Locating the Fairfield First 5 Center within the North Texas Recreation Facility provides an accessible and family-centered environment that aligns with the goals of the First 5 Center model and encourages families to engage with services in a welcoming community setting. The facility will function as a community hub for early childhood services and family engagement activities. The Fairfield First 5 Center is expected to open summer 2026.
The proposed MOU establishes the framework for the operational partnership between First 5 Solano and the City of Fairfield and outlines responsibilities related to facility use, maintenance, and program operations. Key provisions of the agreement include:
• An initial 13-year term for the use of the facility.
• First 5 Solano’s grantee serving as the primary occupant and program operator for early childhood programming within the community center space.
• The City of Fairfield maintaining ownership of the facility and responsibility for building maintenance and park operations.
• Coordination between the City and First 5 Solano regarding community access and scheduling of the facility.
• Standard provisions related to insurance, indemnification, dispute resolution, and termination with notice.
• Financial protection provisions related to First 5 Solano’s capital contribution should the agreement be terminated without cause.
Early childhood is a critical period of development that shapes lifelong health, learning, and economic outcomes. By providing families with access to parenting education, early learning opportunities, and connections to health and developmental services during the earliest years of a child’s life, the Fairfield First 5 Center supports school readiness, strengthens family stability, and promotes healthy child development. These prevention-focused investments help address challenges early, reducing the likelihood that families will require more intensive and costly interventions later through systems such as child welfare, behavioral health, and special education. In this way, the Fairfield First 5 Center represents an important community investment that supports Solano County’s long-term goal of improving outcomes for children and families while strengthening the overall well-being of the community.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the County of Solano, on behalf of First 5 Solano, and the City of Fairfield for the use and operation of the Robbieburr Berger Community Center. This option is not recommended, as approval of the MOU formalizes a long-term partnership that enables the delivery of early childhood education, family support services, and community-based programming for children ages 0-5 and their families and ensures clear roles and responsibilities for the operation and maintenance of the facility.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
This MOU was edited and approved by Solano County Counsel. The City of Fairfield is considering approval of the MOU at their City Council meeting on April 7, 2026.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION