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Approve an intergovernmental agreement with Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation for revenue of $1,000,000 through January 31, 2026 to implement four projects to improve the health and well-being of the people of Solano County; Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request for $1,000,000 to recognize unanticipated revenue (4/5 vote required); and Delegate authority to the County Administrator, with County Counsel concurrence, to execute the intergovernmental agreement and contracts and agreements related to project implementation
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Published Notice Required? Yes__ No __X___
Public Hearing Required? Yes__ No ___X___
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Departments of First 5 Solano, Health & Social Services (H&SS), and Solano County Probation recommend the Board of Supervisors:
1) Approve an intergovernmental agreement with Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation for revenue of $1,000,000 through January 31, 2026 to implement four projects to improve the health and well-being of the people of Solano County;
2) Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request for $1,000,000 to recognize unanticipated revenue (4/5 vote required); and
3) Delegate authority to the County Administrator, with County Counsel concurrence, to execute the intergovernmental agreement and contracts and agreements related to project implementation.
SUMMARY:
Over the past seven years, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation (Yocha Dehe) has provided $7.75 million in funding to help people in need throughout Solano County. This partnership has funded programs such as Vibe Solano, the Mobile Food Pharmacy, Helping Families with Basic Needs, the Vallejo First 5 Center, High School Diplomas for Adults, Increasing Access to Transportation for Seniors, Transition Support for At Risk Youth, and Promoting Youth Workforce Development. Numerous families throughout Solano County have benefitted from these programs and the programs have evolved to meet the needs of the residents of Solano County.
Currently proposed is the intergovernmental agreement for an eighth year of funding. The Yocha Dehe Tribal Council, has agreed to provide Solano County with $1,000,000 for 2025 to continue funding the following projects:
1) Helping Families: Support for Helping Families with Basic Needs and services at the Vallejo First 5 Center.
2) Mobile Food Pharmacy and Food Rx: Bring healthy and nutritious food to those in need via health clinics and throughout Solano County.
3) VibeSolano: Innovative equity engagement to reduce health disparities by improving the health outcomes of those who otherwise may fall through the cracks.
4) Transition Support for At Risk Youth: Preparing youth to transition out of the juvenile justice system by providing them Chromebooks, mentoring, housing support, and more.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
This agreement brings needed revenue into Solano County with no requirement for local matching funds for implementation of these projects and there is no cost to the General Fund. The ATR will increase the revenue and expenditure budget by $1,000,000 total across multiple departments.
DISCUSSION:
The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation is a sovereign Native American nation which holds ancestral territory within the boundaries of Solano County. Yocha Dehe remains committed to improving the environment, education status, and the health, safety and general welfare of not only its citizens, but Native American and non-Native American people throughout California. Revenues from gaming operations enable Yocha Dehe to help non-tribal communities in a meaningful way, including supporting local jurisdictions.
In August 2016, Yocha Dehe amended their Tribal-State Compact between the State of California and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. The Compact provides a funding mechanism for Yocha Dehe to fund local government services in counties where Yocha Dehe has ancestral territory (Colusa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Yolo counties) as recognized by the Native American Heritage Commission.
In December 2016, Supervisor Hannigan first entered discussions with Yocha Dehe staff on their interests in providing funding to Solano County which, in 2017, resulted in the funding of three projects aimed at improving the health and well-bring of residents of Solano by targeting high-risk populations via three distinct projects. Since that time, Yocha Dehe has continued funding such projects annually.
On November 14, 2024 Supervisor Erin Hannigan in coordination with Supervisor Mitch Mashburn submitted a request for renewed partnership with Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation for continued funding through 2025. (Attachment A) This funding request is incorporated into the Intergovernmental Agreement and Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) funding to continue the following programs that have become embedded in the Solano community:
Helping Families, $500,000
Provides Basic Needs Support for the immediate basic needs for families in crisis as well as operating the First 5 Center in Vallejo which opened on February 13, 2020. Funding amounts: (1) $200,000 to continue the Basic Needs Support program, (2) $300,000 to continue operation of the First 5 Center in Vallejo
Mobile Food Pharmacy, $200,000
Launched on September 13, 2018, this project prescribes healthy and nutritious food to the low-income people in need throughout Solano County. We are proposing an increase in funding in order to meet the growing need. Funding amount: $200,000 to continue the Food Rx program.
VibeSolano, $200,000
Infusing a health equity lens to continue an “Achieving Equity Together” plan addresses the challenges in our community among some of most vulnerable residents, including very young children, older adults, and farm workers. By pursuing strategies that change systems, organizational practices, and policies that ensure the changes to be equitable, long-lasting, healthy, inclusive, cost-effective and impactful, this work will be focused to ensure that people do not fall through the cracks. Funding Amount: $200,000 to fund prevention and wellness programs.
Early Intervention and Transition Support for At Risk Youth, $100,000
Helps young people and youth in transition through and out of Probation. Providing things from Professional Attire to Mentoring services this program enhances culturally relevant efforts with a focus on building resiliency in the lives of youth in transition toward success. Funding Amount: $100,000 to fund prevention and wellness programs.
Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation continues to be a key partner in bringing resources to Solano County, and ensuring Solano residents have a safe and healthy place to live, learn, work, and play.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to approve the intergovernmental agreement or ATR. This is not recommended as the agreement will bring revenue into Solano County for services which will benefit a wide variety of community members. In addition, this will continue the ongoing mutually beneficial relationship with the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Solano County Health & Social Services, the First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission, Solano County Probation and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation have reviewed the programs and services under this agreement. In addition, the intergovernmental agreement has been reviewed by County Counsel.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION