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Adopt a resolution recognizing April 2026 as National County Government Month in Solano County
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution recognizing April 2026 as National County Government Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
April 2026 marks the annual celebration of National County Government Month (NCGM), sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) since 1991. This initiative is designed to raise public awareness and understanding of the vital role counties play in delivering essential services and improving the quality of life for residents.
In 2026, National County Government Month takes on added significance as the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence, recognizing the long-standing role counties have played in serving communities throughout the country’s history. Across the nation, more than 3,000 counties serve over 330 million residents, providing critical services that support healthy, safe and vibrant communities. Counties act as key intergovernmental partners, implementing local, state and federal programs that impact nearly every aspect of daily life.
In Solano County, departments and employees are committed to connecting residents with essential programs and services that support safer, healthier and more resilient communities. Residents benefit from a wide range of county services, including, but not limited to, access to healthcare, food and housing assistance, public safety, elections, infrastructure, behavioral health services, services for children and families, veteran support, and the justice system.
National County Government Month provides an opportunity to highlight these services and recognize the dedication of county employees who serve the public every day.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing this agenda item are nominal and will be absorbed within the County Administrator’s FY2025/26 Working Budget. Costs related to preparation and presentation of the resolution are also included in the Board of Supervisors FY2025/26 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
County governments remain one of the nation’s oldest forms of government and continue to play a critical role in delivering services that directly impact residents’ daily lives. Counties invest billions of dollars annually in infrastructure, public safety, health services, social services, and community development.
National County Government Month, held each April, serves as an opportunity to educate residents about these investments and the essential functions of county government. It also highlights the role counties play as intergovernmental partners, working collaboratively across all levels of government to address community needs and implement effective, locally responsive solutions.
In 2026, this observance also aligns with the nation’s 250-year history, underscoring the enduring importance of county government in shaping communities and supporting residents across generations.
Solano County is proud to be one of the nation’s 3,069 counties serving residents through a wide array of programs and services. Below is just a sampling of the programs and services that Solano County departments provide residents, businesses, visitors and clients in our community, including:
n The Agriculture / Weights and Measures Department inspects thousands of commercial devices annually to ensure fairness and consumer protection.
n The Department of Child Support Services assists thousands of families each year, securing critical financial support for children.
n First 5 Solano continues to expand early childhood education opportunities, including development of early learning facilities that support working families.
n Library Services provides expanded digital access to books, media and educational resources for residents across the county.
n The Public Defender and Alternate Defender Offices protect the rights of residents while helping remove barriers to employment and housing through record-clearing efforts.
n The Environmental Health Division conducts inspections to ensure safe food handling practices throughout the county.
n The Veterans Service Office assists thousands of veterans in accessing benefits and services earned through their military service.
n The Department of Health and Social Services provides critical support to a significant portion of the county’s population through public assistance, behavioral health, child welfare and other programs.
Through these services and many others, Solano County continues to support residents from early childhood through older adulthood, helping individuals and families thrive.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt the resolution recognizing April 2026 as National County Government Month. This is not recommended, as the resolution provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of county services and recognize the contributions of county employees.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION