Rex Richardson

Valley Transportation Authority Policy Advisory Committee. The Santa Clara County Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has released the Transit-Oriented Communities Grant to seek proposals from Santa Clara municipalities, jurisdictions, arts, cultural, education, nonprofit and other community organizations to support VTA’s vision of equitable Transit-Oriented Communities. #HiltonForCouncil #Gilroy #HiltonForGilroy #DowntownGilroy #GilroyBPAC #GilMtg https://lnkd.in/gv2676MJ The goal is to grow innovative and robust partnerships between VTA and local public agencies, nonprofit, community organizations, and other diverse stakeholders to strengthen communities, increase transit ridership, reduce the need for car trips, and support intensive mixed-use, mixed-income development around light rail stations and transit hubs. Selected projects will be collaborative across community and/or local government partners and remove barriers to creating safe, walkable, healthy, resilient, and thriving neighborhoods next to transit. VTA will fund $750,000 in total to eligible applicants. Selected projects are planned to commence between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. There’s a Pre-Application Workshop on April 30th 1:30-2:30pm at the Gilroy Library I want to provide some stats for the VTA bus routes in Gilroy. These daily boarding increases are from January 2024, all have seen an increase in ridership year-over-year, and to these riders I say thank you for riding public transit. Rapid 568 Gilroy/San Jose- 23% increase Express 121 Gilroy/Lockheed Martin in Sunnyvale- 30% increase Frequent 68 Gilroy/San Jose- 16% increase Local Route 84- 25% increase Local Route 85- 38% increase Local Route 86- 20% increase

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Wanted to share the great news: We have a new name! (More details and news on the Press Release available on our Website, click on the link below)

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Governor’s 2024 #MayRevise is Unacceptable for California’s Children and Families Today Governor Gavin Newsom released a revised #CABudget proposal that unfortunately doesn't protect progress made in children’s health equity in previous budget cycles. Read our full response here: https://lnkd.in/gVQmgqyd "The Governor said this #CABudget lays out a long-term, multi-year strategy. Children’s #HealthEquity is always a multi-year strategy. He is making a choice to cut the very programs families depend on to raise healthy, thriving children. Instead, California will spend billions of dollars on tax breaks for high-profit corporations.” - Mayra E Alvarez We're deeply disappointed Gov. Newsom didn't include ➡️$$ to safeguard #HealthCare coverage for young children ➡️thriving wages for community health workers ➡️reliable internet access for families These would build #HealthEquity for historically marginalized communities of color. California has the resources to create #HealthEquity for children & families – now we need the courage. CA must consider new, progressive revenues rather than weaken the critical services families rely on. CC: Dr. Seciah Aquino Andrew Cheyne

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Fresno County Launches $500 Monthly Guaranteed Income Program for Struggling Families In a pioneering effort to combat poverty, Fresno County, California, has launched the Advancing Fresno County Guaranteed Income program, which will provide $500 monthly for one year to 150 eligible households in economically vulnerable areas. This initiative aims to assist young families or those preparing to start families who meet specific income criteria, offering financial aid without any restrictions on its use. This program is a response to the rising child poverty rates following the end of the expanded Child Tax Credit in 2021. Eligible participants include residents of Huron and southwest Fresno who are 18 or older, pregnant, or have a young child, with an income at or below 80% of the area's median. The California Wellness Foundation supports this initiative, highlighting its potential to enhance health, happiness, and economic stability. #VeritasMedia#GuaranteedIncome#FresnoCounty#EconomicRelief#FinancialAid#PovertyReduction#IncomeEquality#SocialWelfare#EconomicOpportunities#ChildPoverty#FamilySupport#UniversalBasicIncome#CaliforniaInitiatives#WellnessPrograms#HealthAndHappiness#FinancialStability#EconomicSecurity#CommunitySupport#EmpowermentPrograms#PublicAssistance#CashAssistance

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On Friday, January 12, 2024, Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR) in partnership with Climate Resolve, hosted the Climate Resilience Nexus 2024 (CRN 2024). This impactful event brought together over 200 dedicated individuals at California Air Resources Board Southern California Headquarters in Riverside, CA, and The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture at the Riverside Art Museum. I am excited to share the CRN 2024 Event Report which highlights the symposium's key activities and discussions. This report is developed based on the event outcome and follow up interviews with stakeholders. Here are some key takeaways: Resilience Priorities Interconnected Social Challenges Disadvantaged communities face multiple challenges, from affordable housing to job scarcity and inadequate education. These pressing needs often take precedence over environmental stewardship and climate preparedness. Disparities in Disaster Relief Participants involved in wildfire and flood disaster relief noted disparities in accessing relief funds, especially for events not meeting federal disaster relief thresholds. State funds, often disseminated by capacity-constrained non-profits, also present challenges. Information Gaps Understanding and utilizing climate vulnerability and risk information remains a challenge. Practical guidance and tools for communities and their trusted messengers are needed, particularly in capacity-constrained areas. Leadership and Workforce Gaps There's a significant opportunity to cultivate environmental leadership in underserved communities. Developing climate leaders at various career stages can enhance community resilience across the state. The event was a testament to our collective commitment towards climate resilience. Thank you to all who participated and contributed to making this event a success. Let’s continue to build partnerships and accelerate our efforts towards a resilient California for all! 👉 Read the Full Report Here 👈 #ClimateResilience #CRN2024 #ClimateChange #ResilientCalifornia #CommunityLeadership #EnvironmentalStewardship #ClimateAction

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In a bold move to tackle the affordable housing crisis in Arizona, new legislation has introduced a pilot program aimed at increasing housing availability across the state. This initiative will be implemented in 10 geographically diverse communities, selected based on criteria that reflect the unique challenges and characteristics of areas including southern Arizona. This program empowers qualifying municipalities to apply for funding by demonstrating their efforts to streamline previous bureaucratic processes that hindered the development of affordable housing. By removing these obstacles, the legislation aims to facilitate a smoother path for developers and communities eager to build necessary housing solutions. At A New Leaf, we recognize the profound impact that stable, affordable housing has on the well-being of individuals and families. We are encouraged by these proactive steps that not only aim to increase the housing supply but also ensure that communities like ours can benefit from these developments. We look forward to seeing the positive changes this program will bring to our community and to those across Arizona who are in dire need of affordable housing options. https://lnkd.in/g-f3A5J2

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Attn cities: Due to changes in the 2023-24 State Budget, Cal Cities must provide a list of state subventions for cities each year to include in their local appropriations limits. Here’s what you need to know about this new rule for fiscal year 2024-25. https://lnkd.in/gVDNg3Nq

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Summary: Innovative Pathways to Public Service (IPPS) Sacramento Region Public Sector Workforce Needs Assessment Report for a multi-stakeholder partnership in Greater Sacramento, between Innovative Pathways to Public Service (IPPS), a workforce board nonprofit convener, the Institute for Local Government, and numerous public sector agencies. Major findings include: the public sector drives much of payroll income wealth in the region, but wealth is not equally distributed, and the public sector is 6-11% less diverse than the private sector. Also, weak pathways and school partnerships pervade the public sector. IPPS is seen as a major regional asset for convening stakeholders. #IPPS #ILG Ebony Joy Benzing Erica L. Manuel Roy Kim Lauren Mechals Ira Ayers Hilary Tellesen Diangelo Andrews Renee John Marya Endriga Brandon Littlejohn Lanaya Trejo (she/her/hers) Nicole Cuellar-Nelson, MPPA Read More: https://lnkd.in/gHEGHwt9

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Districts and county offices of education throughout California face an ever-growing list of mandated state and federal reports, data submissions and planning documents. Although individual reports may not present an undue burden, the cumulative impact draws resources away from critical tasks and responsibilities among staff, especially in smaller districts and COEs. Take a look at just a sampling of the plethora of reports LEAs must submit in CSBA’s “Drowning in Documentation” brief: https://lnkd.in/gtMxz6b4 CSBA co-sponsored SB 1315 would require the California Department of Education to produce a report on the number of state and federal reports required of LEAs in an effort to identify where info could be condensed and where some reports could be eliminated — helping LEAs free up more time and resources to provide for the needs of California’s students.

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🚨Immediate need for #Action! 🚨 Take 2 minutes to email Governor Newsom and ask him to ensure that the California state budget continues to provide funding for housing and homelessness services! STEP ONE: Go to https://lnkd.in/g_YQhcmC scroll toward the bottom of the page, and under “Select an option,” click on “Budget May Revision 2024-25.” STEP TWO: Click on “Leave a Comment,” then click “Next.” STEP THREE: Skip “pro” and “con” (optional) and click into the “Message” box. STEP FOUR: Share your message to the Governor! Use this draft, and feel free to modify as you see fit: “My name is [YOUR NAME], and I support PATH, one of California’s largest and most impactful nonprofit homeless service providers and affordable housing developers. [1-2 sentences why you support PATH’s mission to end homelessness.] I urge the Governor to pass the Legislature’s budget package around housing and homelessness, particularly $1 billion for a Round 6 of the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) program and funding for the Multifamily Housing Program (MHP). Failure to fund the HHAP program will result in loss of shelter beds, rental assistance, and services funding, decrease in service provider and homeless response capacity, and ultimately lead many thousands more Californians no option but to sleep on our streets. MHP is essential to filling the 1M+ gap in affordable housing existing for people with extremely low incomes, and will prevent more people from becoming homeless. Making these investments now saves the whole State money next year and years after – and it’s the right thing to do.” STEP 5: When you’re happy with your message, click “submit.” STEP 6: Complete information about yourself so they know you’re a California resident, then click “Submit.” Comment below when you're done, and share this post to spread the word! Thank you, PATH family! 💙 🏡

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Measure R, or the Merced County Public Safety Stabilization Act, was placed on the November ballot by the Merced County Board of Supervisors as an effort to boost funding for the county’s sheriff and fire departments, as well as for the district attorney’s office. It’s interesting because it’s being pushed by conservative-leaning county and law enforcement officials who typically bristle at more taxes. Read more and see how it will affect sales tax rates in this explainer. https://lnkd.in/g_fQkhAs

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🚨 Great news! 🚨 Governor Newsom has signed the Complete Streets Bill, SB 960, authored by Senator Scott Wiener and sponsored by CalBike, SPUR, AARP California, and others.The bill will require Caltrans to consider the needs of people riding bikes, walking, and taking transit on our state roadways, many of which serve as local streets. Caltrans policy mandates this, but the agency often doesn’t follow through. SB 960 will increase #accountability by requiring the agency to set targets for active transportation improvements in State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) projects and add elements for people biking, walking, and taking transit when it repairs roadways. It will also establish a transit priority policy, placing greater emphasis on transit improvements on state roadways. #CompleteStreets

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In Southern California, retirees experiencing homelessness are growing at hyper-speed. From 2017 through 2022, the number of people age 55 and older who sought some kind of homeless-related service in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties grew by 96%, according to California’s Homeless Data Integration System. If you limit that to people ages 65 and up, the numbers either doubled or tripled in each of the four counties. Read More: https://ow.ly/JPFk50SMkh4

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Learn more about our Assistant Deputy Director of Communications opening below! 👇

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Today, HDC's Executive Director Patience Malaba participated in a Seattle Times Editorial Board debate on Initiative 2066, representing the No on I-2066 campaign. Initiative 2066 would strip the process that the State Legislature has established for large public utilities to develop a transition plan to meet emissions targets. Instead of building a clear path towards decarbonization, this initiative would require utilities to invest in their capacity for the long-term delivery of natural gas. I-2066 is in direct opposition to the efforts that our membership has been engaged in through our work with state, local and utility administrators. Learn more about HDC's opposition to I-2066 here: https://bit.ly/47xcfLY

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In late June, Governor Newsom and state leaders reached a pivotal agreement on the 2024-25 California state budget. Faced with a substantial shortfall, they negotiated a package that presents a mixed outcome for California families. State leaders managed to shield critical programs from harmful cuts initially proposed earlier in the year. However, the reliance on borrowing from future budgets and temporary revenue increases raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of core programs and the potential for stalled investments if revenue conditions do not improve. ⚡ Read our full analysis for a comprehensive breakdown of the June budget package and its potential impact on Californians. https://lnkd.in/gmeqQrjA

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