To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Michelle Bushnell
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Proclaim January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Humboldt County
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt the proclamation.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Safe & Healthy Communities
Strategic Plan Category: 1001 -Support and sustain partnerships between public safety and partner agencies to enhance public safety in our communities
DISCUSSION:
Human trafficking is a serious crime and human rights violation affecting individuals of all ages, genders and backgrounds. January is recognized nationally as Human Trafficking Awareness Month to increase public awareness and promote prevention and survivor support efforts.
Human trafficking includes both labor and sex trafficking and often involves force, fraud or coercion, and rural and coastal communities such as Humboldt County are not immune due to factors including geographic isolation, housing instability and economic vulnerability. The County of Humboldt works in coordination with local, state and federal partners and community-based organizations, including Humboldt County Child Welfare Services, Humboldt County District Attorney’s Victim Witness Services and the Northern California Coalition to Safeguard Communities to prevent trafficking, identify victims and provide trauma-informed services through public education, frontline training, victim advocacy and law enforcement collaboration.
Adoption of this proclamation provides an opportunity for the Board of Supervisors to raise awareness, recognize the work of local partners and reaffirm Humboldt County’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations. Accordingly, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors proclaims January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact to a ceremonial proclamation.
STAFFING IMPACT:
N/A
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
Human Trafficking Awareness Month Proclamation
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A