To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Steve Madrone
Agenda Section: Initiated by Board Member
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:title
Consider Establishing a Humboldt County Universal Representation Fundend
RECOMMENDATION(S):Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Consider establishing a Humboldt County universal representation fund; and
2. Provide direction to staff, as appropriate.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommended actions support the following areas of the Board of Supervisors’ 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:
Residents of McKinleyville thank the Humboldt County Board for reaffirming Measure K and supporting sanctuary policies. They urge the County of Humboldt to take a more proactive approach by creating a universal representation fund to provide legal counsel for residents facing deportation through grants to local legal nonprofits. They argue this would protect due process, keep families together and reduce economic and social costs to the County of Humboldt. They also ask the Board to work with the Human Rights Commission to educate local businesses about their rights regarding immigration warrants and how to designate private areas. The goal is to protect community members and reduce the economic harm caused by immigration enforcement actions.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
To be determined.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no direct costs associated with the exploration of creating a universal representation fund. However, creation of a universal representation fund may impact the Humboldt County General Fund, though the extent to which it would impact the General Fund is unknown and dependent on the volume and severity of cases that would need representation, as well as availability of qualified lawyers and other factors.
STAFFING IMPACT:
The staffing impacts of creating the Universal Representation Fund are underdetermined at this time. However, the Auditor-Controller’s Office, the County Administrative Office, would be affected by creating and managing this fund. The County Administrative Office, County Counsel and possibly other departments could be affected as they would likely need to manage any contracts awarded with such a fund. This will need to be considered if the Board moves forward on the formation of the fund.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Board discretion.
ATTACHMENTS:
Letter Dated March 4, 2026
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A