To: Board of Supervisors
From: County Administrative Office
Agenda Section: Time Certain Matter
SUBJECT:
title
9:15 AM - Challenge Award Presentation
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Recognize the County Administrative Office - Economic Development Division and the Department of Probation for their innovative programs that were recently given Challenge Awards by the California State Association of Counties
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Various Funds
DISCUSSION:
Two (2) Humboldt County programs were recognized by the California State Association of Counties (“CSAC”) as being among the most innovative in the state. Each year CSAC invites California’s fifty-eight (58) county jurisdictions to submit their best new programs for Challenge Award consideration. This year the competition received four hundred thirty-three (433) entries, the most it has ever received, with twenty-one (21) Challenge Award honorees.
Staff from CSAC will be on-hand to present the awards to the County of Humboldt. Below is information about each program being recognized:
The Next Step Program
The Humboldt County Department of Probation’s Next Step Program reduces crime by addressing individuals impacted by the justice system’s essential needs for food and shelter through a housing first model immediately upon release from incarceration. To be released from prison knowing food, shelter and services are awaiting them greatly increases the likelihood that individuals under parole supervision will report to probation rather than following alternative pathways to meet their needs. Next Step results in more efficient use of resources and more robust service delivery. Program participants tend to heavily utilize services throughout Humboldt County. By coordinating multiple services into one program, it ensures county agencies are not duplicating efforts and that each agency is aware of services available. The likelihood of success is higher by surrounding participants with sources to address multiple needs. The success of each client results not only in reduced crime but their healthier lifestyle means less strain on county services. Since the program began, individuals affected by the justice system have eagerly requested to be placed in the Next Step as the program offers participants peace of mind that their needs are being met, thereby allowing them to focus on long-term goals.
Interactive Video for Certifying Business Reopening
The Economic Development Division of the Humboldt County Administrative Office created an interactive online video certification process to support and educate local businesses on the ever-changing state and local COVID guidelines. Economic Development staff partnered with the county’s Emergency Operations Center, Joint Information Center and local businesses to create an online interactive video certification tool. This program was innovative as it utilized web-based learning, eliminated the need for a paper reopening certification process, reduced the demand for information on public agencies, and leveraged relationships in the local business community, which helped build trust in the business community when they saw participation from other local businesses. Prior to the full opening of businesses and during the Governor’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy phase of the COVID-19 pandemic response, this online video certification process supported over seven hundred (700) local businesses who participated in the program.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact to recognizing these departments. The programs are being recognized for their innovation and efficiency in delivering county services.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
The recommended action supports the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Framework by managing resources to ensure sustainability of services.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
California State Association of Counties
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Board discretion.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Next Step Program Entry
2. Interactive Business Certification Video Entry
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A