Yolo County is seeking input from residents as part of its plan to effectively use Proposition 47 grant funds. Through a series of public meetings, the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) aims to gather community feedback to improve services for individuals dealing with behavioral health challenges and involvement in the justice system. As announced on the Yolo County website, these meetings are open to the public and will outline the grant priorities and application opportunities for Proposition 47 – Cohort 5.
The initiative in question, Proposition 47 passed in 2014, downgraded certain drug and property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. This pivotal move not only altered the justice landscape but also aimed to redirect savings towards prevention and support programs via the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Fund. Of these savings, 65% are earmarked annually for the California Board of State and Community Corrections to manage a competitive grant program that supports mental health and substance use disorder treatment, among other programs designed to aid those in the criminal justice system, as reported by the Yolo County.
A range of meeting formats including in-person and virtual discussions are scheduled to encourage broad participation. The scheduled dates are across various venues, from the Winters City Council Meeting on June 3 to a Zoom-hosted session with the Homeless Poverty Action Coalition on June 11 at 10:00 a.m. Other venues include a Community Services Action Board meeting and the Davis Social Services Commission, the later taking place on June 16 at the Davis City Hall, as detailed by the Yolo County.
Since its inception, Proposition 47 savings have funneled approximately $800 million into much-needed areas, with a significant portion allocated towards mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Furthermore, the funds support diversion programs, K-12 education, and victims’ services, as per the Yolo County.
