Wednesday, September 25th, 2024
Sacramento City Council voted 9-0 to pass a modified version of the Measure L Children’s Fund Commission, adopting a funding allocation that splits resources 50-50 between the city and community-based organizations (CBOs). While this outcome wasn’t exactly what we had hoped for, it is an important step toward ensuring that both city programs and non-profits work together to uplift Sacramento’s most vulnerable children.
The original recommendation from the Measure L Commission was clear: 65% of the funds should go to CBOs through an open and competitive RFP process, 15% to administrative costs, and 20% to support Universal Basic Income (UBI) programs, which we strongly support. This allocation would have maximized resources for the CBOs that provide critical, direct services to children most impacted by poverty, trauma, and violence.
Video Caption: IYT Member at Sacramento State, Jose Cabrera Perez voices his support for Measure L funding
However, the city expressed a desire to allocate a portion of those funds for infrastructure improvements like parks and recreational facilities. While we are disappointed that the commission’s recommendation wasn’t fully adopted, we understand the need for collaboration in ensuring both programmatic support and community infrastructure for Sacramento’s youth.
At IYT, we believe the solution lies in partnership. The success of Measure L should not be framed as a competition between city programs and CBOs, but as an opportunity to work together. Both entities play vital roles in addressing the needs of Sacramento’s children. CBOs, in particular, serve the hardest-to-reach youth, providing them with safe spaces and mentors who understand their lived experiences.
The final allocation, with its 50-50 split, allows both the city and non-profits to continue serving the community in different but complementary ways. We remain focused on the intent of Measure L, which prioritizes the children most affected by systemic inequities, and we are committed to ensuring these funds make the greatest possible impact.
Measure L funds represent a significant opportunity for IYT to expand our services to young men of color across Sacramento. While the funding split may not be what we initially advocated for, we are confident that through collaboration, IYT can continue to grow our mentoring programs, college access support, and workforce readiness initiatives—ensuring that more young people have the tools they need to thrive.
We want to thank the City Council for their commitment to Sacramento’s children and for passing this critical measure. We look forward to working alongside the city to ensure that Measure L serves its true purpose: providing resources and opportunities for the children who need them the most.
Thank you for your continued support in this journey. Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable future for all Sacramento youth.
Related Media: Cap Radio Article on Measure L Decision
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