Interactive Map

• Passed a voter-initiated measure in 2020
• Made it to the ballot in 2018
• Developed an Innovative Approach: Won through a broad coalition of families, unions, funders, and local leadership

Oakland

• Passed a dedicated Children and Youth Fund measure (1996, re-authorized in 2009)
• Passed four additional funding measures between 2004–2018 for early care, violence prevention, and college readiness

• Developed an Innovative Approach: budget advocacy and inclusion in a county-wide revenue measure

Richmond

• Passed a dedicated funding measure (Richmond Kids First Measures, 2018)

• Developed an innovative approach: Children’s Budget and Bill of Rights

• Passed a voter-initiated measure in 2018 (affirmed in court in 2020)
• Developed an Innovative Approach: Built a broad, equity-focused coalition of grassroots leaders, public agencies, and youth advocates

• Passed a voter-initiated measure in 2020 to fund community services + youth development
• Developed an Innovative Approach: Built powerful coalitions at both the county and city level, leading to new public investments and the creation of a Youth Development Department

Long Beach

• Passed an oil tax in 2020 that now funds youth programs
• Developed an Innovative Approach: Created a Youth Development Office and youth-led budgeting process

Pomona

• Passed a dedicated funding measure in 2024, the Pomona Kids First Initiative

• Passed an oil tax in 2020 that now funds youth programs
• Developed an Innovative Approach: Created a Youth Development Office and youth-led budgeting process

• Made it to the ballot in 2016 with a sales tax for early childhood services
• Developed an innovative approach: StrongStart and MarinKids coalition-building

• Developed an innovative approach: Invest in Merced’s Youth campaign and early youth budget proposals

• Placed a measure on the ballot in 2022: Measure Q parcel tax for quality child care

• Sales tax measure placed on ballot in 2016
• Developed an innovative approach: Children’s Bill of Rights and Children’s Budget adopted by Board of Supervisors

• Passed a dedicated Children and Youth Fund measure (1996, re-authorized in 2009)
• Passed four additional funding measures between 2004–2018 for early care, violence prevention, and college readiness

• Passed a dedicated funding measure in 2024, the Pomona Kids First Initiative

• Passed a dedicated funding measure (Richmond Kids First Measures, 2018)

• Passed a dedicated funding measure (Sacramento Children’s Fund, 2022)

• Developed an innovative approach: Built a multi-agency coalition to create a Family Impact Center and lay groundwork for dedicated funding

Inland Empire: San Bernardino and Riverside

• Developed an innovative approach: Building a two-county collaborative network and leadership for children and youth policy and funding

Inland Empire: San Bernardino and Riverside

• Developed an innovative approach: Building a two-county collaborative network and leadership for children and youth policy and funding

• Developed an innovative approach: Building a two-county collaborative network and leadership for children and youth policy and funding

• Developed an innovative approach: powerful and diverse coalition leading to local funding for early care and ongoing youth advocacy

• Passed dedicated funding measures: Created California’s first Children and Youth Fund in 1991 (reauthorized twice), plus two more funds for early care and childcare workforce
• Made it to the ballot multiple times, with all funding measures approved by voters
• Developed an innovative approach: Created a city agency to coordinate investments and pioneered a sustainable, diversified funding model

South San Francisco

• Made it to the ballot and placed an early care measure on the ballot in 2022

• Made it to the ballot and placed an early care measure on the ballot in 2022

• Placed a marijuana tax funding measure on the ballot twice (2018, 2020) with strong voter support, building momentum for future success

• Developed an innovative approach: Long-term coalition efforts toward Preschool for All

• Passed a dedicated funding measure (2021)
• Passed state’s first soda tax in a decade in 2024
• Developed an innovative approach: Legislative action at city and county levels

• Made it to the ballot: Sales tax for children’s funding in 2016

• Passed a dedicated funding measure in 2024, after an earlier attempt

• Developed an innovative approach: Cannabis revenue, Mental Health Services Act, and elected official collaboration

Passed a Measure

Alameda County placed a half-cent sales tax on the ballot twice. First in 2018, narrowly missing the two-thirds threshold with 66.2%, and then again in 2020, this time through a signature-driven initiative. Thanks to a pivotal 2021 court ruling, the 2020 measure was certified with 64% of the vote. The $150M in annual funds are now being administered under the leadership of First 5 Alameda.

Developed an Innovative Approach

A partnership with five strategic players created the special sauce that led to a win in the second campaign: Oakland Children’s Hospital which contributed both financially and through their popular public support, SEIU which was key in mobilizing and funding, The East Bay Community Foundation which established a new way to pool other foundation funding, Parent Voices which brought authenticity and passion and a dynamic ground campaign, and a very popular and visible elected official champion.

What we learned

Alameda County’s story shows how long-term coalition building and key players that bring political support, funding, volunteer campaign workers, authentic voices and policy expertise can ensure success. Their approach is a replicable roadmap for other communities seeking sustainable funding for children. Their measure which included a balance of new childcare spaces, increased compensation for providers, and quality improvements has become a model throughout the state for early care funding. The partnership with a local pediatric hospital could be an important model for others to follow.

Learn More

• Q and A on Measure C, 2020 campaign
• Fact Sheet on Measure C, 2020
• Copy of Measure C, 2020
• Power point on the 2018 campaign
• Fact sheet on the campaign on the 2018 campaign
• Update on Measure C Five-year Plan

Developed an Innovative Approach

In 2020, early care advocates played a key role in shaping and passing Measure X, the county’s first sales tax increase in years. They secured a seat at the table from the start, ensured children’s needs were centered in campaign messaging, and continued to advocate for those priorities during budget allocation. While implementation has been challenging, the coalition remains deeply engaged and funding for children has increased.

Advocates in Contra Costa County have made measurable gains for children by embedding their priorities into broader budget efforts. In 2019, the Contra Costa Budget Justice Coalition, a group of child advocates, service providers, and organizers, successfully pushed the county to increase nonprofit funding by drawing down untapped state resources like Mental Health Services Act dollars.

What we learned

Contra Costa’s story highlights how community coalitions can achieve lasting impact through budget strategy, state funding, negotiating with their local government and persistent advocacy — even without a dedicated children’s fund on the ballot.
One important lesson: Becoming part of a larger local government-sponsored measure is an important strategy either as a precursor to a more focused ballot measure or as a substitute. Though advocates have often been shortchanged in this type of process, we have learned a lot about how to make that strategy work.

Learn More

• Budget Justice Coalition proposed strategy to address mental health funding
• Measure X, increase in sales tax

Developed an Innovative Approach

In 2015, First 5 Del Norte led the creation of a Children’s Budget—a tool mapping local services and comparing prevention vs. late intervention funding. Paired with a Children’s Bill of Rights, both were adopted by the County Board of Supervisors and are now used to guide annual budget decisions.

What we learned

This effort offers a practical, replicable model for rural communities aiming to improve funding transparency and outcomes for kids—especially when a ballot measure isn't the right fit. The question remains: How to move from an elaborate funding landscape analysis to a greater political commitment to expand funding.

Learn More

• Del Norte County Children’s Bill of Rights and Resolution Creating A Children’s Budget

Passed a measure

In 2018, local advocates supported a voter-initiated city sales tax to fund parks. While the Fresno City Council initially declared the measure failed (despite 52% of voters in favor), organizers challenged the decision in court. A 2020 appellate ruling upheld that the measure had passed, contributing to the growing legal precedent that has benefited children’s measures throughout the state that revenue measures placed on the ballot by voter initiative only require a majority vote.

Developed an innovative approach

Cradle to Career Fresno County has brought together more than 70 organizations since 2016 to build equitable systems for children. Their work led to ARPA funding being allocated to children and youth and a new kind of collaboration for health care that brought together public agency and grassroots organizations to address gaping needs. In 2021, they partnered with the Fresno Children’s Movement to form a 100-member Resident’s Council to ensure youth and families lead local advocacy. EBAYC-Fresno also laid important groundwork for future funding measures by surveying over 1,700 youth to identify community needs.

What we learned

Fresno demonstrates how persistence and collaboration can shift local policy and power, and how various coalitions can merge their efforts. Community-driven advocacy not only influenced a pivotal court ruling but also continues to shape a long-term vision for children and youth funding, grounded in equity and grassroots leadership. These past efforts are currently providing the groundwork for a motivated new coalition through the Fresno Children’s Movement to start planning a ballot measure dedicated to children’s services.

Learn More

• Cradle to Career infographic
• Cradle to Career Fresno County website
• COVID19 Equity Project deck
• Article: Appellate Court decision in favor of Park Measure
• Video: Fresno Resident’s Council sponsored by the Fresno Children’s Movement

Passed a measure providing funding for community services, including those for youth

In 2020, the Reimagine LA coalition that formed in the wake of the George Floyd murder, mobilized public support for Measure J. The coalition aimed to allocate 10% of the county’s general fund (around HtmlBlockModals billion) for community investments including youth development. The measure passed, but a Superior Court judge later ruled that voter-initiated budget set-asides at the local level were prevented by state mandates. Despite the ruling, the LA County Board of Supervisors committed to moving forward with partial implementation. The legal decision was later overridden by a Court of Appeals and counties around the state are now moving forward with budget set-asides placed on the ballot through voter signatures. Despite a legal green light there is significant controversy about the amount of a legal set-aside - so it currently is far less than advocates initially calculated.

Developed an innovative approach

The Reimagine LA campaign and ultimate success was revolutionary for all investments related to public welfare. However, child and youth-specific efforts ran a parallel track. From 2018 to 2020, a county-wide coalition for a New Fund for Children and Youth Coalition brought together more than 40 organizations to explore a dedicated funding stream for youth. A Fund never materialized but the seed has been planted. At the city level, sustained advocacy led to the 2021 creation of the Department of Youth Development, now actively centering youth voice and leadership.

What we learned

Los Angeles showcases the power of grass-roots coalition-building and community-led policy change. From a multi-million dollar equity measure to the establishment of new city infrastructure for youth, LA’s efforts are reshaping what's politically possible and laying the groundwork for future wins. Their work changed state policy for local ballot measures, making set-asides legally permissible in charter counties. One important lesson however: Be very careful with the wording of voter initiatives to ensure they are legally solid and say exactly what proponents mean, particularly when it comes to money.

Learn More

• Fact sheet: New Fund for Children and Youth (LA’s campaign for dedicated funding)
• History of dedicated funding measures in Los Angeles
• Goals and objectives: New Fund for Children and Youth coalition
• Article: Department of Youth Development
• Legislative language to create new Department
• Reimagine LA website to set aside 10% of General Fund for Community Reinvestment
• Ballot measure language
• First funding allocation plan
• Article: Appeals Court ruling making Measure J legal

Passed a measure

Khmer Girls in Action has been leading youth-centered advocacy in Long Beach since 2017. After their budget analysis revealed that just 5% of the city budget supported youth development, they surveyed residents and uncovered a major gap between community priorities and public spending. They have worked both within and outside of City Hall to build support for a youth fund, successfully securing a budget placeholder and a modest investment. In 2020, they helped place an oil tax on the ballot. Although it is a general tax, it has supported youth programs. Khmer Girls in Action explored several revenue options over the years and continues to organize toward a voter-approved dedicated fund just for children and youth.

Developed an innovative approach

In parallel with advocacy, Khmer Girls in Action supported the creation of the Long Beach Office of Youth Development. This new city department, with a small but representative staff, is lifting youth voices, implementing a strategic plan, and planning ahead for a future ballot measure.

What we learned

Long Beach offers a powerful example of how persistent, youth-led advocacy can shift local priorities and infrastructure, laying essential groundwork for long-term funding solutions.

Learn More

• Video: Invest in Youth campaign in Long Beach
• Summary of community survey results
• 2020 campaign deck
• Long Beach Office of Youth Development

Made it to the ballot

Marin was one of the earliest post-San Francisco efforts in California to pursue dedicated funding for children. After nearly seven years of groundwork led by First 5 Marin and the coalition MarinKids, the community placed a 2016 sales tax measure on the ballot to fund early childhood services. The initiative, championed by the StrongStart campaign, received 63% of the vote, just short of the two-thirds threshold required for passage.

Developed an innovative approach

Marin’s strategy centered on building broad coalition support among civic, nonprofit, and elected leaders. Their approach helped define what local campaigns could look like—data-informed, deeply collaborative, and rooted in a long-term vision for young children.

What we learned

Marin’s First 5 leadership modeled how to build infrastructure and momentum for children’s funding, and laid a foundation others across the state have adapted and built upon. It also demonstrated early on the role that a First 5 can play. Now almost a decade later, First 5 Marin is leading a follow-up effort to create a dedicated fund, having learned lessons about the importance of grassroots participation and the power of the anti-tax movement to defeat measures even in blue counties. Note: sometimes it takes time to re-group and find the right time for a second ballot measure.

Learn More

• Marin Measure A
• Marin Strong Start brochure
• MarinKids Expenditure Plan for the Ballot Measure

Developed an innovative approach

In 2014, a coalition organized through Building Healthy Communities launched the Invest in Merced’s Youth campaign. While not focused on a ballot measure, the campaign developed early proposals for a youth budget, mapped out a strategic timeline, and continues to build power through sustained community organizing and social media engagement. A current organizing effort, under the leadership of the Youth Leadership Institute, is picking up where earlier efforts left off and has ambitious plans for a ballot measure in the future.

What we learned

Merced shows how early coalition-building and long-term community engagement can lay the foundation for future youth-focused funding efforts.

Learn More

• Invest in Our Youth Facebook
• Preliminary Initial Timeline for Merced youth budget campaign
• First Invest in Youth Coalition Proposals for City of Merced

Made it to the Ballot

For six years Monterey County advocates for young children built the foundation for a ballot measure - gathering data, making the case, and building a broad coalition of allies. In 2022, they put Measure Q, a $49 parcel tax to raise millions for safe, affordable, quality child care on the ballot through a signature campaign. The campaign united business leaders, social justice groups, elected officials, and even some anti-tax voices around the importance of child care for economic recovery. Despite earning 41% of the vote in 2022, low turnout and inflation kept it from passing. The strong coalition and campaign provide a solid foundation for future efforts, which are already in the works.

What we learned

Monterey shows how broad-based diverse coalitions and strategic messaging can unite very diverse partners for children’s funding, which is an important model that can be recreated for future campaigns.

Learn More

• Measure Q
• Monterey Kids FAQ
• Monterey Power Point on campaign

Made It To the Ballot

In 2016, children’s advocates attempted to place a set-aside of county funds for kids on the ballot. The Napa County Counsel determined that approach violated state regulations as Napa was not a charter county and was therefore subjected to state regulations regarding budget policy. But, advocates did not give up - after negotiations and compromise, the Napa County Board of Supervisors placed a half-cent sales tax measure on the ballot that would fund children’s services, as well as a county jail - blending two priorities. Despite a strong public education campaign, the measure earned 46% of the vote and did not pass.

Developed an innovative approach

Starting in 2015, a coalition of public health officials, First 5, and family support leaders introduced a Children’s Bill of Rights and created a Children’s Budget, both approved by the Board of Supervisors. A steering committee under Cope Family Center led planning for a dedicated funding stream and extensive community outreach, shifting local understanding about the needs of disadvantaged children.

What we learned

Napa’s efforts laid important groundwork in building community awareness and leadership commitment to the needs of young children. The leader of ballot measure went on to successfully run for the County Board of Supervisors, using that platform to carry out positive policy for children. Though the ballot measure fell short, the coalition has been re-activated and poised for future funding initiatives.

However, the measure’s proponents felt the mixture of jails and kids did not work - each side felt the other brought them down. And, despite FNG developing statewide legislative proposals that would give non-charter counties greater budget flexibility, charter counties can not yet pass budget set-asides.

Learn More

• Napa County Budget Analysis deck 2020
• Funding the Next Generation Napa Facebook
• Napa’s launch: Funding the Next Generation Napa deck
• Napa County Children’s Bill of Rights approved by Board of Supervisors (2015)
• Napa County report on status of children (2015)

Passed dedicated funding measures

Oakland has been a model for using the local electoral process to raise dollars for children and youth. Using San Francisco as a model, it began by passing the second dedicated fund in 1996 in California, a set-aside of the local General Fund. It passed four different funds subsequently: Oakland Public Safety and Services Violence Prevention Act (2004); Oakland College and Career Readiness for All Act (2014); Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Distribution Tax (2016); and the Oakland Children’s Initiative of 2018.
The range of revenue sources have included a parcel tax, parking garage surtax, soda tax, and sales tax, in addition to the original set-aside.

Together the funds give Oakland over $80 million a year. The range of services funded include everything from youth development, to early care, to violence prevention to college readiness. Each campaign organized around different interests and community groups and political leaders - leaders including community activists, health care experts, and the Mayor. The funds have all had a great impact, including reducing violence, increasing high school graduation rates, and increasing early literacy.

What we learned

Oakland has shown that there are many ways to succeed in funding children and youth, that flexibility is needed as circumstances change, and that the benefits of various types of funding mechanisms passed by voters are cumulative. One measure is not the final answer. Ongoing efforts are needed. Creativity and persistence are the secret ingredients. Oakland demonstrates that building a civic culture that uses the ballot to provide basic services for children and youth is possible.

Learn More

• FNG book on Oakland’s six ballot measures, that includes Measure AA “Oakland: A City that Votes for Children and Youth: six local ballot measures that fund children and youth services

Passed a dedicated funding measure

In November 2024, Pomona voters approved the Pomona Kids First ballot measure with 62% of the vote. The measure amended the City Charter to require a 10% set-aside of the city’s discretionary budget to create a dedicated Pomona Children and Youth Fund. The fund will be administered by a Pomona Department of Children and Youth, also established by the ballot measure, ensuring sustainable and focused resources for youth development in the city.

Developed an innovative approach

The campaign was led by Gente Organizada, a community-led social action nonprofit focused on educational, economic, and social justice. Their youth-led, multi-generational organizing model emphasizes asset-based community empowerment rather than deficit framing. The coalition built strong alliances across immigrant and social justice groups, emphasizing dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline. This approach energized young people and families, successfully overcoming opposition from most city officials and media.

What we learned

Pomona’s fund is a powerful example of grassroots leadership translating into structural change to address long standing inequities in youth funding and opportunity. By securing dedicated city resources through a charter amendment, the city commits to investing in its historically underserved youth, setting a precedent for equity-focused local funding driven by community voices.

Learn More

• Report on inequities in Pomona for youth
• Video: organizing, learning & testifying
• Poster for campaign to amend the city charter
• Fact Sheet: Pomona Kids First
• Ballot measure to create Pomona Children and Youth Fund
• Article: campaign kickoff
• Powerpoint on campaign by Gente Organizada

Passed a dedicated funding measure

In 2014, the RYSE Center and community allies launched the Invest in Youth Coalition, which led to the creation of Richmond Kids First, a campaign to pass a youth fund modeled after those in San Francisco and Oakland and creating a budget set-aside of 3% of the city’s General Fund. The measure was placed on the ballot through a voter signature campaign with a high level of youth engagement. Despite initial resistance from the City Council about the idea of a set-aside, the measure passed in June 2018 with 76% of the vote.

To fully implement the Richmond Fund for Children and Youth, two additional measures were required to ensure support from local unions and elected officials: one mandating a new revenue stream (also passed in June 2018), and another, a Real Estate Transfer Tax, passed in November 2018 to create the revenue stream. A fourth campaign for a Gross Receipts Tax was later launched to further ensure sufficient funding. Together, these efforts created a stable foundation for the Fund, which is now administered by a newly established City Department for Children and Youth. Grantmaking began in 2021 after a thorough community-driven needs assessment process required in the legislation. Investments are already making an impact serving 21,728 children at 110 different sites!

What we learned

Richmond’s story demonstrates the power of sustained, youth-led advocacy. Despite early obstacles, the community passed three separate measures and built lasting public infrastructure to support children and youth. Their persistence established one of California’s strongest local models for dedicated youth funding. The Richmond story also demonstrates that compromise is often necessary and is possible. The strategy of first requiring a set-aside of funds for kids, and then joining forces with skeptics to create a new funding stream for the city is a powerful new idea.

Learn More

• Richmond Kids First Measure
• Richmond Department of Children and Youth (created by the legislation for the fund)
• Strategic Investment Plan for the Fund
• Powerpoint on the implementation shown at the Funding the Next Generation conference March 2025

Passed a dedicated funding measure

In November 2022, Sacramento voters approved the Sacramento Children’s Fund, establishing a set-aside from the city’s General Fund equal to the revenue generated by the cannabis tax. The measure was the result of years of advocacy and compromise between the Sac Kids First coalition and city officials, following two earlier unsuccessful ballot measures in 2016 and 2020. While not receiving sufficient votes, those two measures strengthened civic leadership and youth organizing. The third campaign gained momentum over time, bolstered by increased public concern about youth safety and violence prevention. It passed with 62% of the vote.

What we learned

Sacramento’s victory underscores the power of youth leadership and persistence and the essential role of a leading community-based youth-serving agency, Youth Forward. Despite early defeats and strong political opposition, local advocates built a lasting coalition, influenced city policy, and ultimately secured a sustainable source of funding for youth services. Their efforts also helped establish youth participation in local government and reframed youth development as a public safety priority. The youth coalition continues to be led by Youth Forward and to monitor the implementation ensuring funds are used as intended. Sacramento has become an inspiration for advocates throughout the state and the country, demonstrating the essence of “never give up” when it comes to using the electoral process to do right by kids.

Learn More

• Sac Kids First
• Second Sac Kids First measure
• Sac Kids second campaign intro mailer
• Sac Kids second campaign postcard
• Third measure in 2022
• Third Campaign video
• Legislation creating youth seats on various commissions – e.g., Rec and Park, arts, economy, police review
• Legislation creating a youth representative/liaison on the City Council
• Youth Development is Public Safety – policy position passed by City Council

Developed an innovative approach

First 5 San Benito leads a coalition including county agencies, sheriff and probation departments, the school district, and youth. This coalition successfully established a Family Impact Center and aims to create a community center serving multiple agencies through a ballot measure. This collaborative, multi-sector approach is building the foundation for dedicated sustainable funding.

What we learned

San Benito’s coalition approach for developing a core new service demonstrates how strong partnerships and youth involvement can build momentum and infrastructure for sustainable investment in children and families.

Learn More

• Concept paper on Community Center

Developed an innovative approach

The Inland Empire Community Collaborative (IECC) was founded in 2016, and in 2021 formed a Children’s Cabinet with leaders from Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Both the IECC and its Children's Cabinet actively raises funds for services through grants, receives training, and crafts policy agendas to support youth. Funding the Next Generation supports their work with budget analysis and strategy.

What we learned

The IECC regional collaboration highlights the power of collective impact and leadership development to create a shared vision and capacity for dedicated children and youth funding across two of the most high-need counties in the state. This has proven to be a successful first step in policy and funding change.

Learn More

• Children’s Cabinet of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties
• Inland Empire Community Collaborative
• FNG presentation to Inland Empire Community Collaborative on why local budgets are important and budget advocacy

Developed an innovative approach

San Diego’s advocacy ecosystem features two powerful, parallel efforts—one focused on early care, the other on youth development.

• Early Care: In 2020, a coalition of 25+ early care organizations, convened by the YMCA of San Diego County, began advocating for local child care funding in response to the loss of First 5 support. Through public education, testimony, and direct engagement with decision-makers, they secured a historic win: child care funding was included in the county budget for the first time, with $10 million committed during the height of the pandemic. And then, just as historic, the county asked the city to match its investment in early care and the city responded (through ARPA funding) as requested.
• Now known as the Children First Collective, the coalition went on to successfully advocate for a City Office of Child and Youth Success (established in 2022) and continues to build toward a dedicated county funding measure. With broad membership and strong institutional support, they are one of California’s most effective early care advocacy voices.
• Youth Development: A separate effort began in 2016 with 75 nonprofits exploring a youth-focused funding measure. By 2018, Mid-City CAN took the lead, sharpening their political skills through advocacy on police accountability and youth transportation. Their long-term goal remains a dedicated youth funding measure, most likely at the city level.

Together, these efforts exemplify a dual-track, coalition-driven approach to advancing local investments in children and youth. Currently it is the Children’s First Collective that is moving forward a ballot measure to secure sustainable funding at the county level.

What we learned

San Diego shows the power of building strong, inclusive coalitions with strategic city and county engagement. The region now has an advocacy infrastructure in place for both early care and youth development, not to mention a growing track record of policy and funding wins. The San Diego YMCA has provided leadership and in-kind staff support to the Children First Collective - showing that a traditional mainstream agency can play a powerful role in policy change and organizing.

Learn More

• Children First Collective
• Children First Collective budget recommendations to Mayor, 2023
• Summary: early care advocacy for child care dollars
• Plan for an Office of Child and Youth Success
• Website: Office of Child and Youth Success
• Press release: New Office of Child & Youth Success
• State of Child Care During COVID
• San Diego Opportunity Youth Collaborative Fact Sheet
• Public opinion poll: youth development issues in San Diego

Passed dedicated funding measures for children and youth

In 1991, San Francisco passed Proposition J, the state’s first dedicated fund for children and youth and among the first in the nation. Despite initial opposition from elected officials, advocates collected over 60,000 signatures to place the measure on the ballot. The fund, now called the Children and Youth Fund, has been reauthorized twice with strong voter support each time (over 70%). It is the largest dedicated fund per capita in the country. The fund is financed through a property tax set-aside and has expanded over time to cover youth up to age 24 and go from 2.5% of the property tax to 4% as a result of public support and ongoing advocacy from community agencies, parents and youth.

San Francisco voters have also approved two additional local funds supporting children: one for Preschool for All (general fund set-aside) in 2004 and another for childcare subsidies and wages (Prop C), in 2018 funded through a commercial rent gross receipts tax. The Preschool for All measure also funded services for the school district - items that had been cut over the years by state funding - arts, sports, social workers, libraries.

Together, all these funds provide more than $280 million annually for children and youth in the city + many millions going to the school district.

Developed an innovative approach

San Francisco’s approach combines successful grassroots advocacy with strategic use of multiple ballot measures to diversify funding sources. The establishment of a dedicated city agency—the Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families—to oversee and coordinate investments in children’s services ensures accountability and effective use of resources. This model has inspired other cities to develop similar sustainable funding mechanisms.

San Francisco’s early care infrastructure, created through two ballot measures, will eliminate the waiting list for care, give providers salaries equivalent to kindergarten teachers, and invest millions in improving quality.

What we learned

San Francisco’s pioneering efforts created a blueprint for sustainable local funding of children and youth programs nationwide. Their model proves that comprehensive, long-term investment in children’s services is achievable through voter-approved measures, strong coalition-building, and innovative governance. The city’s continued reauthorization and expansion of funds demonstrate the enduring public commitment to supporting children’s well-being and success. Being the second oldest measure in the country and the largest per population local investments in children and youth, has given San Francisco the opportunity to create whole new systems of care, coordinate with 13 different city departments, provide innovative programs in every corner of the city, and develop evaluation, accountability and planning structures that are now finally tuned.

Learn More

• Sandboxes to Ballot Boxes: An early history of San Francisco’s Children’s Fund by Margaret Brodkin
• 2000 Reauthorization of San Francisco’s Children and Youth Fund
• 2014 Second Reauthorization of Children and Youth Fund and Public Education Enrichment Fund
• Fact Sheet: SF Children and Youth Fund
• SF Department of Children, Youth and Their Families
• The San Diego Union-Tribune: “Could San Francisco Be a Solution to the Childcare Crisis?”
• Information on 2018 “Baby Prop C” increasing wages for childcare providers

Made it to the ballot

In 2022, a grassroots coalition of parents, childcare workers, and advocates in South San Francisco put forward one of the most ambitious local funding proposals for kids in the country. Their ballot measure would have provided free universal preschool and child care, and paid early educators a living wage—starting at $70,000. The funding source: a commercial parcel tax on properties over 25,000 square feet, aimed squarely at large corporations. Despite being outspent by biotech opposition (particularly Genentech) the all-volunteer campaign qualified the measure for the ballot and fought a high-profile race. In the end, the measure received 47% of the vote. Though it did not pass, it showed what’s possible when everyday people demand equity and bold solutions.

What we learned

This campaign proved that community-led efforts can challenge corporate power and redefine what’s possible in local policy. Volunteers gathered over 6,000 signatures, went head-to-head with well-funded opposition, and made the case for investing in families and caregivers. While the measure didn’t win, it set a precedent for progressive tax strategies and demonstrated growing public support for bold, equity-driven solutions for children.

Learn More

• Campaign website
• Fact Sheet
• Measure DD

Made it to the ballot

San Joaquin County has built a powerful and persistent movement for children’s funding, led by the San Joaquin Children’s Alliance. Since 2016, the Alliance has grown from a small group of providers and a visionary county supervisor into a broad, countywide coalition. In both 2018 and 2020, they led campaigns for a marijuana tax that would allocate 50% of revenues to kids; earning 63.5% and 65% of the vote respectively. Though both measures fell short of the two-thirds required to pass, the strong majorities were a clear mandate for change.

What we learned

San Joaquin’s repeated efforts show how coalitions can grow stronger over time. The Alliance has expanded from Stockton into cities and rural areas across the county, and from a focus on early childhood to include youth voices and leadership. Their success in mobilizing voters, influencing local policy, and engaging diverse allies, including business and higher education, offers a roadmap for future campaigns. Foundations and community leaders continue to invest in their work, and the groundwork is in place for lasting impact. And placing a measure on the ballot twice - that received such a high percent of the vote developed political capital that will lead to future successes.

Learn More

• 2020 campaign
• Fact sheet: 2020 campaign
• Powerpoint: Task Force Recommendations on Using Marijuana Tax for Children’s Services
• Poll: what marijuana taxes should fund in San Joaquin County

Developed an innovative approach

Santa Clara County’s Strong Start Coalition, led by the County Office of Education in partnership with community advocates, service providers, and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, has worked for years to advance high quality early learning opportunities, with the potential of a ballot measure. Despite political and funding obstacles, the coalition has maintained momentum, building strong relationships with county leaders and elected officials to keep early care and education at the top of the policy agenda.

What we learned

Santa Clara shows how sustained, coalition-based advocacy can keep the vision of dedicated funding alive, even in the face of setbacks. Their persistence helps ensure early care remains a top priority and lays the foundation for future action. The Santa Clara work also demonstrates the potential of partnerships between county-level public education departments and local childcare community agencies and advocates.

Learn More

• Strong Start Coalition

Passed a dedicated funding measure

In 2021, the Santa Cruz City Council placed a ballot measure before voters to institutionalize the city's cannabis tax revenues for children and youth. The measure passed overwhelmingly with 82.7% of the vote, dedicating 20% of the city’s cannabis tax revenue to a permanent City of Santa Cruz Children’s Fund. This victory followed four years of demonstrated success after the city first created the children’s fund through cannabis legislation in 2017, showing voters that the investment worked. The moving force behind this multi-year effort was a member of the City Council of the city. Santa Cruz demonstrates that elected officials can be the powerhouse behind successful measures.

Developed an innovative approach

Santa Cruz County began by establishing a Thrive by Three Fund through Board of Supervisors legislation in 2017—laying the foundation for future funding by embedding early childhood programs into the county budget. At the city level, Councilmember Martine Watkins led efforts to increase the marijuana tax and dedicate 12% of the revenue to children’s programs, including scholarships and contributions to the county’s Thrive by Three Fund. The small neighboring city of Capitola followed suit, dedicating a portion of its hotel tax to youth and early childhood programs through a 2018 voter-approved measure.

What we learned

Santa Cruz’s success demonstrates the power of starting with legislative wins to build proof of concept and public support before going to the ballot. Their combined city and county strategies show how layering local approaches can lead to sustainable, dedicated funding for children and youth.

Their 2021 success gave them the momentum to challenge the state’s soda tax ban with a bold sugar-sweetened beverage tax measure, which passed despite heavy industry opposition. This victory highlights that community support can overcome powerful interests and inspire similar efforts statewide. The measure faces legal challenges, but Santa Cruz continues to lead the fight—showing how one success can spark another.

Learn More

• Testimony by Councilwoman Watkins on the need to use marijuana revenue for a children and youth fund in 2017
• Description of Thrive by Three Fund
• Letter to Board of Supervisors advocating for the fund
• Santa Cruz ballot measure of 2021
• Fact Sheet on Measure Z 2024 Soda Tax - FAQ
• Flier on Measure Z 2024 Soda Tax

Made it to the ballot

In 2016, Solano County made it to the ballot with a bold effort to fund children’s services through a sales tax measure accompanied by an advisory measure ensuring the funds would be dedicated to kids. While the advisory measure passed, the sales tax fell short. The effort was driven by a strong coalition—Funding the Next Generation Solano—made up of public and private children’s service providers. Their campaign was built on years of groundwork, including a countywide children’s budget and a 2014 report recommending sustainable public funding.

What we learned

Solano’s campaign was one of the first in the state to pair a funding measure with an advisory measure for children, offering a model for how to win public trust. Though the funding didn’t pass, the advisory win and groundwork laid a foundation for future advocacy. Members of the coalition began exploring possibilities in Vallejo, where the measure gained majority support, and to push for a formal Children’s Budget at the county level—where youth and parent leadership have grown in skill and influence. The Solano story shows that measures that lose at the county level can win in key and important cities, suggesting that developing measures in those cities is a strong future strategy.

Learn More

• Solano Fund Advisory Measure
• Solano Fund Mailing piece
• Funding the Next Generation Solano Facebook
• Fact sheet: Solano Fund
• Fact sheet: needs of Solano children
• Solano County Children’s Issues Poll

Passed a dedicated funding measure

Sonoma County’s path to dedicated funding for early childhood services was years in the making. Starting in 2016, the Cradle to Career initiative, led by the Department of Health Services, began exploring sustainable funding options for universal preschool and child health services. Despite wildfires, a pandemic, and shifting local priorities, children’s advocates stayed the course. After years of research, coalition building, and a failed 2022 signature drive, the Our Kids Our Future campaign qualified a dedicated sales tax measure for the November 2024 ballot. The measure proposed generating $30 million annually for childcare and children’s health. The secret sauce for the final win was the broad based support due to extensive outreach. Leadership from the local Chamber of Commerce was key and led with a powerful economic argument. With no formal opposition (due to the early organizing), voters approved it with 61%.

What we learned

Sonoma County’s journey shows that persistence pays off. By grounding their campaign in data, building political will, and weathering setbacks, local advocates demonstrated the power of long-term strategy and coalition building. Their win brings lasting funding for young children and a powerful model for other communities.

Learn More

• Analysis: funding options for universal preschool in Sonoma County
• Our Kids Our Future, Website for Sonoma 2024 measure
• Childcare and Children’s Health Initiative 2024

Developed an innovative approach

In 2017, the Yolo County Office of Education drafted a preschool funding measure with a strong steering committee, but political and financial barriers kept it off the ballot. In the years since, First 5 Yolo took a lead on alternative strategies to raise revenue for children and youth. They have successfully established development agreements with cannabis businesses to fund early childhood programs and are actively maximizing local use of Mental Health Services Act dollars.

In 2021, a new milestone was reached when the County Office of Education and a member of the Board of Supervisors convened 21 local elected officials to collaboratively plan the use of federal COVID recovery funds for children—resulting in a coordinated investment strategy that was reflected in a powerful joint op-ed in the local paper. For the following years, the County Office of Education led an extensive organizing and public education drive to get recognition of the need and benefits for expanded early care throughout the county. That coalition is now developing a plan for a second effort at a ballot measure to secure funding for early care.

What we learned

Yolo County demonstrates that even without a ballot measure, strategic partnerships and creative funding mechanisms can generate meaningful investments in children. Their model further shows how county offices of education can play a pivotal leadership role in county-level measures for early care.

Learn More

• Concept paper: Preschool for All in Yolo
• Preschool Measure (2018)
• Powerpoint: The Yolo Story by Jesse Ortiz, Superintendent, County Schools
• Op-ed: Broad support from elected leaders across county
• Early Learning Summit in Yolo, 2023