First Five Sacramento Commission Meeting - August 14, 2026

Note: The meeting transcript references Monday, August 10, 2026, but the date provided for this summary is August 14, 2026. The summary uses the specified date as instructed.

The First Five Sacramento Commission met to approve routine items, recognize retiring Commissioner Dave Gordon, receive updates on programs and finances, and take action on the FY 2026-27 revised budget, a stipend policy revision, and CalWorks home visiting agreements. A presentation on developmental play groups for children with exceptional needs sparked extensive discussion.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of June 1, 2026 Draft Action Summary: Approved unanimously via roll call (all present commissioners voted aye).

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Executive Director’s Report: Crystal (representing the Sacramento PLTI team) reported on recent PLTI activities including a summer picnic, alumni community projects, and recruitment for a 2027 Spanish cohort. She expressed support for the program.
• On Developmental Play Groups: Amelda Martinez (founder of Community Parent Advocates) shared her personal experience as a mother of an autistic child who participated in the play groups. She expressed strong support for the program and highlighted how it created welcoming spaces for both children and parents, and noted her own journey from receiving support to becoming a community health worker in training. She also thanked Commissioner Gordon and Dr. Lawanda Wesley.
• On Commissioner Gordon’s Recognition: Robin Langskuster (advisory committee vice chair) expressed appreciation for Commissioner Gordon’s support and collaboration.

Discussion Items

• Recognition of Commissioner Dave Gordon: Commissioners, staff, and a public speaker honored Commissioner Gordon for his 11 years of service on the commission, his role as Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools, and his leadership in advancing early childhood education, mental health, and racial equity. A proclamation was read and a group photo taken.
• Executive Director’s Report: Julie reported on three items: (1) a $150,000 CalAIM technical assistance grant to help contractors become billable for enhanced care management and community health worker services; (2) a Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) update noting 17 Spanish and 23 English cohort graduates, with mini-grants for alumni projects; (3) selection to present at First Five California’s 2026 annual summit on equity in action. A video was shown.
• Advisory Committee Update (June 12, 2026): Robin Langskuster reported on a brainstorming session about family enrichment activities, competitive proposal processes, and community conversations synthesis. Next meeting scheduled for August 14.
• Evaluation Committee Update (July 20, 2026): Chair Cerna presented updates on evaluation activities, including a timeline for the general evaluation report, an equity in action evaluation plan from the Institute for Social Research, the Building Strong Families final report, and selection of AJW Inc. for data management. Dr. Liu will join the evaluation committee.
• Financial Planning Committee Update (July 30, 2026): Kristen reported that the committee reviewed the FY 26-27 revised budget and 10-year financial plan, noting no significant changes from April approval. Discussion focused on lower Prop 10 revenues ($1M below projections), $3.4M in expenditure savings (16% of operating budget), a carry-forward balance of $1.6M, and a reserve release of $4.6M. The committee recommended delaying the $1.5M family enrichment RFP until revenue certainty improves. It also approved revisions to the delegated stipend program policy (separate categories for volunteers and interns).
• Public Hearing – FY 2026-27 Revised Budget and 10-Year Financial Plan: Staff presented the budget, highlighting lower revenues and a projected reserve dip below the $3M threshold in FY 29-30. The recommendation to temporarily pause the family enrichment RFP was supported by Chair Cerna and others as fiscally prudent. Motion passed unanimously.
• Revised Delegated Stipend Program Policy: The policy creates separate stipend categories: community volunteers at $35/hour (increasing to $39 by FY 30-31) and interns at $22/hour. The annual stipend budget remains $10,000. Approved unanimously.
• CalWorks Home Visiting Revenue and Expenditure Agreements: Staff reported a $1.3M increase in state allocation, restoring full funding for Nurse Family Partnership and providing an additional $617,000 to nine family resource centers via the CAP Center contract. First Five’s administrative fee increased by $60,000 to $300,000. Discussion included Commissioner Moak’s suggestion to use performance metrics for future funding decisions, Commissioner Wesley’s note about families in hiding, and Commissioner Boston’s support for results-based accountability and the hub-and-spoke model. Motion to approve both agreements passed unanimously.
• Presentation – Developmental Play Groups for Children with Exceptional Needs (UC Davis Mind Institute): Dr. Mellow presented on play groups serving children ages 0-5 with autism, language delays, and other developmental differences. The program runs 8-week cycles, 2x/week, with 8 children per group. It has served over 50 children across 14 groups in partnership with La Familia (Spanish groups) and Sacramento County Libraries (English groups). The program also trains staff and promotes inclusive spaces. Outcomes included increased socialization for children and support for families. Commissioners discussed referrals (from Alta Regional Center, SCOE, social media), transportation barriers, and expansion opportunities. Dr. Liu noted Public Health could refer families.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the June 1, 2026 draft action summary (unanimous).
• Approved the FY 2026-27 revised budget and 10-year financial plan, including a temporary pause on the family enrichment RFP (unanimous).
• Approved the revised delegated stipend program policy (unanimous).
• Approved amendments to the CalWorks home visiting revenue agreement with DHA ($5,366,017) and expenditure agreement with CAP Center ($5,066,017) (unanimous).
• Recognized Commissioner Dave Gordon for his service.
• Received and filed reports from the Executive Director, Advisory Committee, Evaluation Committee, Financial Planning Committee, and Systems Optimization and Sustainability Committee (no action required for these items).
• The meeting adjourned without further business.