Title
Approve the submission of five (5) entries to the 2024 California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Challenge Awards competition.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve the submission of five (5) entries to the 2023 California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Challenge Awards competition.
SUMMARY:
Each year the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) invites counties to submit nominations for the CSAC Challenge Awards. These unique awards recognize the innovative and creative spirit of California county governments for finding new and effective ways of providing projects, programs, and services to their citizens.
DISCUSSION:
Information on the 2024 CSAC Challenge Awards competition was provided to all County Departments. The County Administrative Office received five (5) applications which are presented in this report for review and approval by the Board for submission to CSAC.
1. Bixby AI Chatbot: The Bixby AI chatbot provides multilingual information and support to over 439,000 residents. Treasurer-Tax Collector. - Exhibit A
2. Books and Ballots Program: The Books and Ballots Program expands access to the ballot in rural and underserved areas by leveraging partnerships between Elections and County Libraries. Monterey County Elections Department (MCE) and Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL). - Exhibit B
3. Monterey County Small Business Revolving Loan Fund (MCSBRFL): ARPA Micro Loan Program: The MCSBRFL adapted to pandemic needs, issuing 20 microloans to support small businesses despite initial program limitations. Economic Development. - Exhibit C
4. ARPA Economic Recovery Countywide Business Retention Programming: Building Business Back (BBB) Program: The Building Business Back Program helps businesses in Monterey County recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic of minority owned businesses and underserved communities. Economic Development. - Exhibit D
5. Equity Survey and Focus Groups: The Civil Rights Office (CRO) designed a participatory action research model to foster a social change culture and showcase community engagement strategies. Civil Rights Office. - Exhibit E
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrative Office prepared this report with materials submitted by the Treasurer-Tax Collector, Monterey County Elections Department, Monterey County Free Libraries, CAO-Economic Development, and Civil Rights Office.
FINANCING:
Approval of this action will not impact the General Fund. Each submission to the CSAC Challenge Awards competition requires a $100 entry fee. Five (5) entries from the County of Monterey will be submitted for a total cost of $500 to be funded through the County Administrative Office-Department 1050, Intergovernmental & Legislative Affairs Unit 8054. Funds are available in the current year budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Recommendations in this report are related to the following Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives.
R Economic Development
R Administration
o Health & Human Services
o Infrastructure
o Public Safety
Prepared by: Annette D’Adamo, Legislative Program Manager x3045
Approved by: Nicholas E. Chiulos, Chief Assistant CAO x5145
Date: August 16, 2024
The following attachments are on file with the Clerk of the Board:
Exhibit A - Bixby AI Chatbot
Exhibit B - Books and Ballots Program
Exhibit C - MCSBRFL APRA Micro Loan Program
Exhibit D - Building Business Back (BBB) Program
Exhibit E - Equity Survey and Focus Groups