Title
a. Approve and authorize the Public Defender, Chief Assistant Public Defender, or designee to execute Amendment Number 2 to the Standard Agreement (A-17417) with Step Up on Second Street, Inc., retroactive to October 1, 2026, to increase the not-to-exceed amount by $500,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $1,500,000 with no change to the term of the agreement, allowing continued provision of Board of State and Community Corrections Proposition 47 Cohort IV grant funded housing services; and
b. Authorize the Public Defender, Chief Assistant Public Defender, or designee to execute up to five (5) future amendments to this Agreement, where the amendments do not alter the not-to-exceed amount of $1,500,000 and do not significantly alter the scope of work.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Public Defender, Chief Assistant Public Defender, or designee to execute Amendment Number 2 to the Standard Agreement (A-17417) with Step Up on Second Street, Inc., retroactive to October 1, 2026, to increase the not-to-exceed amount by $500,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $1,500,000 with no change to the term of the agreement, allowing continued provision of Board of State and Community Corrections Proposition 47 Cohort IV grant funded housing services; and
b. Authorize the Public Defender, Chief Assistant Public Defender, or designee to execute up to five (5) future amendments to this Agreement, where the amendments do not alter the not-to-exceed amount of $1,500,000 and do not significantly alter the scope of work.
SUMMARY:
On July 1, 2025, the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors authorized the Public Defender’s Office to execute Standard Agreement Number A-17417 with Step Up on Second Street, Inc. (Step Up), with a not-to-exceed amount of $1,000,000 and a term of July 1, 2025-June 30, 2028, to provide Board of State and Community Corrections Proposition 47 (Prop. 47) grant funded housing services in Monterey County. Amendment Number 1 was subsequently executed on September 24, 2025, which reallocated certain direct program costs as a result of Step Up’s updated internal cost distribution plan, with no change to the Agreement’s not-to-exceed amount, term, or scope of work. Due to the high level of demand for housing services for Prop. 47 eligible participants, additional funding is necessary to ensure Step Up can continue to provide services through the duration of the Prop. 47 grant period. Thus, the Public Defender’s Office and Step Up mutually desire to amend the Agreement via Amendment Number 2 to increase the not-to-exceed amount by $500,000 for an updated not-to-exceed amount of $1,500,000, with no change to the term of the agreement.
DISCUSSION:
On November 12, 2024, per Board Order Number A-17152, the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors authorized the Public Defender’s Office to accept an $8,000,000 Proposition 47 Cohort IV Grant (Prop. 47) award with a term of October 3, 2024-June 30, 2028, from the Board of State and Community Corrections, and authorized execution of the associated grant agreement to fund mental health services, substance use disorder services, housing related assistance, community-based supportive services, and additional prevention/early intervention diversion services to Prop. 47 eligible adults and juveniles.
On July 1, 2025, the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors authorized the Public Defender’s Office to execute Standard Agreement Number A-17417, with a not-to-exceed amount of $1,000,000 and a term of July 1, 2025-June 30, 2028, with Step Up on Second Street, Inc. (Step Up) to provide Prop. 47 grant funded housing services in Monterey County. Step Up is a nonprofit organization providing compassionate support to individuals experiencing serious mental health issues and chronic homelessness. They offer a range of housing and support services to help individuals stabilize, reintegrate into the community, and thrive in recovery, and have a proven track record of navigating the significant housing barriers facing the Prop. 47 target population.
Amendment Number 1 was subsequently executed on September 24, 2025, which reallocated certain direct program costs as a result of Step Up’s updated internal cost distribution plan, with no change to the Agreement’s not-to-exceed amount, term, or scope of work.
Due to the high level of demand for housing services for Prop. 47 eligible participants, additional funding is needed to ensure services can be provided through the duration of the Prop. 47 grant period. To meet this demand, the Public Defender’s Office and Step Up mutually desire to amend the Agreement via Amendment Number 2 to increase the not-to-exceed amount by $500,000 for an updated not-to-exceed amount of $1,500,000, with no change to the term of the Agreement.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
County Counsel’s Office and the Auditor-Controller’s Office have reviewed and approved as to form.
FINANCING:
There will be no impact to the General Fund from this action. This Agreement is funded by Proposition 47 Cohort IV Grant funding. The Proposition 47 Cohort IV Grant does not require matching funds.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This Amendment Number 2 aligns with the Well-Being and Quality of Life Strategic Goal by expanding housing, mental health, and supportive services that promote stability and improved outcomes for vulnerable populations. It also advances the Safe and Resilient Communities Strategic Goal by reducing recidivism, strengthening community stability, and supporting coordinated justice system responses.
X Well-Being and Quality of Life
Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
X Safe and Resilient Communities
Diverse and Thriving Economy
Administrative
Prepared by: Ashley English, Management Analyst III, x5543
Approved by: Raymond Buenaventura, Public Defender, x5806
Attachments:
Attachment A: Amendment Number 2 to Standard Agreement with Step Up on Second Street, Inc.
Attachment B: Amendment Number 1 to Standard Agreement with Step Up on Second Street, Inc.
Attachment C: Standard Agreement with Step Up on Second Street, Inc.
Attachment D: Board Order Number A-17417