Title
Approve the submission of eleven (11) entries to the 2023 California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Challenge Awards competition.
Report
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve the submission of eleven (11) entries to the 2023 California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Challenge Awards competition.
SUMMARY & DISCUSSION
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. Below is a summary of the eleven (11) recommended submissions to the 2023 competition from the County of Monterey.
1. Camp Esperanza: Camp Esperanza is a District Attorney’s Office led weeklong summer camp for child victims of crime in Monterey County. District Attorney’s Office.
2. Pajaro River Encampment Resolution Project: The Pajaro River encampment resolution project is a multi-jurisdictional partnership that puts chronically homeless individuals living on the Pajaro River on a pathway to housing. County Administrative Office (CAO), Homeless Services.
3. Monterey County Environmental Public Health Leadership Institute (MEPHLI): MEPHLI is an operational level leadership program that strengthens and enhances the professionalism, skill and developmental capabilities of our local environmental health specialists and support staff. Health Department, Environmental Health Bureau.
4. Network Site Technology Standardization - Public Wi-Fi Project: There are three key factors impacting digital equity - availability, affordability, and adoption. The County of Monterey has taken significant steps to address availability through the Public Wi-Fi Project. Information Technology Department (ITD).
5. Zoom Rooms - Video Meetings Beyond COVID-19: Design, implement and adopt a hybrid work environment solution that fosters seamless collaboration and enhances business interactions with a remote workforce and for continuity of business. Information Technology Department (ITD).
6. Temporary Emergency Shelter Case Management System: Monterey County’s Temporary Emergency Shelter Application cross references the needs of disaster evacuees with shelters and services provided by the County and other community services agencies. Information Technology Department (ITD).
7. Land Use Fee Online Estimator: The County of Monterey’s Housing and Community Development (HCD) Land Use Fee Estimator application simplifies access to permitting fee information through a user-friendly web interface. Information Technology Department (ITD).
8. Leadership Learning Exchange: The Leadership Learning Exchange offers a comprehensive online platform for current and aspiring leaders. It serves as a “one-stop-shop” for leadership development, providing access to informal learning, career development and coaching resources, all while supporting employee engagement and retention. - Human Resources Department (HRD)
9. WellScreen Monterey: WellScreen Monterey is a confidential web-based tool that screens individuals ages 16+ for various mental health conditions and refers to relevant local and online resources. - Health Department, Behavioral Health.
10. Public Relations and Social Media Outreach: The County of Monterey's innovative public relations and social media outreach efforts focus on post-pandemic public safety and disaster response, serving the suburban County of Monterey. Managed by the County Communications Bureau, our program showcases best practices and exceptional results achieved in the past year. - CAO, County Communications.
11. Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Equity Officer: The Monterey County Department of Emergency Management, in collaboration with the Monterey County Administrative Office and Health Department established an Equity Officer position within the Command Staff of the Monterey County Operational Area Emergency Operations Center organizational structure. Department of Emergency Management (DEM).
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
The County Administrative Office-Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs Division prepared this report with materials submitted by the District Attorney’s Office, CAO-Homeless Services, CAO-County Communications, Environmental Health, Behavioral Health, Information Technology Department, Human Resources Department, and Department of Emergency Management.
FINANCING
Approval of this action will not impact the General Fund. Each submission to the CSAC Challenge Awards competition requires a $100 entry fee. Eleven (11) entries from the County of Monterey will be submitted for a total cost of $1,100 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:
The items included in this report relate to all of the Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives.
o Economic Development
o Administration
o Health & Human Services
o Infrastructure
o Public Safety
Prepared by: Annette D’Adamo, Management Analyst III
Approved by: Nicholas E. Chiulos, Assistant CAO
Date: August 7, 2023
Attachments
2023 CSAC Challenge Award Entries