San Mateo – Civic leaders from across San Mateo County met Thursday to prepare for expected sweeping changes to state and federal policies and priorities.
Uncertainty surrounds the future of health care funding and eligibility, immigration policy, infrastructure investment and more.
“They do have real impacts for the people in our county and in many cases the most vulnerable in our county. That’s why we are here today to listen to you,” County Executive Mike Callagy said as he kicked off the day-long conference at the San Mateo County Event Center.
“We want to listen,” Callagy said to about 150 representatives from local cities, nonprofit organizations and other groups. “We want to understand what your concerns might be or how policy might impact you.”
Participants said they were concerned that changes to the eligibility for a host of programs funded by the federal government could create a chilling effect, stopping families from applying for or receiving certain benefits.
“They’re afraid their information will be shared and they will be put on some radar,” said Laura Bent, CEO of Samaritan House, a San Mateo-based nonprofit that serves individuals and families with low incomes. “They are afraid of cuts. They are afraid of reductions in services and supports they have and they rely upon.”
Discussions focused on ways local governments and community groups can come together to support a wide array of safety-net services, regardless of who delivers those services.
“What we’ve witnessed is a total team effort,” said David Canepa, president of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors who attended the event. “It’s the County, our cities, our community-based organizations and nonprofits. As we move forward we realize it’s not just a County solution. It’s not just a city solution. It’s a collective solution. That’s the significance and importance of what’s happening today.”
Michelle Durand
Chief Communications Officer
mdurand@smcgov.org