CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
October 21, 2024
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Anita Gutierrez, City Manager
Submitted By: Mark J. Gluba, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE OF THE PROPOSITION 47 (PROP 47) GRANT PROGRAM AND AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2024-2025 CITY OPERATING BUDGET RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
Adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-182 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2024-25 CITY OPERATING BUDGET TO INCREASE REVENUE ESTIMATES AND APPROPRIATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,636,371 THROUGH ACCEPTANCE OF THE PROPOSITION 47 GRANT Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to negotiate and execute all related documents to receive the grant funds and implement the funded activities.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On October 3, 2024, the City of Pomona was notified by the Board State and Community Corrections of an award amounting to $8,000,000 through the Proposition 47 (Prop 47) Grant Program Funds. The Pomona Office of Violence Prevention & Neighborhood Wellbeing is committed to reducing non-violent crimes from felonies to misdemeanors through a proactive approach. In response to the growing prevalence of low-level crimes in Pomona, this initiative aims to divert individuals from the criminal justice system by providing holistic, culturally competent support services. The project will address key challenges faced by system-impacted individuals, particularly those with mental health and substance use disorders, through partnerships with local organizations like God’s Pantry. The goal is to reduce recidivism by offering services such as case management, workforce development, legal assistance, mental health counseling, and housing support. By expanding these crucial services, the initiative aims to enhance public safety, promote rehabilitation, and foster long-term community well-being in alignment with the objectives of Proposition 47.
SB1439/GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLICABILITY:
☐ When this box is checked, it indicates the agenda item is subject to the Levine Act SB1439 requirements. Councilmembers are reminded to check their campaign contributions and determine whether they have received a campaign contribution of $250 or more that would require disclosure and/or recusal from discussing or acting on this agenda item. Campaign contributions of $250 or more made 1) by any person or entity who is identified in the agenda report as the applicant or proposer or 2) on behalf of the applicant or participant, including a parent, subsidiary or otherwise related business entity, or 3) by any person who has a financial interest in the agenda item requires a councilmember to comply with SB1439.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This action will be fiscally neutral, involving the acceptance of $8 million dollars in grant funding over a 3-year and 9-month period, with expenditures directly offset by the grant amount, supplemented by $666,950 leverage funds to be funded from existing CalVIP Grant and partner agencies. Approval of the resolution will amend the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operating Budget by increasing revenue estimates (187-0900-40873-00000) and appropriations (187-0900-5xxxx-00000) in the amount of $1,636,371, with annual appropriations for grant revenues and expenditures reflected in the proposed budget for subsequent fiscal years.
PREVIOUS RELATED ACTION:
On July 18, 2022, accepting $5,144,940 of California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) funds and establishing the City Office of Violence Prevention and Neighborhood Wellbeing and related programs.
DISCUSSION:
On October 3, 2024, the City of Pomona was notified by the Board of State and Community Corrections of an award amounting to $8,000,000 through the Proposition 47 Grant Program Funds for a three-year-and-nine-month period.
The City of Pomona faces a significant challenge with rising low-level crimes, which have contributed to increases in violent incidents. Between 2019 and 2023, over 13,800 minor infractions were recorded. This grant seeks to divert individuals, especially those with mental health or substance use disorders, from the criminal justice system through culturally competent services. With limited resources and a high demand for support, partners like God’s Pantry provide crucial services, including case management, housing, and youth diversion programs. These efforts, aligned with Proposition 47, aim to reduce recidivism and foster rehabilitation through community collaboration.
The Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) in Pomona formed the Proposition 47 Local Advisory Committee by engaging diverse community organizations. Seven members were selected for their commitment to recidivism reduction, reflecting the city’s demographic diversity. OVP ensures transparency by notifying the public of meetings in multiple languages across various platforms. Community events like workshops and peace walks connect residents to resources, and Peer Support Navigators with lived experience help engage Pomona’s predominantly Latino population, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
God’s Pantry provides critical services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system, especially those with mental health or substance use disorders. The program’s primary goals are to divert participants from further involvement in the justice system, prepare them for successful reintegration, and expand youth diversion services. The proposed program aims to achieve three co-equal goals focused on individuals transitioning from the justice system:
Goal 1: Divert our target population from continued participation in the criminal justice system through the delivery of social services.
Objectives: By the end of the program:
Achieve 90% of clients not reoffending within 6 months.
Deliver mental health and substance use services and education to 280 individuals Provide housing assistance to 105 individuals for an average of a six month stay Provide 1,000 hours of paid work experience and job readiness training to 105 individuals Goal 2: Prepare individuals for successful reintegration into society Objectives:
Graduate 90% participants with a minimum of two marketable skill certificates Place 50% of participants into employment within six months of completing the job readiness program Successfully complete 25 record expungements per year
Goal 3: Improve access to diversion services for high-school aged youth Objectives:
Expand diversion services into all 8 PUSD high schools
Deliver student recovery services to 40 students within our target population per year Increase graduation rate among program participants by 20% Key objectives include achieving a 90% non-reoffending rate within 6 months, delivering mental health services to 280 individuals, providing housing to 105 individuals, and offering job readiness training. Youth services will expand to all 8 PUSD high schools, aiming to increase graduation rates by 20%. The program also offers legal assistance, case management, and workforce development, all grounded in evidence-based practices and trauma-informed care.
The program's success will be evaluated by Dr. Gabrielle Plickert, an Associate Professor of Sociology at Cal Poly Pomona, using data from the Pomona Police Department. Key metrics will include program enrollment, service usage, and reductions in low-level crimes, with outcome measures assessing recidivism, employment, and mental health improvements. Baseline data will be collected before the program, with ongoing quarterly reviews. Data-sharing agreements with key stakeholders will support evaluation and scalability. This structured approach ensures transparency, accountability, and long-term impact assessment.
COUNCIL PRIORITIES & GOALS: This supports the FY 2024-25 City Council Priority No. 4 – Safe and Clean Community; Goal N – Take actions to eliminate prostitution, human trafficking, and gang-related violence.
Prepared by:
_____________________________
Vanessa Moreno
Violence Prevention Senior Analyst
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment No. 1 – Resolution No. 2024-182
Resolution to Accept and Appropriate Prop 47 Grant Funds