CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
August 4, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Anita D. Scott, City Manager
Submitted By: Mark J. Gluba, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: DISCUSS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMPASSIONATE FUND TO ASSIST FAMILIES IMPACTED BY FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ACTIVITIES RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
Discuss establishment and City funding for a Compassionate Fund to assist families impacted by Federal immigration enforcement activities; and, Direct staff to bring back an appropriation and/or a contribution from respective City Councilmembers’ discretionary Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 General Fund Budgets for future Council action to seed and support the establishment of a Compassionate Fund; and, Direct staff to identify an organization to administer the Compassionate Fund and related activities.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Council has consistently expressed and demonstrated its support for Pomona’s diverse population, including the immigrant community. In light of recent Federal activities, such as immigration raids, several local cities have coordinated, established, and/or funded programs to support their respective immigrant communities. The City Council has expressed a desire to establish and provide City funding for a Compassionate Fund to assist the city’s immigrant population, particularly those who feel vulnerable or have been impacted by these recent enforcement activities.
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 $500 or more that would require disclosure and/or recusal from discussing or acting on this agenda item. Campaign contributions of $500 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:
There will be no fiscal impact from this action. However, if the City Council chooses to provide City funding support for establishing the Compassionate Fund, an appropriation from General Fund Reserves and/or a contribution from respective City Councilmembers' discretionary FY 2025-26 General Fund Budgets will be proposed at a future council meeting for approval. The FY 2025-26 General Fund Budget currently reflects a projected deficit of $5.5M.
DISCUSSION:
The City Council has consistently expressed and demonstrated its support for Pomona’s diverse population, including the immigrant community. In light of recent Federal activities, the Mayor and City Council have directed staff to place an item on the agenda to discuss establishing a Compassionate Fund, including consideration for financial support. This action reaffirms the City’s strong commitment to upholding the dignity, well-being, and sense of belonging of all residents, especially those affected by these enforcement efforts.
Staff is aware of other cities and organizations that have established similar funds. While most of these initiatives are supported through private funding, at least one city launched its program using surplus General Fund dollars. In all cases, the cities have partnered with nonprofit organizations to help administer and distribute the financial assistance.
These funds typically provide food and essential supplies, mental and medical health services, and legal resources. Pomona’s Compassionate Fund is intended to offer the same types of support, with specific eligibility criteria to be determined.
Given this information, it is recommended that the City Council discuss creating the Compassionate Fund to be administered by a qualified provider and, if the Council wishes to provide City funding, direct staff to return with a general fund appropriation for consideration.
Prepared by:
Mark J. Gluba
Assistant City Manager
Discussion Regarding the Establishment of a Compassionate Fund