CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
September 21, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Anita D. Scott, City Manager
Submitted By: Mark J. Gluba, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION RECEIVING A DONATION OF $4,000 FROM WALMART AND AMENDING THE FY 2026-27 OPERATING BUDGET BY INCREASING REVENUE ESTIMATES AND APPROPRIATIONS RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-102 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FY 2026-27 OPERATING BUDGET TO INCREASE REVENUE ESTIMATES AND APPROPRIATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,000 OF DONATED FUNDING FROM WALMART FOR THE HEROES OF POMONA SPEECH CONTEST Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement and any subsequent amendments, subject to review by the City Attorney.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Heroes of Pomona Speech Contest offers youth participants ages 7-17 the opportunity to compete in a citywide speech contest by delivering a 3–5-minute commemorative speech about a Pomona individual who has made a positive and meaningful impact in their lives and/or within the community. Participants that placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in their respective categories receive scholarship cash awards to support their future educational goals. A donated award of $4,000 was received and will be distributed in May 2027.
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:
Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-102 (Attachment No. 1) will have a fiscal impact on the FY 2026-27 Operating budget, as donated funds were awarded to the After School Program for the Heroes of Pomona Speech Contest scholarship prizes. Funds were received to FD101 General Fund – CC4112 After School – 45000 Other Revenues: Donations] for the Walmart Spark Grant and will be appropriated to [FD101 General Fund – CC4112 After School- 52000 Controllable Expenses: Special Programs].
Project No.
Funds
Account No.
Amount
After School
101 General Fund
FD101-CC4112-45000 Other Revenues: Donations
($4,000)
After School
101 General Fund
FD101-CC4112-52000 Controllable Expenses; 52000 Controllable Expenses: Special Programs $4,000
Total Fiscal Impact
$0.00
DISCUSSION:
In 2018, the City of Pomona held its first ever Heroes of Pomona Speech Contest through the support of Tri-City Mental Health Services’ (MHS) Community Wellbeing Grant Program. The project consisted of team building, confidence-boosting, and speech-writing activities that included storytelling, mini-monologues, and topic discussions for peers to get to know one another and become comfortable speaking in groups. Leading up to the contest, staff taught the participants speech fundamentals such as voice expression, enunciation, clarity, gestures, and overall presentation. Staff assisted participants in speech writing, outlining, and timing speeches. Participants then composed and delivered a 3–5-minute commemorative speech about a Pomona individual who has made a positive and/or meaningful impact in his or her life and/or within their community. Participants who presented their speech in a culminating City event had the opportunity to win a cash scholarship prize to go toward college.
As public funds cannot be used for cash prizes, staff must secure sponsorships and/or conduct fundraising efforts to support prize cash awards. For the 2027 Heroes of Pomona Speech Contest, staff obtained a donated award of $4,000 through the Walmart Spark Grant Program, which will fund cash scholarship awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in both the elementary and middle school divisions.
Community Services is committed to continuing to provide youth ages 7-17 with valuable and academic experiences through the Heroes of Pomona Speech Contest. Staff will continue to collaborate with local partners and community agencies to sustain and expand the program, ensuring youth have ongoing opportunities to build confidence, strengthen public speaking skills, and celebrate individuals who positively impact the Pomona community.
COUNCIL PRIORITIES & GOALS:
This item supports the 2026-2027 City Council Priority 1: Strengthening Quality of Life and Community Safety – Goal C: Support safe and healthy environments for children and youth.
Prepared by:
_____________________________
Monica Belloso
Management Analyst
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment No. 1 – Resolution No. 2026-102
Heroes of Pomona Speech Contest Grant Award