City Council Staff Report Page 1 of 3 May 12, 2026
Staff Report
Agenda Item No. 4.4
DATE: May 12, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Joan Malloy, City Manager
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Accepting a Grant from First 5 Alameda County, Measure C – First 5 Early Care and Education Emergency Grant in the Amount of $50,000, and Increase Community and Recreation Services Revenue Projections for Holly Preschool
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Union City staff secured a $50,000 Measure C grant from First 5 Alameda County to support the City’s early childhood education program at Holly Preschool. The funding provides short-term operational relief for childcare providers and helps programs remain open amid countywide childcare shortages.
Staff is recommending that the City Council adopt a resolution to accept the First 5 Early Care and Education Emergency Grant of $50,000 from First 5 Alameda County, Measure C, in the Amount of $50,000, and increase the Community and Recreation Services Revenue Projection for Holly Preschool.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
This agenda item does not align with a specific goal or strategy. Still, it is required to receive Grant funds and allocated public service grants, both of which support the City’s overall mission to create and provide effective, high-quality services that foster a high quality of life and economic vitality.
BACKGROUND
The Measure C Child Care Grant Program provides one-time funding to eligible Family Child Care programs and childcare centers throughout Alameda County. These grants are funded through Measure C, the Children’s Health and Child Care Initiative for Alameda County, approved by Alameda County taxpayers.
Agenda Item No. 4.4
City Council Staff Report Page 2 of 3 May 12, 2026
The funding is intended to help early childcare and education providers:
• Remain open and operational
• Improve facilities
• Purchase furniture, equipment, and classroom supplies • Support and retain childcare staff
• Address childcare shortages within the community
Grant awards are based on licensed program capacity. The City’s Preschool Program qualifies under the Small Child Care Center category and is eligible to receive $50,000 in one-time grant funding.
A portion of the grant award must be directed toward educator support and staffing costs.
The lack of accessible and affordable childcare continues to impact families throughout Alameda County. Reliable childcare allows families to maintain employment, supports child development, and contributes to the economic stability of the community. This funding will help strengthen and sustain local early childhood education services.
Grant awards are contingent upon approval by the First 5 Alameda County Commission and the Alameda County Board of Supervisors as part of the Child Care, Preschool, and Early Education 5-Year Program Plan and Budget process.
DISCUSSION
The proposed grant funding will support preschool operations and staff. Funding may be used for classroom materials, supplies, facility improvements, and staff support initiatives.
Final distribution amounts for staff support will be determined in accordance with grant guidelines and program needs.
Acceptance of this funding will assist the Preschool Program in maintaining quality services, supporting staff retention, and addressing operational needs during ongoing economic challenges affecting the childcare industry.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City of Union City will receive $50,000 in one-time Measure C Child Care Grant funding into account 24152031-44502 [CRS Fund, Licensed Pre-School Program, Misc County/Local Grant revenues]. No matching funds are required. Funding will be appropriated into the Preschool Program budget and utilized in accordance with grant requirements. The City can use these funds to cover eligible expenses dating back to January 1, 2025, and must be used by June 30, 2026.
There is no impact on the City’s General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution accepting a Grant from First 5 Alameda County, Measure C – First 5 Early Care and Education Emergency Grant in the amount of $50,000, and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents to receive the grant from First 5 Alameda County.
Agenda Item No. 4.4
City Council Staff Report Page 3 of 3 May 12, 2026
Prepared by: Tony Silvera, Recreation Administrative Technician Submitted by: Laura Buzo, Community and Recreation Services Director Attachments
1. Draft Resolution