UTT OF:
1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: April 27, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dr. Sean M. Moore, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Trevor Benson, Public Safety Manager
SUBJECT: Proposition 36 Funding and Support Letter
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
Item No.
1. Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom and members of the California State Legislature advocating for full and sustained funding for the implementation of Proposition 36; or
2. Provide further direction to staff.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
Proposition 36 was approved by California voters to address ongoing concerns related to crime, substance use, and repeat offenses, while also expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation services. The measure reflects a statewide effort to balance accountability with opportunities for recovery and long-term stability.
As implementation begins, local governments —including the City of Yucaipa --will play a significant role in carrying out the intent of the measure. This includes impacts to law enforcement, prosecution, court systems, and coordination with behavioral health and treatment providers.
The success of Proposition 36 is contingent upon adequate and sustained funding from the State.
Without sufficient financial support, local jurisdictions may experience increased demands on public safety resources without the necessary tools to effectively respond.
Key areas where funding is critical include:
• Law Enforcement: Increased response to repeat theft and ding -related offenses • Prosecution and Courts: Additional resources needed for timely case processing and adjudication
• Treatment Services: Expansion of substance use disorder programs and recovery services to reduce recidivism
• Interagency Coordination: Strengthening partnerships among cities, counties, and state agencies
Failure to fully fund these components could shift financial and operational burdens to local governments, potentially impacting service delivery and overall public safety outcomes.
The proposed letter communicates the City Council's position that the State must provide reliable funding to ensure Proposition 36 achieves its intended goals and reflects the will of the voters.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with sending the proposed letter. However, inadequate state funding for Proposition 36 could result in increased costs to the City related to law enforcement services and coordination efforts.
Attachment(s):
1. Draft Letter to Governor Newsom and State Legislature Supporting Full Funding of Proposition 36
ATTACHMENT 1
CITY OF
April 27, 2026
The Honorable Gavin Newsom
Governor, State of California
10210 Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Support for Full Funding and Implementation of Proposition 36 On behalf of the Yucaipa City Council, we respectfully urge the State of California to ensure full and sustained funding for the implementation of Proposition 36. As communities across California continue working to balance public safety, accountability, and meaningful rehabilitation opportunities, it is essential that the State provide the financial resources necessary to carry out the intent of the voters.
Local governments are on the front lines of addressing crime, substance use disorders, and quality - of -life impacts affecting neighborhoods, businesses, and public spaces. Proposition 36 represents an important policy framework intended to strengthen accountability while expanding pathways toward treatment and recovery. However, its success depends on reliable state investment in enforcement support, prosecution capacity, court operations, treatment services, and local coordination efforts.
Without adequate funding, cities and counties may face increased operational burdens that could limit the effectiveness of the measure and shift costs to already -strained local public safety systems.
Ensuring full funding will help:
• Support local law enforcement agencies responding to repeat theft and drug -related offenses • Strengthen prosecutorial and court resources needed for timely case processing • Expand access to treatment and recovery services that reduce recidivism • Improve coordination between local governments, counties, and state partners • Deliver on the expectations expressed by California voters City of Yucaipa
34272 Yucaipa Blvd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
909-797-2489
The City of Yucaipa remains committed to collaborative, balanced approaches that enhance community safety while supporting individuals in accessing services that promote long-term stability. Fully funding Proposition 36 will help ensure the measure achieves its intended outcomes and supports communities throughout the state.
We respectfully request your continued leadership in prioritizing the resources necessary to implement Proposition 36 effectively and equitably.
Thank you for your consideration and your commitment to the safety and well-being of California's communities.
Sincerely,
Chris Venable
Mayor
cc. Inland Empire Legislative Delegation
San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors
League of California Cities, citylettersRwcacities.ora
City of Yucaipa
34272 Yucaipa Blvd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
909-797-2489