DATE:
May 19, 2026
26
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
SUPPORTING SAN DIEGO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THROUGH BRIDGE FUNDING FOR HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
Every year, thousands of San Diego children under five show early signs of developmental or behavioral delays, and for each of them, the window to intervene effectively is narrow. The First 5 Commission of San Diego (First 5) exists to make sure that support is there. Established under Proposition 10, First 5 uses dedicated tobacco tax revenue to fund early childhood programs that reach children from prenatal through age five, before small delays become lasting ones.
Among the most important of these investments is Healthy Development Services (HDS). For nearly two decades, HDS has helped fill a critical gap in care for children ages 0 to 5 with mild to moderate developmental and behavioral concerns who do not qualify for existing early intervention systems but still need timely support to stay on track. HDS helps families get help early, before delays become crises and before children fall further behind developmentally.
Due to declining Proposition 10 revenues, First 5 faces an ongoing structural funding challenge. First 5 has been developing a long-term fiscal strategy that is underway, and will be fully implemented in Fiscal Year FY 2027-28. In the interim two years, there is a significant gap that requires bridge funding to sustain services for children.
Without this bridge funding, First 5's HDS programs would be reduced by approximately 38% and nearly 3,350 children and families would lose access to critical services in the coming year, many of whom have no other options for care. That means thousands of children missing occupational therapy, speech therapy, and developmental support during the most critical window of their development.
Last year, the Board approved a $4.3 million transfer from the Tobacco Securitization Fund to prevent service cuts ...
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