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As California faces threats from federal budget and policy proposals amid an anticipated flat (no-growth) budget for its 2025 – 2026 fiscal year, strategic choices grounded in values of racial and economic equity are needed to ensure that all residents can thrive. The state’s budget process holds the key to determining which policies will create a more equitable California, and philanthropy has an important opportunity to influence these outcomes over the course of the state’s budget cycle from January to June.
Trans leaders need the spaciousness–many of us understand to be provided by sufficient resourcing–to be able to dream even bigger. As funders, we must understand, now is not the time to center our individual agendas; we cannot focus on single program areas, issues, and strategies, or tepid expansion of portfolios. The Right continues to fund for the long haul, and progressive philanthropy needs to expand our funding and our imagination. If we are working toward equity, we must be steadfast in resourcing trans leaders committed to, and creating long-term strategies for, trans people to live with self-determination and full autonomy.
We all have felt the impact of heat waves this summer, but the costs and stakes are different across communities and neighborhoods in California. While temperatures rise in California, so do extreme heat illnesses and heat mortality. Those most impacted are unlikely to live in cooler coastal communities, or have access to air-conditioned homes.
In the last week, a series of devastating wildfires associated with an extreme wind event swept through Southern California, prompting swift action from local, state, and federal authorities. Thousands of structures have been affected, over 200,000 residents have been displaced, and at least 24 civilians have lost their lives. Government officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, issued emergency declarations as the fires intensified, allowing for the rapid deployment of resources to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure. These declarations were followed by a major presidential disaster declaration, signed by President Biden within days of the fires' peak intensity.
This is a pivotal moment in protecting and strengthening the fabric of American democracy. While we are still grappling with the destabilizing efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, we are watching the threat to democracy growing as state legislators in multiple states are pushing for new voting barriers that target Black and brown people, working-class folks, young people, and immigrants.
Learn more about the Advisory Group for the Bay Area Homelessness Funders Network here.
NCG is excited to officially welcome Nephthali Ramirez (she/her) to the team!