County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors April 14, 2026 9:30 a.m.

The County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors held a meeting on April 14, 2026, which included extensive discussions on public defense services, child care expansion grants, jail reform efforts, and use of force reports. The Public Defender's Office presented a detailed report on their workload, budget challenges, and service outcomes, highlighting significant case overloads compared to national standards and the impact of budget cuts on staffing and services. The board requested comparative data on workloads and salaries from similar counties and discussed potential strategies to mitigate workload issues. The Child Care Expansion Grant Program, funded by ARPA and administered in partnership with Valley Health Foundation, was reviewed, noting that 52 grants totaling approximately $85 million were awarded to expand child care capacity, particularly in underserved areas. Challenges such as subsidy availability and staffing were noted, and the board approved the continuation of funding efforts. Jail reform updates were provided by the Sheriff’s Office, Custody Health, and Technology Services, including progress on consent decree compliance, facility improvements, and inmate programs. The board emphasized the need for interim plans addressing safety, overdose prevention, and facility conditions. The annual use of force report revealed disproportionate impacts on Black and Latino individuals, prompting motions for further analysis and public reporting on racial disparities. Multiple motions were passed directing staff to provide additional data, interim plans, and to enhance community engagement and oversight related to jail conditions and public defense workloads.