Our Role in the Community Advisory Council (CAC)

The Alameda County Early Care & Education Planning Council (Planning Council) has a defined role in supporting the Measure C Community Advisory Council (CAC). The CAC, established under the Measure C Ordinance, is an 11-member volunteer advisory body that provides recommendations to First 5 Alameda County on the administration of the Child Care, Preschool, and Early Education (CCPEE) account.

A diverse group of ten people representing the Community Advisory Council standing shoulder to shoulder outside a building, smiling for the photo.

The Community Advisory Council is composed of the following members pictured: Mitch Sigman, Robert Williams, Kym Johnson, Savitha Moorthy, Paulene McCarthy, Maéva Renaud, Tracey Black and Nancy Harvey. Not pictured: Heidi Gerard, Bry’Anna Wallace and David Padilla. Also pictured: Kristen Spanos (CEO of First 5 Alameda County).

Appointments and Membership

One of the Planning Council’s key responsibilities is the joint appointment of CAC members, in partnership with the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. Together, the Planning Council and the Board of Supervisors review applications and select individuals to fill designated seats as outlined in the Measure C Ordinance. These seats reflect a balance of expertise and lived experience, including providers, parents, public agency staff, and community representatives. The Planning Council ensures that the process is transparent, equitable, and aligned with the requirements of the ordinance.

Collaboration with First 5 Alameda County

While the CAC provides recommendations directly to First 5 Alameda County, the Planning Council’s role ensures the CAC itself is fully staffed and supported in accordance with the Measure C Ordinance. By co-appointing members, the Planning Council helps uphold the structure that allows the CAC to focus on its advisory responsibilities.

Why Our Role Matters

The Measure C Ordinance intentionally positioned the Planning Council as a co-appointing body alongside the Board of Supervisors to reflect our long-standing role as the county’s state-mandated planning body for child care and early education. This partnership helps ensure that CAC membership reflects both governance oversight and expertise from the early care and education field.

For more information about meeting dates, please visit: Community Advisory Council | First 5 Alameda County. Applications for the CAC are closed. For more information, follow linked page.