Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Yolo County, California public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
19 issues
Leinberger jail facility and state compliance risk
The Probation Department wants to add two custody programs at the county's Juvenile Detention Facility, including a Secure Track treatment track. A resolution would authorize the Chief of Probation to create them. Residents may want to know how this changes options for young people in the justice system.
Local juvenile Secure Track and Camp programs
Yolo County currently pays El Dorado County $475 per day to house two youth in secure track — up to $350,000–$400,000 a year leaving the county. Opening local programs keeps youth close to family and keeps state realignment funds ($910,000/year) working in Yolo.
Knights Landing Flood Mitigation Project easements
Two agreements totaling $23,100 buy permanent flood control easements from local landowners for the Knights Landing Flood Mitigation Project.
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan implementation
The county needs more than 6,300 public chargers by 2035 — ten times today's count — but huge parts of the county have zero electrical grid capacity for them. The adopted plan charts chargers, e-bikes, car share and electrifying the county's 529-vehicle fleet, with no money attached yet.
Invasive golden mussels approaching the region
The board affirmed for another cycle that the invasive Golden Mussel infestation in the Delta remains a local emergency — keeping the county eligible for response resources.
Kratom public health risk and enforcement
Kratom has been linked to seven fatal overdoses in Yolo County since 2017 and is sold as a "health product" at smoke shops and gas stations. The board picked amending the tobacco retail license over a standalone ordinance — a 4-1 call with worries about adding work to stretched staff.
How to spend $1.1 million in behavioral health housing funds
Only $1.1 million is actually available for behavioral health housing capital projects — not the $3.3 million previously reported. Community input favored fixing up existing facilities over building new, and the board agreed, with bridge housing for 55 people needing to be sustained.
Election certification contest
On Election Day itself, the county ratified a resolution supporting election workers and opposing intimidation of voters and officials — prompted by community members from Indivisible YOLO and threats election offices have faced.
Groundwater Management and Ag Well Moratorium
The Board approved a groundwater work plan covering well separation rules, meter-ready requirements, drought resiliency and more through the August 2027 moratorium. They also mandated an independent peer review of every hydrogeologist report to guard against developer-friendly findings.
Freeport Bridge Closure Impacts Clarksburg
The Freeport Bridge, the main east-west link for Clarksburg, closes November 2 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily for a month — a big headache for three schools, commuters and local businesses. Supervisor Villegas explained Sacramento County runs the project and the Coast Guard ruled out night work; the county is pushing better notification and traffic management.
Yolo 80 Express Lanes Tolling
CARTA presented the Yolo 80 express lanes: one new tolled lane in each direction on the causeway, with tolling starting 2028, carpools of three or more riding free, and toll revenue staying in the corridor.
Farm Worker Housing Efforts
Supervisors reported on farmworker housing site work in Woodland and a Full Belly Farms community land trust proposal for affordable homeownership duplexes; the Housing Authority also backed a Habitat for Humanity build in Esparto.
UC Cooperative Extension services and federal cuts
UCCE lost nine staff when federal funding ended the CalFresh Healthy Living nutrition program, which served 3,468 Yolo residents last year. County volunteers still contribute over 27,000 hours worth more than $1 million.
Yolo Active Transportation Corridors Plan adopted
The county officially adopted the YATC Plan as its bicycle transportation plan after two years of planning — laying the groundwork for connected trails between Yolo communities.
2025 Agricultural Economy and Crop Report
Yolo County agriculture hit nearly $912 million in gross value, up 11%, driven by almond prices — but wine grapes keep sliding and tariffs are cutting exports to China. Supervisors asked for future reports to show ag's jobs, local spending, and Williamson Act footprint so residents understand the industry's full value.
North Davis Meadows water consolidation
A $1.64 million budget amendment pays water connection fees to consolidate North Davis Meadows' water system — no hit to the general fund.
Yolo County homelessness response and 2026-2029 plan
The latest count found 912 people experiencing homelessness in Yolo County, up sharply in chronic homelessness, with a new 2026-2029 regional plan now in place. The Board asked for a full update at a future meeting.
Future of Yolo County's membership in Area 4 Agency on Aging
The county pays $56,588 a year into the seven-county aging agency and gets back about $1.1 million in services — Meals on Wheels, ombudsman visits, caregiver support. Starting in 2027, counties can split off and run their own agency, and the county's Aging Ad Hoc is studying whether to do just that, with a letter of intent due in January.
Measure X transient occupancy tax increase on November ballot
The county wants to raise the hotel/short-term rental tax in unincorporated areas from 8% to 12%, matching nearby cities — worth about $250,000 a year, mostly from the UC Davis hotel. Ordinance language comes back May 26; voters would decide in November.