Commission assigns 2026 grantee site visits, sets June 30 deadline; members press for clearer questionnaires and faster payments

The Ann Land Berth and Hinter Memorial Funds Commission voted to accept assignments for 2026 grantee site visits and set June 30, 2026, as the deadline for completed visit reports.

Commissioner Tabith moved to accept the assignments and set the June 30 due date, and Commissioner Malik seconded; the motion passed by roll call with Member Beckman absent. Chair Ellis presided over the vote.

Commissioners each selected two grantees to visit from a packet of 20 organizations. Examples named during the assignment process included Stamford Settlement, Loaves and Fishes, the Asian Community Center (DBAACC Senior Services), the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, Weave Weave, Inc., First Steps Housing, Travelers Aid Emergency Assistance Agency, Women of Color on the Move, Sister’s House, Women’s Civic Improvement Club, St. John’s Program for Real Change and Wellspring Women’s Center.

Commissioner Smith urged caution about scheduling visits before grantees had funds in hand. “I think, correct me if I’m wrong, none of these grantees have their money yet. … I don’t think we should rush to do site visits,” Smith said, recommending a June 30 deadline so grantees have time to begin spending funds.

A city staff member told the commission that disbursements had begun the previous day and that grantees “should have money within the next 15 business days,” while noting a few contracts still needed full execution before payments could be processed.

Several commissioners asked that staff circulate a draft of the site-visit questionnaire in advance of the April meeting so members—especially newer commissioners—can review and propose changes. The city attorney advised that substantive changes should be placed on the April agenda for full discussion; staff said they would capture feedback now and include a draft questionnaire in the April agenda packet.

The commission directed staff to distribute the standard set of site-visit questions and to provide onboarding materials and a short site-visit etiquette guide for new commissioners.

Next steps: staff will circulate the draft questionnaire and related materials before the April meeting and will process outstanding contract executions and disbursements, after which commissioners can complete their assigned site visits before the June 30 deadline.