PILLAR: Vibrant
AGENDA DATE: January 14, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Office of Housing and Community Empowerment
PRIORITY: N/A
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize (1) the ratification of payment to Big Thought for the uninterrupted provision of community mental health services from November 9, 2025 through January 13, 2026; (2) partial amendment to Section 2 of Resolution No. 23-0625 to extend the service contract term with Big Thought; and (3) Supplemental Agreement No. 2 to the service contract with Big Thought to extend the term from November 8, 2025 to May 31, 2026 - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
*In alignment with Drivers of Opportunity nexus.
Body
BACKGROUND
On May 10, 2023, the City Council authorized a service contract with Big Thought to provide and support foundational, social and emotional learning and general mental health awareness trainings to youth and family focused organizations whose services reach youth and families located in Qualifying Census Tracts and/or zip codes on the Covid Equity Impact Assessment Table by Resolution No. 23-0625. Subsequently, the service contract term was extended for six months by Extension Request 24-0561 followed by a one-year renewal by Administrative Action No. 24-6577.
Recent suspensions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and reduced SNAP benefits levels have exacerbated food insecurity in the community, contributing to increased levels of stress in families and mental health issues for individuals. Big Thought was originally awarded this agreement to meet needs caused or worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic impacts. However, many of these circumstances are still in place and services are still needed.
To meet the demand for community mental health services and ensure expenditure of allocated grant funds Big Thought provided services beyond the Term expiration. This ratification provides for the payment to Big Thought for the uninterrupted performance of mental community mental health services during November 9, 2025, through January 13, 2026. The department previously attempted to extend the agreement administratively through the Office of Procurement Services but was unable to at the recommendation of the City Attorney’s Office as the original resolution did not authorize administrative extension. Department staff were notified that this extension would not be allowed in December and moved to bring the item to the City Council for authorization on the soonest possible council agenda date.
Additionally, the Office of Housing and Community Empowerment staff recommend an extension of the Term of the Agreement to May 31, 2026. This extension will ensure that the vendor is able to fully expend the funding during the contract period, avoiding a potential need to reallocate obligated ARPA funds.
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
Began Delivery of Services November 2025
End Delivery of Services May 2026
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On May 10, 2023, the City Council authorized a service contract with Big Thought for community mental health services by Resolution No. 23-0625.
The City Council was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on January 9, 2026. <The%20City%20Council%20was%20briefed%20by%20memorandum%20regarding%20this%20matter%20on%20January%209,%202026.>
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.
PROCUREMENT INFORMATION
This item is being awarded on an emergency basis.
OWNER/EXECUTIVE
Big Thought
Erin Offord, President and Chief Executive Officer