Yolo County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Yolo County, California public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Kratom public health risk and enforcement
The county's public health branch will present options — regulatory or enforcement-based — for addressing the sale of kratom, an herbal stimulant sold over the counter. The Board will choose a preferred approach and set next steps.
How to spend $1.1 million in behavioral health housing funds
The county gathered resident input in August on how to use $1.1 million in state Behavioral Health Services Act money for housing interventions. Supervisors will hear findings, receive the Local Behavioral Health Board's recommendations, and steer staff on funding priorities.
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.
Knights Landing Flood Mitigation Project easements
Two agreements totaling $23,100 would buy permanent and temporary easements from local landowners so the Knights Landing flood mitigation project can move forward.
Invasive golden mussels approaching the region
The Board would affirm the ongoing local emergency over the invasive golden mussel in the Delta, keeping boat inspection and prevention programs active.
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan implementation
The county would formally adopt its ZEV Action Plan, laying out how Yolo County transitions toward zero-emission vehicles — think charging infrastructure and fleet conversion.
Yolo 80 Express Lanes Tolling
CARTA presented on the new express lanes under construction on I-80: tolls begin in 2028 with dynamic pricing, carpools of three-plus ride free, and toll revenue must stay in the corridor. Phase 2 extension would cost roughly $250 million more.
Freeport Bridge Closure Impacts Clarksburg
The Freeport Bridge connecting Clarksburg to Freeport closes November 2 for a month of daytime repairs (6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily), forcing commuters and three schools to detour via West Sacramento or Courtland. A resident asked the Board to push for nighttime work, but Supervisor Villegas explained Sacramento County runs the project and the Coast Guard required daytime work.
Federal Cuts Hit CalFresh Nutrition Education
The federal bill shifts costs to counties and tightens eligibility. Keeping CalFresh at current levels costs Yolo County about $950,000 more a year; doing nothing could drop 8,400 residents from food assistance and cut the program budget by $4.2 million.
Animal Shelter Clinic in a Can
The shelter is busy and its buildings are old; the Clinic-in-a-Can surgical unit is delayed by electrical and drainage issues, and the renovated 2A building will go out for an RFP. Supervisors and advocates pushed for faster progress and possible spay-neuter requirements.
Groundwater Management and Ag Well Moratorium
Speakers urged the county to keep the well-drilling moratorium in western Yolo County's focus areas, warning that unregulated orchard development and 1,600-foot wells threaten household wells and the aquifer.
Farm Worker Housing Efforts
The county is applying for $300,000 in state CDBG funds to study migrant farmworker housing needs and sites in unincorporated Yolo County, a first step toward affordable housing for farmworkers.
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.
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.
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.
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.