Santa Clara County is facing a massive budget challenge that could reshape essential social services in the region. With a projected $70 million in federal funding cuts, county leaders are strategically maneuvering to protect critical programs while minimizing impacts on residents.

The proposed budget by County Executive James Williams reveals a complex plan involving the potential elimination of 279 full-time positions across various county agencies. However, not all of these positions are currently filled, which provides some flexibility in managing potential layoffs.

One of the most significant changes involves the county’s mental health services. The Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT), which historically paired mental health clinicians with law enforcement, will be eliminated. This move comes after advocacy from community activists who argue that police involvement in mental health crisis responses can escalate situations.

Instead, the county plans to expand the Trusted Response Urgent Support Team (TRUST), a non-police mental health crisis response program. Community leaders like Laurie Valdez, who lost her partner to police violence, support this transition and hope it will lead to more compassionate community care.

The health system will bear the brunt of these changes, with 119 positions potentially affected. While some services might see reduced capacity, the county is also adding 31 new custody health jobs to expand nighttime mental health and pharmacy services in local jails.

Welfare grant funding is also expected to be impacted, with potential reductions affecting housing support for homeless and at-risk families. The county will need to absorb approximately $4.7 million in cuts, which could mean limiting new program enrollments.

District 5 Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga characterized the situation bluntly, stating that the federal government is acting “not as a partner, but as an adversary” in these funding decisions.

County leaders remain cautiously optimistic, with plans for an accelerated mid-year budget review to reassess and potentially restore services if financial projections improve. The resilience of Santa Clara County’s public services is being tested, but local officials remain committed to maintaining critical support for residents.