Leon County, FL’s Children’s Services Council: A November 2020 Ballot Measure Case StudyIn December 2019, a committee of Leon County, FL, leaders released a report detailing the unmet needs of children and youth in the county. Among other needs, the report revealed the county’s high youth arrest rate (10.8%) and low rate of accredited child care programs (12%—less than half the state average).1 To address these needs, a group of advocates pushed for the county commission to place a measure on the ballot to establish a Children’s Services Council (CSC)—an independent governing body with the power to levy taxes and direct the revenue exclusively to services for children, youth, and families. In November 2020, their efforts succeeded and nearly two-thirds of voters chose to raise taxes to create a new CSC that is projected to raise approximately $7 million annually. Download PDF Filed under:Infants and Toddlers, Early Childhood, Middle Childhood, Youth, Advocates/Intermediaries, Funders, Policymakers/Agency Leaders, Publication, Voter-Approved Children’s FundsMore Resources Video What Comes Next: Organizing for Youth Investment in the Social Media Litigation Landscape Learn about the latest developments in the current lawsuits against social media companies and how advocates can build relationships and shape youth investment priorities now. Publication Voter-Approved Children’s Fund Profile: Portland, OR The Portland Children’s Levy was created to invest in proven, cost-effective strategies that strengthen children’s well-being and long-term success. Updates and Events Insights May 12, 2026 Five Ways to Put Your Fiscal Map into Action Insights April 27, 2026 With Federal and State Funding Hanging in the Balance, Local Leaders Find New Ways to Support Children and Youth News March 26, 2026 In a Tough Fiscal Moment, States Look to Raise Revenue and Kids Have a Stake Close Share it! Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Click to copy URL Link Copied!
Video What Comes Next: Organizing for Youth Investment in the Social Media Litigation Landscape Learn about the latest developments in the current lawsuits against social media companies and how advocates can build relationships and shape youth investment priorities now.
Publication Voter-Approved Children’s Fund Profile: Portland, OR The Portland Children’s Levy was created to invest in proven, cost-effective strategies that strengthen children’s well-being and long-term success.
Insights April 27, 2026 With Federal and State Funding Hanging in the Balance, Local Leaders Find New Ways to Support Children and Youth