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 Leadership, Advocacy, and 25 Years of Dedicated Funding for Kids in Broward County, FL Cindy Arenberg Seltzer, CEO of Children's Services Council of Broward County, explains how collaboration, transparency, and accountability support the success of one of the largest voter-approved children’s funds in the country. Publication Voter-Approved Children’s Fund Profile: Hillsborough County, FL Since 1988, the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County has provided comprehensive support for children from birth through age 18, ensuring consistent support at every stage of development. Updates and Events Interview September 29, 2026 Leadership, Advocacy, and 25 Years of Dedicated Funding for Kids in Broward County, FL 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 Close Share it! Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Click to copy URL Link Copied!
Video Leadership, Advocacy, and 25 Years of Dedicated Funding for Kids in Broward County, FL Cindy Arenberg Seltzer, CEO of Children's Services Council of Broward County, explains how collaboration, transparency, and accountability support the success of one of the largest voter-approved children’s funds in the country.
Publication Voter-Approved Children’s Fund Profile: Hillsborough County, FL Since 1988, the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County has provided comprehensive support for children from birth through age 18, ensuring consistent support at every stage of development.
Interview September 29, 2026 Leadership, Advocacy, and 25 Years of Dedicated Funding for Kids in Broward County, FL
Insights April 27, 2026 With Federal and State Funding Hanging in the Balance, Local Leaders Find New Ways to Support Children and Youth