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Upwards is the nation's largest network of family child care providers. We are grateful for the Housing and Human Concerns Committee’s recommendation to fund the Boost program as a direct investment in Redwood City's child care infrastructure, small business community, and working families. Boost equips low-to-moderate income, in-home child care providers with one-on-one business coaching and digital tools to strengthen their operations and grow their revenue. Providers work individually with experienced Care Specialists to build a customized Business Action Plan covering marketing, optimizing enrollment, finances, programming, staffing, and more. They also receive free access to our Child Care Management System, which streamlines day-to-day operations and improves programming quality. The Result: Providers grow their small businesses, create local jobs, and expand access to affordable, quality care for working families in the community. The Need in Redwood City: The child care shortage in Redwood City is both a family crisis and an economic one: ● Access gap: 30% of children under six in Redwood City lack access to a licensed child care slot, leaving thousands of families— especially mothers and single parents— unable to fully participate in the workforce. ● Low Wages: Child care workers inRedwood City earn an average of $19 per hour, far below the wages of elementary educators. This wage gap drives high turnover and deepens the shortage. ● An Urgent Need: Nationally, two-thirds of child care providers report difficulty meeting basic needs including food and housing — a pressure Redwood Cityproviders know firsthand. A Proven Model: Boost has a strong track record. Across 30 cities and counties, Upwards has mentored over 500 family child care providers, created 180 new jobs, helped providers increase revenue by an average of 25%, and expanded child care slots by 30–50% — all within the first year of implementation. Upwards is already operating in 7 cities and counties in the Bay Area, including San Mateo, and could launch in Redwood City immediately upon receiving funding. Learn More: We encourage the Council to support the Boost program with CDBG funding. We welcome the opportunity to meet with any Council Member ahead of the Public Hearing on May 11th to answer questions and discuss how Boost can serve Redwood City's community. For child care providers, parents or organizations who are interested in learning more about the Boost program, please reach out to the email below for more information. Mélanie Faure, Community Impact Manager, Upwards | melanie@upwards.com ATTY/RESO.0019/CC RESO 2026 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN (CDBG) - EXHIBIT A REV: 05-01-26 LF Page 105 of 107