Chancellor MacLennan provided an overview of recent advocacy visits to Sacramento and Washington, D.C., where district representatives met with state and federal legislators to discuss priorities for community colleges.

At the state level, the Chancellor, Trustee Piechowski and Trustee Chancer participated in advocacy efforts in Sacramento focused on expanding applied baccalaureate degree programs at community colleges, emphasizing their role in meeting regional workforce needs and improving access for students who cannot relocate to attend four-year institutions. Moorpark College’s recently approved Cyber Defense bachelor’s degree was highlighted as an example, including support received from CSU Channel Islands. Discussions also included the need for increased funding for Veterans Resource Centers. Current statewide funding of approximately $10 million is insufficient to provide the required staffing and services, and an estimated $43 million is needed to support minimum service levels across the system, with a current request of $14.2 million.

Additional state topics included support for the Governor’s proposed Student Support Block Grant intended to help offset disruptions or reductions in federally funded programs. The District’s deferred maintenance needs were also noted, totaling approximately $130 million, compared to the Governor’s proposed statewide allocation of $127 million. Chancellor MacLennan also reported on the Ventura College student housing project, noting that rising construction costs have outpaced current funding and that the District is pursuing a process that could allow for a one-time 20% state funding augmentation.

At the federal level, Washington D.C., the Chancellor, Trustee Piechowski, Trustee Chancer, Trustee Mantooth and Director of Operations, Chelsee Russell participated in discussions focused primarily on Pell Grant funding, which represents the largest federal support for community college students. The current federal budget proposal maintains Pell funding levels, and advocacy efforts are supporting a $200 increase to the maximum award. Chancellor MacLennan noted that during the 2024–2025-year, 11,146 district students received Pell Grants totaling $55.4 million. Another priority is legislation to make Pell Grants tax-free, as community college students are often taxed on Pell funds due to lower tuition costs compared to four-year institutions.

Advocacy efforts also addressed continued support for Title III, Title V, and other minority-serving institution programs that fund student services, institutional infrastructure, and data systems. Additional federal priorities included workforce development initiatives, immigration reform to support the national workforce, and continued funding for the CCAMPIS childcare program, which currently provides childcare support for student parents but was not recommended for funding in the current federal proposal.

Trustee Piechowski who also participated in the advocacy visits stated that discussions with legislators emphasized the importance of local access to four-year degrees and suggested the possibility of establishing a mileage cap to prevent distant CSU campuses from blocking community college bachelor’s programs. He also reported advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., for the Tax-Free Pell Act (HR 2543), noting bipartisan interest in the proposal.

Trustee Chancer highlighted the importance of maintaining consistent communication with elected officials and suggested the District consider hiring a lobbyist to assist with advocacy and funding opportunities. He also noted the need for the District to maintain a list of potential community projects that could be submitted when federal funding opportunities become available.

Chelsee Russell provided an update that Congresswoman Brownley’s office expressed interest in supporting HR 2543 and expressed appreciation to local and federal representatives.

Board of Trustees Regular Meeting

Meeting Information