To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Human Resources Department
Staff Name and Phone Number: Janell Crane, 707-565-2885; Laura Gilbert 707-565-3023
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution recognizing Public Service Recognition Week, and celebrating the contributions made by County of Sonoma employees
End
Executive Summary:
Public Service Recognition Week is an annual nationwide celebration during the first week of May. This year the County of Sonoma will recognize employees with a week-long celebration of service and an appreciation lunch on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, to honor employees for their public service. Human Resources looks forward to the Board’s participation during this week of celebration honoring the County’s approximately 4,100 regular employees plus extra-help.
Discussion:
Public Service Recognition Week is a national program sponsored by the Public Employee Roundtable, a non-partisan coalition of government organizations representing civil servants and retirees from all levels throughout the country. It is now supported by the Partnership for Public Service. Public Service Recognition Week is celebrated annually during the first full week of May. This year, the dates are May 3 to May 9, 2026. This national recognition week encourages government at all levels to support government employees and careers, educate the public about the value of public servants and the services they provide, recognize excellence in public service, and encourage the spirit of public service.
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors recognizes when employees feel valued and appreciated, they are more highly engaged and inspired to provide excellent service to our community. Taking the time to recognize the efforts of the County’s workforce provides an opportune platform for prioritizing employee appreciation as an investment in building an engaged, dedicated workforce.
The County of Sonoma began observing Public Service Recognition Week in 1997, by hosting an onsite recognition event. Traditionally, County employees are encouraged to attend a lunchtime event with their co-workers, during which they receive recognition from the Board of Supervisors and are served their meal by Department Heads and members of the Board. The Public Service Recognition Week lunch will be held at the Santa Rosa Veterans Building on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The extended hours with two different seating times allow for more flexibility in attendance. The Board of Supervisors approved funding in the Fiscal Year (FY) 25/26 budget so that all employees may attend at no charge. Department Heads are encouraged to invite all staff members to attend this luncheon and take part in this recognition event.
In an effort to improve employee recognition in response to the results of the employee engagement survey of November 2024, this year County HR is providing a celebration framework that encourages a full week of appreciation events and activities, keeping the lunch as the main centerpiece. Each day has its own designated theme with daily wellness workshops and easy to achieve ideas, resources and suggestions for showing gratitude and appreciation as peers, teams and departments. This year’s daily themes include Mental Health Monday, Team Tuesday, One County Wednesday, Thoughtful Thursday, and Fun Friday. The Board of Supervisors are encouraged to join us in honoring our amazing County employees in multiple ways throughout the week.
County of Sonoma employees have accomplished much that is worthy of recognition. Employees have individually committed to advance the goals and priorities of the Board to create a safe, healthy and caring community; promote economic and environmental stewardship; invest in the future; and promote civic services and engagement. Public Service Recognition Week is one of many important ways to recognize the value of County employees’ service to the community.
Human Resources recommends the Board of Supervisors adopt a Gold Resolution proclaiming the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026, as Public Service Recognition Week in Sonoma County recognizing all the contributions of the County’s more than 4,100 regular and extra-help employees.
Prior Board Actions:
May 6, 2025 (item 34; File Number 2025-0388): Adopted Gold Resolution recognizing May 4-10, 2025 as Public Service Recognition Week, and honoring public service employees with an event on May 7, 2025.
The Board has approved a similar resolution in all prior years since Public Service Recognition Week was first recognized in Sonoma County in 1997.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Costs associated with the public services recognition week program are budgeted in the General Fund, Non-Departmental Employee Benefits.
No appropriations are being requested. The cost of the program is included in the proposed 2026/27 recommended budget and will be included in future recommended budgets.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Gold Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
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