This brief outlines CACHI’s approach to transformational community engagement, moving beyond one-off input sessions toward shared power, trust, and long-term partnership between residents, public systems, and community organizations. It explains why trust is central to sustainable systems change; names common pitfalls of “check-the-box” engagement; and offers practical strategies for centering residents as leaders, decision-makers, and paid partners. Drawing on real examples from ACHs across California, the brief highlights how communities are building resident governance, compensating lived expertise, and strengthening cross-sector collaboration to advance equity and accountability.

Marin 9 to 25 is transforming youth well-being in Marin County through a youth-led, equity-driven collaborative model. As an Accountable Community for Health (ACH), it addresses inequities in mental health, education, housing, and substance use by centering youth leadership and cross-sector collaboration. Through its flagship program Find Your Way—which includes youth scholarships, LGBTQ+ advocacy, art and film showcases, and recovery events—Marin 9 to 25 empowers young people to shape solutions and drive systems change in partnership with public agencies.

Originally published in 2019 and updated in 2025, this brief provides practical guidance for designing, governing, and sustaining locally controlled wellness funds as part of the Accountable Communities for Health (ACH) model. At its heart, the concept remains simple but powerful: pool and align resources across sectors, center community voice in decisions, and create a lasting financial structure that supports equity-focused systems change.