TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a one-year update on the implementation of the Racial Equity and Reconciliation Initiative. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On August 11, 2020, the City Council adopted the Racial Equity and Reconciliation Initiative: Initial Report (Initial Report), resulting in four goals to advance racial equity:
1. End systemic racism in Long Beach, in all local government and partner agencies, through internal transformation
2. Design and invest in community safety and violence prevention
3. Redesign police approach to community safety
4. Improve health and wellness in the City of Long Beach (City) by eliminating social and economic disparities in the communities most impacted by racism.
Additionally, the Initial Report has 21 Strategies, and just over 120 potential actions to support the vision that, "race does not determine social and economic outcomes for those who live and work in Long Beach."
As part of the Initial Report’s adoption, City staff was given direction to provide an annual update to the City Council and the community regarding the City’s implementation of these potential actions. Each potential action has a timeframe that projects the length of time needed for implementation, which includes immediate, short-, medium-, and long-term increments. The Year One Update (Attachment) focuses on implementing the immediate and short-term potential actions outlined in the Initial Report. These items were estimated to require less than six months and between six months and a year for implementation, respectively.
Over the last year, the Racial Equity Implementation Team and corresponding City departments began implementing 93 immediate and short-term potential actions and have completed 12 of the recommendations uplifted in the Initial Report by aligning existing resources, programs, and staff. The Year One Update provides status updates on the immediate and short-term potential actions. It also describes the City’s first year of implementing the Racial Equity and Reconciliation Initiative, highlighting the successes, challenges, best practices, emerging priorities, and next steps for implementation.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on January 13, 2022 and by Budget Operations and Development Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on January 14, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is not time critical.
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no fiscal or local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER