TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution approving the updated Title VI Program for the City of Long Beach. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides that “no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
The City of Long Beach (City) is a subrecipient of financial assistance from federal aid programs. Subrecipients of this financial assistance are mandated by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) to comply with various non-discrimination laws and regulations, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The DOJ has authorized and directed each federal agency that provides financial assistance for any program to apply provisions of Title VI to each program by issuing general rules, regulations, or requirements. The City’s Title VI Program incorporates both Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transportation (FTA) requirements and is monitored by the State (Caltrans, FHWA) or by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation (Metro, FTA).
The City‘s Title VI Program contains the following elements:
• Overview of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Non-Discrimination Statement
• Equal Employment Opportunity Non-Discrimination Policy
• Organization, Staffing and Responsibilities
• Program Implementation (including Language Access Policy)
Program updates include:
• Data collection provisions
• Population estimate of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons
• Includes references to Federal Transit Authority (FTA), in addition to the Federal Highway Authority (FHWA)
• Revised public notice
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on August 15, 2019 and by Budget Management Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on August 29, 2019.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on September 17, 2019, to ensure timely implementation of the Title VI Program before the deadline of September 30, 2019.
FISCAL IMPACT
Costs associated with implementing the Title VI Program are minimal and include staff time and outreach materials. Sufficient funding to support implementation is appropriated in the General Fund Group in the City Manager Department. This recommendation will have no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER