HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 6d. Authorize a MOU between the City and Cal Poly to establish Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives within the City Item 6d
Department: Administration
Cost Center: 1010
For Agenda of: 5/17/2022
Placement: Business
Estimated Time: 10 Minutes
FROM: Derek Johnson, City Manager
Prepared By: Beya Makekau, DEI Manager
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE A MOU BETWEEN THE CITY & CAL POLY TO ESTABLISH
COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS TO ADVANCE DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND
INCLUSION INITIATIVES WITHIN THE CITY
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the Mayor to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) between Cal
Poly Office of University Diversity and Inclusion and the City of San Luis Obispo regarding
the establishment of collaborative efforts to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
initiatives within the city.
DISCUSSION
Background
In 2020, City Council passed a resolution approving the creation of the Diversity, Equity,
and Inclusion Task Force (DEI-TF) which included in its charge to provide insight on
advancing DEI in San Luis Obispo and the support and implementation of $150,000 in
DEI high impact grants. Council accepted the DEI -TF recommendations on January 12,
2021, which included the recommendation to leverage partnerships with Cal Poly to
enhance DEI programs in the community at large. The City also adopted a Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) major city goal with its 2021-23 Financial Plan which included
a robust workplan, the creation of a DEI office, and an inaugural DEI Manager position
for the City. The workplan includes expanded collaboration with Cal Poly’s Office of
University Diversity and Inclusion regarding the intersections of community and student
experiences in the City and on campus.
Additionally, Cal Poly adopted a diversity statement that includes the following: “we
encourage our students, faculty, and staff to seek out opportunities to engage with others
who are both similar and different from them, thereby increasing their capacity for
knowledge, empathy, and conscious participation in local and global communities”. In
2019, Cal Poly’s CPX data also resulted in a recommendation to engage with the San
Luis Obispo community and identify three to five top strategies to create a more inclusive
experience on campus and in the SLO community.
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Item 6d
The proposed MOU establishes the partnership between Cal Poly’s Office of University
Diversity and Inclusion and the City of San Luis Obis po to contribute to programs and
initiatives that foster a San Luis Obispo that is welcoming, inclusive, and equitable. Efforts
will be made to lay the groundwork to include Cuesta college in this effort in the future.
More specifically the MOU commits both the City to collaborate, coordinate and work on
a variety of programs and projects that will address structural inequities and advance
welcoming and belonging for all residents and students both on and off campus.
Previous Council or Advisory Body Action
Council accepted the DEI Task Force recommendation on January 12, 2021, which
included specific recommendations for expanding partnerships with Cal Poly on DEI
initiatives. Council also approved the FY22-23 DEI Major City Goal which includes work
plan section 2.6 that specifically requires the implementation of several items listed in the
memorandum of understanding.
Public Engagement
This item is scheduled for the May 17, 2022 City Council meeting and will follow all
required postings and notifications. The public may provide comment on this item at or
before the meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the recommended action in
this report, because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Gui delines
Sec. 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: Yes Budget Year: 2021-22
Funding Identified: Yes
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund $ N/A $ $ $
State
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total $ $ $ $
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Item 6d
Because no additional staff work is anticipated as a result of this memorandum, no new
fiscal impact will be incurred. Funding for projects that will be in collaboration with Cal
Poly outlined in the memorandum have been allocated for in the current budget due to
DEI Major City Goal. Annual appropriation for the DEI program will be included in the
City’s budgetary process and adoption.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Council could decide not to approve the MOU between Cal Poly and the City.
This action is not recommended by staff because intentional collaboration with Cal
Poly has been outlined in the major city goal workplan and is reflective of a collective
need for more intentional efforts to advance DEI in our commu nity.
2. Council could direct staff to amend the “MOU” to more accurately reflect the
Council’s position on the issue.
ATTACHMENT
A - Draft MOU between the City and Cal Poly Office of University Diversity and Inclusion.
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Memorandum of Understanding between
The City of San Luis Obispo and
Office of University Diversity & Inclusion,
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is entered into on _________________________
by and between the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion (OUDI) at California
Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) and the City of San Luis Obispo
(City). This memorandum is made for the purpose of memorializing the intent of the parties to
engage in a relationship to foster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) partnerships and
initiatives for members of the Cal Poly campus and San Luis Obispo communities.
Recitals
WHEREAS, in 2020 City Council passed a resolution approving the creation of the Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion Task Force (DEI-TF) which included in its charge to provide insight on
advancing DEI in San Luis Obispo and the support and implementation of $150,000 in DEI high-
impact grants. Council accepted the DEI-TF recommendations on January 12, 2021, which
included the recommendation to leverage partnerships with Cal Poly to enhance DEI programs in
the community at large, and;
WHEREAS, the City adopted a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion major city goal for fiscal years
2021-2023 which included a robust workplan, the creation of a DEI office, and an inaugural DEI
manager position for the City. The workplan includes expanded collaboration with OUDI
regarding the intersections of community and staff, faculty, and student experiences in the city of
San Luis Obispo and on campus, and;
WHEREAS, Cal Poly adopted a diversity statement that includes the following statement: “we
encourage our students, faculty, and staff to seek out opportunities to engage with others who are
both similar and different from them, thereby increasing their capacity for knowledge, empathy,
and conscious participation in local and global communities,” and;
WHEREAS, Cal Poly conducted a study of the Cal Poly Experience (“CPX”). The CPX report,
issued in 2019, included a recommendation to engage with the San Luis Obispo community and
identify three to five top strategies to create a more inclusive experience on campus and in the
San Luis Obispo community, and;
WHEREAS, this MOU expands the partnership between OUDI and the City to contribute to
programs and initiatives that foster a San Luis Obispo that is welcoming, inclusive, and
equitable, and;
WHEREAS, the goal of the City and OUDI is to work towards options to achieve the vision that
residents, students, and workers in San Luis Obispo have access to educational and leadership
opportunities that foster a sense of belonging and success for all;
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NOW, THEREFORE, OUDI AND THE CITY SEEK TO PURSUE THE FOLLOWING:
1. The City will seek to:
1.1. Coordinate quarterly leadership meetings between the City DEI director and OUDI
representative to develop and discuss current DEI initiatives.
1.2. Provide the use of City facilities at a donated or reduced fee to Cal Poly when Cal Poly
offers educational programs on topics related to DEI which are open to the community.
1.3. Fund leadership opportunities for Cal Poly students to be engaged in City process and
DEI initiatives via programs like the Community Academy and Sparks Fellow program.
1.4. Discuss the sharing of anonymized, aggregate data as it pertains the diverse experiences
of the local community and major DEI-centered City goals.
2. OUDI will seek to:
2.1. Assign an OUDI student intern to engage with the City’s Diversity Office on
collaborative projects.
2.2. Collaborate on opportunities for the City to engage in critical DEI programs, workshops,
and education offered through Cal Poly.
2.3. Assist in increasing the footprint of cultural art on campus and in the city of San Luis
Obispo.
2.4. Discuss the sharing of anonymized, aggregate data as it pertains to the experiences of
marginalized and/or underrepresented students, staff, and faculty in the San Luis Obispo
community.
This MOU is not a legally binding agreement and may not be construed as a commitment to
perform by the City, Cal Poly, or OUDI. Either Party may, at any time, unilaterally terminate all
participation in the matters stated herein and withdraw its acknowledgment and support of this
MOU without any liability whatsoever to the other Party. Each Party is and will be solely liable
for all its own fees, costs, and other expenses incurred in connection with this MOU and the
matters encompassed herein.
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC
STATE UNIVERSITY, San Luis Obispo
________________________________ ____________________________________
Mayor Erica A. Stewart Dr. Denise Isom, Interim Vice President of
Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity
Officer
ATTEST
________________________________
Teresa Purrington, City Clerk
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1Item:6a CAL POLY OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY DIVERSITY & INCLUSION & THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU)
RECOMMENDATION2Authorize the Mayor to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) between Cal Poly Office of University Diversity and Inclusion and the City of San Luis Obispo regarding the establishment of collaborative efforts to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives within the city.
FRAMING THE DISCUSSION3•Diversityis the recognition and acceptance of the differences between people’s social identities, which can include race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic class, religion, nationality, among many others, and their intersections. •Inclusionis more than simply diversity and numerical representation. Inclusion involves authentic and empowered participation, and a true sense of belonging within a group or structure.
FRAMING THE DISCUSSION4•Equityrecognizes historical and systemic marginalization and acknowledges that different communities require different levels of support to succeed. Achieving equity may require an unequal distribution of resources to address historical disparities and achieve equal outcomes.•Equalityis typically defined as treating everyone the same and giving everyone access to the same opportunities. •BIPOC: Black Indigenous People of Color.•SOGIE: Sexual Orientation Gender identity and Expression.
5DEI IS A PRINCIPLE OF OUR CITY GOALS“The City of San Luis Obispo is a dynamic community embracing its future while respecting its past with core values of civility, sustainability, diversity, inclusivity, regionalism, partnership, and resiliency.”2021-23 Council Vision
Results of the 2021 DEI Community TaskforceFive essential recommendations Necessary for significant lasting positive change1.Adopt a diversity, equity and inclusion major city goal for the 2021-23 financial plan2.Establish Office for DEI within the city3.Develop and Implement DEI strategic plan for the city4.Commit to ongoing, annual funding of at least $150,000 for DEI high-impact grants5.Charge the Human Relations Commission to designate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as a standing priority; including sustaining the work of the task force
Results of the 2021 DEI Community TaskforceHigh impact recommendations1.Support feasibility study of a multicultural center2.Increase access and inclusion to civic learning and leadership opportunities for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities via city-sponsored programs3.Sponsor community education regarding DEI4.Actively support and attract minority-owned businesses5.Increase cultural representation through the arts6.Increase support of the undocumented community7.Amplify community-based policing and restorative practices SLOPD
8DEI Grant Funding•Support local projects, programs and initiatives•Funding focused on narrowing equity gaps that have disproportionately impacted marginalized groups •Enhance the sense of belonging for all people in our community•In 2021 20 agencies applied for funding and council provided funding to eight organizations$300,000 available Funding to reflect FY22&FY23Application to go live July 1-August 31
9DEI Grant Funding- RACE Matters SLOBelonging 2021 – A multimedia arts experience centered on Black community, inclusion/action for all.
10DEI Grant Funding- SLO Film FestivalFilm Festival Spotlighting BIPOC Filmmakers
DEI AS A MAJOR CITY GOAL •2021-23 Budget: $2.1 Million to support diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives•The city will engage in initiatives that advance DEI within the organization and community that:1.Develop and implement strategies, programs and policies that build a workplace culture and community of inclusion, fairness and belonging for all.2.Involve the community and diverse voices in program development and delivery.3.Partner with proven community providers and utilize best practice models to maximize effectiveness and impact of initiatives.4.Identify and track measurable results as the city progresses in maturing diversity and inclusion efforts.
DEI AS A MAJOR CITY GOAL •2.6cHost City / Cal Poly Office of Student Diversity & Belonging quarterly roundtable (City & CP leadership, DEI committee, HRC, Cal Poly students, DEI leaders, etc.) - re community / student experience, relationship-building•2.6fProvide City facilities as available to campus DEI programs delivered to and in the community•2.6g Utilize interns from Cal Poly and Cuesta within the Office of DEI
DEI CAL POLY & THE CITYAdopted Cal Poly Diversity Statement which includes: “we encourage our students, faculty, and staff to seek out opportunities to engage with others who are both similar and different from them, thereby increasing their capacity for knowledge, empathy, and conscious participation in local and global communities,” In 2010 Cal Poly established the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion and in 2017 established the Vice President and Chief Diversity officer positionCal Poly has a set of diversity learning outcomes that align with the opportunities listed within the MOU
DEI CAL POLY & THE CITYCal Poly conducted a campus climate study of the Cal Poly Experience (“CPX”). The CPX report, issued in 2019, included a recommendation to: Engage with the San Luis Obispo community and identify three to five top strategies to create a more inclusive experience on campus and in the San Luis Obispo community.
DEI CAL POLY & THE CITYThe MOU states that the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion will seek to: 1.Assign an OUDI student intern to engage with the City’s Diversity Office on collaborative projects.2.Collaborate on opportunities for the City to engage in critical DEI programs, workshops, and education offered through Cal Poly. 3.Assist in increasing the footprint of cultural art on campus and in the city of San Luis Obispo.4.Discuss the sharing of anonymized, aggregate data as it pertains to the experiences of marginalized and/or underrepresented students, staff, and faculty in the San Luis Obispo community
DEI CAL POLY & THE CITYThe MOU states that the City will seek to: 1.Coordinate quarterly leadership meetings between the City DEI director and OUDI representative to develop and discuss current DEI initiatives. 2.Provide the use of City facilities at a donated or reduced fee to Cal Poly when Cal Poly offers educational programs on topics related to DEI which are open to the community.3.Fund leadership opportunities for Cal Poly students to be engaged in City process and DEI initiatives via programs like the Community Academy and Sparks Fellow program. 4.Discuss the sharing of anonymized, aggregate data as it pertains the diverse experiences of the local community and major DEI-centered City goals.
17DEI CAL POLY & THE CITYCity DEI Initiatives Cal Poly DEI Initiatives OUDI & City MOU
RECOMMENDATION18Authorize the Mayor to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) between Cal Poly Office of University Diversity and Inclusion and the City of San Luis Obispo regarding the establishment of collaborative efforts to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives within the city.