HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4a. Selection of DEI High Impact Grant Subcommittee Item 4a
Human Relations Commission
Agenda Report
For Agenda of: 8/2/2023
Item Number: 4a
FROM: Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager
Phone Number: (805) 781-7073
E-mail: nveloz@slocity.org
SUBJECT: SELECTION OF A DEI HIGH IMPACT GRANT SUBCOMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATION
Select up to three (3) Commissioners to participate in a subcommittee to review
applications for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion High Impact Grant and provide funding
recommendations to the Human Relations Commission as a whole.
BACKGROUND
On November 17, 2020, Council approved the first funding allocations for the DEI High
Impact Grant program totaling $109,800 funding to eight (8) organizations. During the
2021-23 financial plan process, Council approved a DEI Major City Goal to include annual
funding of $150,000 for the DEI High Impact grant program. Similarly, for the 2023-25
financial plan a total of $150,000 was allocated to continue the DEI High Impact Grant
program. The purpose of this funding is to enhance the sense of belonging for all people
in our community. This funding allocation is an effort to uplift and support lo cal projects,
programs, or initiatives (“Projects”) that contribute to creating a San Luis Obispo that is
welcoming, inclusive, equitable, and safe.
The funding is focused on narrowing equity gaps and systemic inequities that have
disproportionally impacted unserved and underrepresented communities. These gaps
include, but are not limited to:
1. Physical and mental health services
2. Education
3. Housing
4. Criminalization
5. Food security
6. Community representation
For FY 2023-24, the HRC will assign and create a subcommittee to review each grant
proposal and provide recommendations for the HRC to review and inform a final
recommendation to the City Council.
NEXT STEPS
Commissioners select three members to be on the subcommittee and two dates for the
committee to meet for the preliminary grant review process.
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