HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4a. Presentation on Racial Equity and Gender Equity Statements Item 4a
Human Relations Commission
Agenda Report
For Agenda of: 5/1/2024
Item Number: 4a
FROM: Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager
Phone Number: (805) 781-7073
E-mail: nveloz@slocity.org
SUBJECT: RECEIVE A PRESENTATION ABOUT THE RACIAL EQUITY AND
GENDER EQUITY STATEMENTS
RECOMMENDATION
The Human Relations Commission (HRC) to receive a presentation from staff on the
development of the Racial Equity and Gender Equity Statements as part of the
Community Development Department’s funding opportunity requirements and provide
feedback on the current language of the statements.
BACKGROUND
As part of the City’s efforts to develop housing in the City of San Luis Obispo to sustain
and rapidly expand housing for persons experiencing homelessness or at risk of
homelessness, the Community Development Department (CDD) and its partners, applied
for the State’s Homekey Round 3 grant cycle under the California Department of Housing
and Community Development. The Homekey Round 3 Notice of Funding Availability
(NOFA) Section 300 (vi) Threshold requires that Homekey applications include a
statement that addresses how the proposed Project will address disparities in groups
overrepresented in homelessness.
NOFA Section 300 (vi) reads:
“Applications must answer the following question: what specific actions will the Applicant
take to ensure equitable access to housing and services for groups that are
overrepresented among residents experiencing homelessness in its jurisdiction, including
racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ groups. The response shall reference the latest Continuum
of Care (CoC) HMIS demographics data to explain.”
The City’s Homelessness Response Manager contacted the Office of DEI to begin
development of both statements to not only meet the compliance requirement of the
application, but also to ensure DEI initiatives and collaborations lead to em bedding DEI
language into policy-making processes, which also clearly aligns with the DEI Strategic
Plan tactics, and supports the City’s efforts to concretely align initiatives that address the
impact of homelessness for underserved and underrepresente d communities members
and the intersectionality of their identities.
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Item 4a
NEXT STEPS
The Human Relations Commission to receive the staff presentation and the current
development of the two statements and provide feedback on the current language and
recommendations to ensure proper outreach and engagement to the communities being
impacted take place in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
ATTACHMENTS
A - Gender Equity Statement – Draft
B - Racial Equity Statement – Draft
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Gender Equity Statement
(Draft 1)
The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to advancing gender equity and fostering an
inclusive and affirming community for all individuals. We acknowledge the historic barriers
that have hindered gender equity and equality in our society that have disproportionally
affected women, gender nonbinary, gender nonconforming, and the trans community. We
aim to create policies and initiatives that promote gender equity and ensure that all
individuals, regardless of gender identity, have equal opportunity and rights. The City is
committed to building a community where everyone can thrive and contribute their full
potential, free from discrimination and bias. The City of San Luis Obispo continues to
prioritize gender equity in our efforts of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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Racial Equity Statement
(Draft 1)
The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to advancing racial equity and fostering an
inclusive and equitable community for all individuals. We recognize the historical,
systemic, and institutional barriers that have disproportionality affected Black, Indigenous,
and People of Color (BIPOC). We strive to address and dismantle structural racism and
discrimination in all aspects of our policies, programs, procedures, and practices . The
City is dedicated to promoting access, justice, and opportunity for all residents, regardless
of racial or ethnic background. The City of San Luis Obispo continues to prioritize racial
equity in our efforts to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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