HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2 Diversity DiscussionMeeting Date: March 6, 2019
Item Number: 2
2
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT SUBJECT: Diversity Planning Effort PROJECT ADDRESS: Citywide BY: Cara Vereschagin, Assistant Planner Phone Number: (805) 781-7596 e-mail: cvereschagin@slocity.org FILE NUMBER: N/A
BACKGROUND
The Human Relations Commission (HRC) established a Subcommittee to explore diversity challenges
in the community. This topic was brought to their attention by Cal Poly students who felt that the Cal
Poly Baker Forum, held in May 2018, on diversity to address a string of racially-charged incidents that
did not do enough to move the campus or larger community forward. In response, the subcommittee
wishes to develop a strategic plan for community engagement on diversity, with assistance from council
liaisons, members of the SLO PD PACT (Police and Community Together) team, and other key
community representatives.
SUBCOMMITEE DISCUSSION
The subcommittee is currently designing a community engagement strategy to encourage greater social
and economic diversity in San Luis Obispo. Over the past year, subcommittee members have met with
various key community representatives, members of the SLO PD PACT team, and City Council liaisons.
At this time, they have brainstormed the following activities to establish a more in-depth dialogue and
to promote a more inclusive community:
• Conduct an HRC study session to identity the community’s diversity objectives
• Conduct a “world café” style facilitated small group sessions and community conversation to
identify the key next steps for helping the community achieve its diversity objectives
• Involve additional stakeholder groups throughout the County, including but not limited to, the
Five Cities Diversity Coalition, RACE Matters, and various student organizations
• Collaborate with the City’s Promotional Coordinating Committee and City marketing team to
promote the HRC’s efforts to the community
• Review and make changes to the HRC’s bylaws and other Advisory Body Bylaws as necessary
to endorse inclusive City policies
ALIGNMENT WITH FY2019-21 COUNCIL VISION STATEMENT AND HRC GOALS
The effort to encourage diversity and inclusivity is in alignment with the City Council’s Vision Statement
for the 2019-21 Financial Plan Year. The Human Relations Commission also identified Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusivity as one of their Advisory Body goals per the 2019-21 budget year.
NEXT STEPS
The subcommittee is requesting time on the March 6th agenda to collect feedback and comments on the
progress made thus far, from all other members of the HRC, City staff, and members of public.