Agenda Report
Fullerton City Council
MEETING DATE: JUNE 3, 2025
TO: CITY COUNCIL
SUBMITTED BY: LUCINDA WILLIAMS, CITY CLERK
PREPARED BY: LUCINDA WILLIAMS, CITY CLERK
SUBJECT: LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR ASSEMBLY BILL 91 – STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES: DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
SUMMARY
Proposed support letter for California Assembly Bill (AB) 91 (Harabedin) which would require state and local agencies to collect and report demographic data using separate categories for major Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) groups.
PROPOSED MOTION
Authorize Mayor to sign support letter for AB 91.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
Approve the Proposed Motion
Do not send letter of support
Other options brought by City Council.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Proposed Motion.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
The City Manager recommends approval of the support letter for AB 91.
PRIORITY POLICY STATEMENT
This item matches the following Priority Policy Statement:
Fiscal and Organizational Stability.
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Assembly Bill 91 would require state and local agencies in California to collect and report demographic data using separate categories and tabulations for major Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) groups.
Current demographic data does not accurately represent many MENA communities. Demographic data often groups MENA communities into broader categories that obscure their unique identities and needs. AB 91 would recognize these communities by collecting ancestry and ethnic origin data and make it publicly available in accordance with privacy protections. This would help the state identify disparities, allocate resources equitably and craft policies that address the specific needs of MENA Californians.
Updating demographic data practices with AB 91 would help California remain a leader in equity, inclusion and transparency.
City Council authorized the Mayor (or Mayor Pro Tem in Mayor’s absence) to sign policy and position letters within the 2025 Legislative Platform guidelines. The 2025 Legislative Platform does not take a support or oppose position for legislation regarding demographic data collection. Therefore, staff requests City Council authorize the Mayor to sign a letter supporting AB 91 on behalf of the City. cc: City Manager Eric J. Levitt
Attachments:
Attachment 1 – Draft Letter
Attachment 2 – AB 91 Text
Letter of Support for AB 91
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