Community Town Hall
City of Hercules
Community Town Hall Summary
Topic of Town Hall
Diversity and Inclusion
1. Current climate around diversity, equity and inclusion in Hercules
2. What the City should take into consideration when making decisions to further Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
3. Suggestions on what the City can do to further celebrate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
1.Diversity & Inclusion in
Hercules
“What might the City need to be aware of when
seeking to understand the current climate in the City in regards to diversity, inclusion and belonging? Please
share with us positives and challenges.”
Diversity & Inclusion in Hercules
Positives
● The city is diverse and inclusive (5)
● Community driven groups and
events help bring the community
together (3)
“The Hercules community is closer, more
connected, and diverse compared to other
communities.”
Challenges and Concerns
● There is a lack of community action
and political engagement (2)
● People are well intended but have
biases they are not aware of.
● The City’s reluctance to display the
Gay Pride rainbow flag a couple of
years ago was dissapointing
● There are no public spaces for
community members to come
together and congregate
2.Diversity & Inclusion in
Hercules
“What might the City need to be aware of when
seeking to understand the current climate in the City in regards to diversity, inclusion and belonging? Please
share with us positives and challenges.”
Policy Making Considerations
1. Include different voices when making decisions (2)
a. Think about physically challenged community members and youth
2. Be mindful of referring to people in a homogenous way (2) a. Consider the needs of diversified residents and their objectives
3. Enact policies that reflect the income variables of its residents, visitors and business owners in order to be fair and equitable (2)
a. Remember that even though the median income level in Hercules is higher than most other cities, this may mean something different for different households. Some households may have multiple dependents.
4. Provide a place where residents can express themselves and be heard publicly to share input in decision making processes
5. Listen to visitor experiences with an open mind and make sure to address their concerns
6. Listen to business owners to ensure they are treated well
7. Consider health and environmental effects of residents who live near the refinery
3. Celebrating Diversity
“What can the City do to celebrate diversity and
promote more inclusion and belonging among
residents and visitors?”
Celebrating Diversity & Inclusion in Hercules
Most mentioned
1. Bring back the cultural festival and other events (3)
2. Consider creating a youth commission or start a program for youth to get involved with city government (3)
3. Host dialogue to help community come together to learn about each other’s differences (3)
4. Continue to host Town Halls and Forums (3)
5. Acknowledge and Recognize the Presence of Different Cultures (3) Celebrating Diversity & Inclusion in Hercules
Other suggestions
1. Create a compelling reason for people to come out because it is hard for people to come together (2)
2. Listen to the needs of local businesses and business owners (2)
3. Adopt principles or a statement to declare the City’s values and guide its decision making (2)
4. Do not spend City resources for diversity and inclusion efforts (2)
5. Recognize Juneteenth as a City (2)
6. Display the Gay Pride flag during Pride Month
7. Raise the Pan African flag
8. Provide translation services so more people can attend forums like the Town Hall
9. Consider offering or building affordable housing in Hercules
10. Continue to step in and speak up against public shaming Next Steps to Consider
● Review community input, especially common themes
● Consider what the City can do now, in the near future, and in the long term
● Provide ongoing updates to community regarding DEI efforts and developments that reflect the City’s DEI values