Reso. No. _____
RESOLUTION NO. ______
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND
RECOGNIZING THE MIDDLE EASTERN AND NORTH AFRICAN (MENA) COMMUNITY AND TO URGE SUPPORT FOR ASSEMBLY BILL 91 — “MENA INCLUSION ACT”
WHEREAS, the City of Richmond is committed to being an inclusive and equitable city that values and supports all its residents, regardless of racial, ethnic, or cultural background; and WHEREAS, Richmond is home to a growing population of individuals of Middle Eas tern and North African (MENA) descent, who represent a wide array of nationalities, languages, and traditions, all contributing significantly to the city’s cultural richness, economic vitality, and civic life; and
WHEREAS, the MENA community in Richmond ha s played a vital role in the city’s development, including in the fields of education, healthcare, small business, technology, public service, and community-based advocacy; and
WHEREAS, current Census data and state -level demographic methods fail to accura tely count and reflect the MENA population, resulting in underrepresentation and limited access to resources and services; and
WHEREAS, accurate and disaggregated demographic data is critical to advancing equity in policymaking, funding allocations, and pr ogram development, ensuring that all communities, including MENA, are seen, heard, and served; and
WHEREAS, the State of California has the largest MENA population in the United States, yet the lack of a distinct MENA data category at the state level continues to create barriers to educational, health, and economic equity for MENA communities; and
WHEREAS, Assembly Bill 91 (AB 91), the “MENA Inclusion Act,” would require state and local agencies in California that collect demographic data to include separat e categories for MENA groups and publicly report that data beginning January 1, 2027; and WHEREAS, AB 91 will help ensure accurate representation and equity for MENA communities across California by informing policies and funding decisions with complete and inclusive data; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Richmond , as follows:
1. The City of Richmond formally supports Assembly Bill 91, the Middle Eastern and North African Inclusion Act, and recognizes its significance in ensuring equity and accurate representation for the MENA community in California.
2. The City of Richmond recognizes the MENA community as a distinct racial and ethnic group with unique contributions to the cultural, economic, and social life of the city.
3. The City of Richmond will continue to uplift and support the contributions, culture, and civic engagement of the MENA community in all aspects of public life.
******************
***THE CLERK’S OFFICE WILL COMPLETE THE INFORMATION BELOW****
I certify that the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting thereof held on Mmmm dd, yyyy, by the following vote:
AYES: AYES:
NOES:
Reso. No. _____
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
CLERK OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND
(SEAL)
Approved:
Mayor
Approved as to form:
City Attorney
State of California }
County of Contra Costa : ss.
City of Richmond }
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of Resolution No. _____, finally passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting held on Mmmm dd, yyyy.
_______________________________________
Pamela Christian, Clerk of the City of Richmond