CITY OF SAN MATEO
CITY OF SAN MATEO
Agenda Report
City Hall
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org
Agenda Number: 25 Section Name: {{section.name}} Account Number: 10-1311 File ID: {{item.tracking_number}} TO: City Council
FROM: Alex Khojikian, City Manager
PREPARED BY: City Manager's Office
MEETING DATE: August 19, 2024
SUBJECT:
Community Relations Commission Amendment – Ordinance Introduction RECOMMENDATION:
Introduce an Ordinance to amend the San Mateo Municipal Code Chapter 2.21 "Community Relations Commission" to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion issues or topics into the scope of work of the commission.
BACKGROUND:
Following City Council direction, staff convened the inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force in January 2022, comprising representatives from diverse local community organizations, including non-profits, neighborhood associations, and partner government entities. The primary objective of the DEI Task Force was to foster collaborations, share resources, and enhance community engagement within historically marginalized groups. Over the course of two years, meeting monthly, the DEI Task Force concluded its final meeting on January 19, 2024, having achieved significant milestones, such as:
Initiated the development of a comprehensive DEI Strategic Plan & Implementation Framework. Advised on strategies to diversify Boards & Commissions, proposing measures such as increased compensation for City Council roles, stipends for board members, and the removal of citizenship/voter registration requirements. Provided crucial feedback for the Racial Equity Art Project, influencing its design and community outreach efforts. Contributed insights and recommendations on policy documents, including the draft Housing Element and General Plan.
On April 1, 2024, staff presented an update to the City Council on these accomplishments, formally concluding the DEI Task Force's tenure. However, recognizing ongoing community and Council feedback advocating for sustained DEI efforts, staff conducted an extensive review of established DEI-focused commissions and boards in the surrounding area. This research culminated in three proposed options for long-term DEI initiatives, which were presented to the City Council. Following deliberation, the Council unanimously supported the option which would integrate DEI initiatives into the scope of the Community Relations Commission (CRC). Staff from the Community Development Department and City Manager's Office have collaborated since then to update Chapter 2.21, "Community Relations Commission," in accordance with the City Council's directive.
The amendment revises Section 2.21.030 - powers and duties, to empowers the CRC to make recommendations to City Council that will advance the City's equity and inclusion objectives through studying and reviewing policies and holding public hearings. The amendments underscore the Council's commitment to integrating DEI principles into the organization to sustain meaningful impact. Clean and tracked-changes versions of the Ordinance are attached. Staff presented City Council’s decision to the CRC during their July 17, 2024 meeting and the Commission expressed unanimous support.
CITY OF SAN MATEO
Staff recommends introducing this Ordinance to amend the San Mateo Municipal Code Chapter 2.21 "Community Relations Commission" to authorize the CRC to review City matters and make recommendations to City Council that advance the City’s equity and inclusion objectives, which is a pivotal step towards embedding equity into our governing structure.
BUDGET IMPACT:
The proposed amendments to the Community Relations Commission ordinance will not have any budget impacts.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
This ordinance amendment introduction is not a project subject to CEQA, because it is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5).)
NOTICE PROVIDED
All meeting noticing requirements were met.
ATTACHMENTS
Att 1 – Proposed Ordinance
Att 2 – Proposed Ordinance – Track Changes
STAFF CONTACT
Denise Garcia, Management Analyst II
[email protected]
(650) 522-7277