Martinez Approves Creation of Diversity and Cultural Commission

At its July 17 meeting, the Martinez City Council unanimously agreed to establish a Diversity and Cultural Commission.

The 5-0 vote came more than a year after working with the community and after a May 15 study session where the council was seeking to form the commission focusing on community initiatives that promote diversity, equality, inclusion and belonging.

“I feel like this is a very big deal,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn. “I am very happy we are moving forward on this.”

“I want to acknowledge and thank all the community members who participated in this process and staff for capturing their sentiments and the sentiment of the council. I look forward to seeing this come to fruition and continuing to help it grow and succeed,” said Councilmember Satinder S. Mahli.

Councilmember Mark Ross called it a long time coming.

“It’s been a long time coming. DEI has been getting pretty much a bum rap and push back from here and there,” said Ross. “Part of me understands the criticism that why do we need it? I don’t need training and I don’t need this. But sometimes the community needs that outlet and there are members of the community that appreciate that outlet and it’s not all about you.”

He continued.

“If you don’t like it, you don’t have to participate. You don’t have to be included, walk away, step away,” said Ross. “But I know there are people in this community who are questioning why we are doing this. It’s because we need to. The people up here feel like we need to and there are people in the community who feel like we need to. There are also people out there who have not yet made up their minds but would appreciate it… we are all one community, and we want everybody to feel that way. You don’t have to buy in, but just understand we are one community and not all the same.”

Background:

After the Public Hearing, the City Council may adopt the ordinance at its July 31, 2024 meeting.  The ordinance would become effective on August 31, 2024. The commission could be placed in September or October timelines.

According to the ordinance:

• The commission will consist of 7 regular members appointed by the City Council.
• Six Commission members shall reside within the corporate limits of the City or be owners or employees of a business located within the City which holds a valid City business license.
• One Commission member shall be a resident within the Sphere of Influence of the City of Martinez
• The City Council shall appoint two (2) alternate members who either reside in the corporate limits of the City or be owners or employees of a business located within the City which holds a valid City business license. Alternate members do not have voting rights unless they are participating in the meeting in the absence of a regular member.

The Purpose:

The purpose of the Commission shall be to act in an advisory capacity to the City Council by making recommendations on diversity and inclusion, on matters within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council and consistent with the Council/Manager form of government. The focus of the Diversity and Cultural Commission shall be positive and prospective, seeking to raise awareness through education and programs which recognize and celebrate the contributions of all City residents, business owners and employees from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences with the goal of fostering equal access for all persons to City services and programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Make policy recommendations to the City Council regarding diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging;
2. Promote and advance the Sister Cities of Martinez;
3. Provide feedback on communications and community relations conducted by the City to ensure all segments of the community are being reached;
4. Conduct listening sessions and surveys to hear community feedback;
5. Proactively plan inclusive and welcoming events to celebrate and educate the community on the rich diversity of cultures and experience of all humans;
6. Provide feedback on the relevance of city-sponsored cultural events;
7. Propose relevant proclamations to the City Council; and
8. Recommend to the City Council the priority for community benefit funding when included in any State, Federal or private grant applications.

Fiscal Impact: The City Council allocated $50,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds towards the implementation of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Roadmap. The establishment of the Diversity and Cultural Commission is a key recommendation in the roadmap, and its implementation can be supported with these funds

• Staff Report – click here
• Ordinance – click here

Previous Stories:

• July 15 – Martinez Looks to Establish Diversity and Cultural Commission
• June 3 – Martinez to Establish Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Commission
• June 23, 2023 – Martinez Approves Roadmap for Diversity, Equity Inclusion and Belonging