Brentwood Could Add Several Cultural Event Programs

On Tuesday, City of Brentwood will discuss possibly adding more cultural event programs. The discussion will occur at the Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion (DEBI) meeting.

The DEBI Committee, which was formally an ad-hoc committee, was upgraded to a standing committee via council vote at the July 23, 2024 meeting. According to staff, by moving to a standing committee, it will allow the council and staff to do ongoing work on an issue or multiple issues—it also would operate under the same rules as City Council and commission meetings when it comes to the Brown Act such as agendas being posted, notice to the public, and public being welcome to attend.

One of the items up for discussion Tuesday is potentially developing a Cultural Event Programs to celebrate the diverse heritage of the Brentwood community and workforce, foster inclusivity and belonging, and promote social engagement. In addition to the Juneteenth Celebration, other events that may be considered are:

Black History Month (February)
Women’s History Month (March)
Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) (May)
Pride Celebration (June)
Disability Pride Month (July)
Hispanic Heritage Celebration (September)
Native American Heritage Recognition (November)

It is unclear where the funding for these programs would come from as last year for Juneteenth, the city agreed to a $45k budget for that event– In an effort to fund the event, the city council directed staff to cancel a single Concert in the Park and shift those funds to the Juneteenth event.

Other Items for the meeting:

D1: Introduction Staff Report for Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion Committee; Chair Selection: The scope of the DEBI committee is to create and develop a racial equity plan, an anti-racism and anti-hate crime policy, and provide annual Juneteenth celebration oversight, opportunities for community enagement and policy advisement, and metrics and accountability to measure goals.

DEBI DRAFT Mission Statement

The City of Brentwood is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable community where all residents, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or background, feels valued, respected, and empowered. The city’s strength lies in its diversity, and the Committee is dedicated to creating an environment that celebrates differences.

Promote Inclusivity: Ensure that all voices are heard and represented in the city’s decision-making processes. Pursue active engagement with diverse communities to understand their unique needs and perspectives.
Advance Equity: Address systemic barriers and disparities by implementing policies and practices that promote fair access to opportunities and resources for all residents.
Encourage Participation: Foster a sense of belonging and civic engagement by creating spaces and programs that invite and support active participation from all community members.
Celebrate Diversity: Recognize and honor the rich cultural heritage of city residents through events, educational initiatives, and public art that reflect the vibrant tapestry of the Brentwood community.
Educate and Empower: Provide educational opportunities and resources that promote understanding, acceptance, and appreciation of diversity. Empower individuals and groups to take an active role in building an inclusive community.
Cultivate Partnership: Collaborate with local organizations, businesses, residents, and educational institutions to promote diversity and inclusion throughout the city.

Item 2: Diamond Strategies DEBI Overview Presentation: Dr. Matthew Whitaker provide an overview of the diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives completed for the City of Brentwood.

Item 3: Staff will develop a Race and Equity Action Plan (REAP) specifically focused on the City of Brentwood’s internal workforce. The goal is to ensure that race and equity are integrated into recruitment, hiring, promotion, retention, and workplace culture across all city departments. Through development and implementation of REAP, the City will take concrete steps to reduce biases, increase diversity, and foster a more inclusive work environment for all employees. This action plan will be a critical tool to improve employee morale, promote fairness, and enhance the City’s ability to serve a diverse population.

Item 4: Staff will develop an Anti-Racism Policy to: maintain responsible behavior towards others, be treated with dignity and respect, and be safe and protected from racism. The goal is to ensure that there is zero tolerance for racism and each individual has a right to work in a professional atmosphere that does not produce or sustain inequity among racial groups.

Item 5: Staff will develop a Flag Pole Policy to ensure that all flags are visible from the street. The goal is to ensure that trees and other objects are not obstructing the street-view of the flags.

If You GO
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, BELONGING AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
Zoom Webinar ID:859 3623 7606
February 18, 2025 at 5:00 P.m.
City Council Chambers
150 City Park Way
Brentwood, CA 94513
Agenda – click here