Staff
California Governor Gavin Newsom moved forward in his efforts to promote racial equity with the signing of an executive order directing state agencies and departments to take additional actions to embed equity analysis and considerations in their mission, policies and practices and the establishment of a new Racial Equity Commission in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR).
The Commission will be comprised of 11 individuals with demonstrated expertise in developing public policies impacting racial equity and will be charged with creating a Racial Equity Framework consisting of resources and tools to promote racial equity and address structural racism. The Commission will also recommend tools, methodologies and opportunities to advance racial equity, and will provide direct assistance to state agencies in reviewing and updating policies and practices upon agency request.
Under the order, state agencies and departments are directed to embed policies and practices in their strategic plans in order to further advance equity and opportunity and address disparities in access and outcomes. As part of these efforts, agencies and departments will incorporate more inclusive public engagement and data analysis to better serve all Californians.
In addition, the order helps protect communities against hate violence and discrimination through accelerated actions, supports equitable investment of federal infrastructure funding, promotes a more inclusive and diverse state workforce, and encourages contracting opportunities for California businesses in disadvantaged regions and communities.
“In California, we recognize that our incredible diversity is the foundation for our state’s strength, growth and success – and that confronting inequality is not just a moral imperative, but an economic one,” said Governor Newsom. “Our state has made great strides in redressing historic wrongs and stubborn disparities, but we know that much work remains to tackle the barriers that hold back too many Californians and undermine our collective prosperity. California won’t shy away from this challenge – with today’s action, our state is doubling down on the ongoing work to make the California Dream a reality for every one of us.”