Long Beach Municipal Code Ch. 2.44 Equity and Human Relations Commission

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— ORD-21-0036 § 1, adopted Nov. 9, 2021, amended Ch. 2.44 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former Ch. 2.44, §§ 2.44.010—2.44.060 was entitled "Human Relations Commission," and derived from Ord. C-6570 § 1 (part), 1989.

State Law reference— Provisions pertaining to human relations commissions, Gov. Code § 50260 et seq.

There is created a Commission to be known and designated as the Equity and Human Relations Commission.

(ORD-21-0036 § 1, 2021)

A. To furnish the opportunity for the promotion and encouragement of positive human relations among community members, groups, and institutions and to consider, promote and develop programs for the reduction of tension, conflict, or violence which may arise from intolerance, prejudice and discrimination based upon race, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or mental or physical disability.

B. To cultivate and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the City through accountability and measurable outcomes to provide accountability and transparency in government in the City.

C. To submit advisory policy recommendations to the City Council regarding policies, systems, and programs:

1. To promote goodwill, better relations, and full acceptance among all people in the community;

2. To foster a more equitable and socially-just Long Beach at the individual, community, and systems level;

3. Related to and affecting human relations, social justice issues, and equity, including racial equity and reconciliation;

4. In the areas of research and education for the purpose of lessening racial, religious, or other prejudice and of fostering attitudes among various groups which lead to civil peace and intergroup understanding; and

5. Which will promote understanding and cooperation between the various departments of the City and community members, including programs relating to human relations training for City employees.

D. Review and make recommendations on the Equity Action Plans implemented pursuant to the City's Framework for Racial Equity and Reconciliation and any other similar equity- or social justice-related plans or programs required by the City Council regarding the same.

E. To collaborate on project development with community groups, City commissions, and other related institutions, including, but not limited to, the Human Dignity Program to foster a more equitable and socially-just Long Beach at the individual, community, and systems level.

F. To submit a report to the City Council annually that details the status and progress on equity measures in the City, including, but not limited to, progress on the action items in the City's Racial Equity and Reconciliation plan.

G. To advise and make recommendations to the Council on any other areas or topics relating to equity, human relations and social justice as directed by the City Council.

(ORD-21-0036 § 1, 2021)

A. The Equity and Human Relations Commission shall consist of fifteen (15) members who are broadly representative of racial, ethnic, religious, labor, business, age, gender, sexual orientation and disabled members of the general public and those groups impacted by inequity at the individual, community, and systems level. All members shall be appointed by the Mayor subject to confirmation by the City Council. An equity lens should be applied to commissioner appointments to ensure adequate representation of the community and those groups impacted by inequity at the individual, community, and systems level. There shall be one (1) commission member appointed to represent each of the nine (9) City Council districts and six (6) members appointed at large. Each member of the City Council shall nominate an individual to the Mayor to represent each respective Council district. The Mayor will notify the members of the City Council of the names of the nominees at least one (1) week prior to the placement of the appointments on the Council agenda for confirmation.

B. Members of the Commission should possess personal, professional or academic experience related to equity, human relations, and social justice, including, but not limited to, one (1) or more of the following areas: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); anti-racism; immigration; criminal justice reform; and services or organizations that work with marginalized groups.

C. Members of the Commission must attend an implicit bias and anti-racism training within ninety (90) days of being appointed to the Commission.

(ORD-21-0036 § 1, 2021)

A. The Commission shall make only advisory policy recommendations to the City Council on human relations matters, social justice issues, and equity matters. Accordingly, the Commission shall not sit as an adjudicatory body on any such matters and shall have no authority to compel the attendance of persons before it. The Commission shall neither be considered in theory nor function as a Police Review Board.

B. Neither the Commission nor any individual member thereof shall have any administrative or operational duties, functions or responsibilities and shall have no supervisory power or any authority over any officers, agents or employees of the City or the operation or conduct of any City department.

C. Recommendations from the Commission shall follow the established processes set by the City Manager for advisory commissions, committees, and boards to transmit their recommendations to the City Council.

(ORD-21-0036 § 1, 2021)

Except as provided in this Chapter, the Commission shall be governed by and shall operate and conduct its business in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 2.18 of this Code entitled "Advisory Boards, Commissions and Committees".

(ORD-21-0036 § 1, 2021)