Long Beach Municipal Code Ch. 2.45 Commission for Women and Girls

There is created a Commission to be known and designated as the Commission for Women and Girls.

(ORD-23-0029 § 1, 2023)

For the purposes of this Chapter, the following definition shall be applicable:

A. "Women and girls" means all who live as female-identified, including: cisgender and transgender, and those who identify as gender-expansive, non-binary, non-conforming, and genderqueer.

(ORD-23-0029 § 1, 2023)

A. To gather information and evaluate the needs and concerns of women and girls in Long Beach within the broader context of gender equity;

B. To inform and advise the City Council on issues and inequities affecting women and girls in Long Beach;

1. Recommend changes related to gender equality in existing City policies, programs and practices;

2. Recommend new policies, programs and practices that promote and ensure equal rights and opportunities for all genders;

3. Recommend protecting and promoting visibility for women who are mothers, caregivers or older adults;

4. Identify matters of discrimination, prejudice, health and safety;

5. Encourage the participation, visibility and leadership of all women and girls.

C. To recommend policy changes using an intersectional feminist lens, ensuring that women's overlapping identities, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, disability, class, religion, and marital status, are considered in decision-making related to City policies, programs, practices and resource allocation;

D. To consult and coordinate with other public agencies, commissions, and organizations serving women and girls on matters related to the Commission;

E. To conduct studies and surveys on the status of women and girls related to gender equity, as requested by the Mayor and City Council, and provide a report back to the City Council thereafter;

F. To submit a report to the City Council annually that details the status and progress on activities and recommendations.

(ORD-23-0029 § 1, 2023)

The Commission for Women and Girls shall consist of eleven (11) members who demonstrate a commitment to advocating and advancing the well-being of Long Beach women and girls. It is the intent that the Commissioners appointed shall be from a diverse cross-section of Long Beach, including women of all racial backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual orientation, age, disability, class, religion, and partner status. There shall be one (1) commission member appointed to represent each of the nine (9) City Council districts and two (2) members appointed at large. Members of the Commission will be nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.

(ORD-23-0029 § 1, 2023)

A. The term of office for members of the Commission shall comply with Chapter 2.18 of this Code.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A of this Section, five (5) members first appointed to the Commission, including the two (2) at-large members and three (3) other members as determined by lottery, shall serve for an initial two (2) year term. Such members serving an initial two (2) year term shall be eligible for re-appointment to four (4) additional two (2) year terms.

(ORD-23-0029 § 1, 2023)

A. The Commission shall make only advisory recommendations to the City Council related to establishing and maintaining equal rights, equity, social justice, representation, and opportunities for all regarding gender, specifically serving women and girls who live or work in Long Beach. This includes all who live as female-identified: cisgender and transgender, and those who identify as gender-expansive, non-binary, non-conforming, and genderqueer. 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.

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-23-0029 § 1, 2023)

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-23-0029 § 1, 2023)