POLICY DATABASE
Policy Summary

This law establishes a "Race and Equity Department" to intentionally integrate, on a citywide basis, the principle of "fair and just" in all the city does in order to achieve equitable opportunities for all people and communities. It specifically identifies "food systems that support local food production and provide access to affordable, healthy, and culturally appropriate foods for all people" as a determinant of equity.

Background Information

State California
Jurisdiction Name Oakland
Jurisdiction Type City,
Population Size 200,000-800,000
Legal Strategies
  • Requires something, sets standards
  • Expressly allows something
Reach Limited scope
This law creates and directs one government department (the Department of Race and Equity).
Food System Category Grow; Get;

Policy Details

Refers to priority populations?
Yes

See references to "regardless of race, class, gender or language spoken," "early childhood development," and "culturally appropriate foods." § 2.29.170.2(b),(b)(4),(b)(7).

Emergency management?
No
Health-related linkage?
Yes

See references to "affordable, healthy, and culturally appropriate foods for all people" and "healthy built and natural environments for all people." § 2.29.170.2(b)(7),(b)(9).

Environmental linkage?
Yes

See references to "clean air, water, soil and sediment," "clean and quality outdoor spaces," and "public transit, walking, carpooling and biking." § 2.29.170.2(b)(9),(b)(13)-(14).

Economic linkage?
Yes

See references to "community economic development that supports local ownership of assets, including homes and businesses, and assures fair access for all to business development and business retention opportunities" and "job training and jobs that provide all residents with the knowledge and skills to compete in a diverse workforce and with the ability to make sufficient income for the purchase of basic necessities to support them and their families." § 2.29.160.2(b)(1),(b)(11).

Includes findings?
No

Has a stated intent or purpose?
Unclear

Although not labeled "intent" or "purpose," section 2.29.170.1 provides "[t]hrough adoption of the ordinance from which this Section derives, the City of Oakland and the establishment of the Department of Race and Equity, the City of Oakland will intentionally integrate, on a Citywide basis, the principle of "fair and just" in all the City does in order to achieve equitable opportunities for all people and communities." § 2.29.170.1.

Includes definitions?
Yes

§ 2.29.170.2

Addresses implementation?
Yes

The City Administrator is tasked with interweaving aspects of social justice into city plans, management and reporting systems, and budgets; establishing an inter-branch team to facilitate accountability, coordination and implementation; and designing and publishing an annual report for Oakland elected leadership, employees and the public on the status and trends in equity in the City and measures of accountability. The Department of Race and Equity shall be responsible for leading accountability, coordination, and implementation efforts. § 2.29.170.3.

Enforcement provisions?
No

Evaluation component?
Yes

The City Administrator is directed to "design and publish an annual report for Oakland elected leadership, employees and the public on the status and trends in equity in the City and measures of accountability for work plans and results related to implementation of this Section." § 2.29.170.3.

Requires extra investment?
Unclear

This policy creates a new office, but it is unclear whether it involves a new position(s) and additional funding and/or a renamed position(s) (no new funding required).

Code context and ordinance history

This policy is located in Oakland, California Code of Ordinances, Title 2 - Administration and Personnel, Chapter 2.29 - City Agencies, Departments and Offices. History: Ord. No. 13442, § 2, 6-27-2017.

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