DATE:
February 28, 2023
09
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
PROMOTING GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY UPDATE: IMPROVING ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND BUILDING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT THROUGH BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND COMMISSIONS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
The County reimagined its mission, vision, and values at the beginning of 2022, putting community engagement at the center of the County's operations to create a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. A key component of creating this vision and supporting community engagement is access and participation in local government for all people, with a particular focus on increasing transparency among diverse audiences to encourage civic involvement. To work toward these goals, the Board of Supervisors approved a range of recommendations in separate actions on May 10, 2022 (8), and May 24, 2022 (10), which are outlined in the subsequent background section, and directed staff to return to the Board.
Due to the close alignment of the actions directed in both items to support community engagement, civic participation, and overall transparency, this report combines the summary of the staff's research, findings, and recommendations, and incorporates feedback received from County departments across the enterprise and the community.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
1. Receive the report on actions related to government transparency and promoting civic engagement through boards, committees, and commissions.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Boards, committees, and commissions (BCCs) are a mechanism for civic engagement. Racial and socioeconomic disparities exist across the nation in voter participation and public engagement. As noted in the May 10, 2022 (8) board letter, trends show that white people, older adults, and people with higher incomes and education levels vote at higher rates, and these demographics are more likely to be reflected in elected officials. The disparity continues when considering...
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