Countywide Equity Initiative

The Countywide Equity Initiative grew out of board motions in August 2016 and in April 2017. The first motion emphasized training for public safety officials to reduce the influence of implicit bias and strengthen relationships between the County and communities we serve. The second motion expanded that emphasis to include all departments and also called for the review and assessment of best practices, implementation of relevant MAPP goals, design of specific plans including related costs, and countywide convenings to promote awareness, commitment, and skill development.

These Board actions assigned shared ongoing oversight responsibility for the initiative to the County Department of Human Resources and the County Commission on Human Relations (Department of Workforce Development, Aging, and Community Services). The intention is for LA County to be a national model of equity. This means each employee and every department will be fully aware of what equity is and why it’s important and fully engaged in making it a daily reality in our interactions with each other and our communities.

The following components are essential to actualize this vision.

Department Engagement

     Department-specific Commitments

     Relevant MAPP Goals

     Dedicated Department Teams or Units

Countywide Coordination

     Countywide Equity Leadership Team

     Inter-Departmental Teams

               Assessment/Metrics

               Personnel and Training

               Contracting and Procurement

               Budget and Policy

                Community and Stakeholders

     Ongoing Interdepartmental Communication

               Web-based Network

               Regular Reports

               Periodic Gatherings

Annual Equity Summits