Advancing Equity
The League of California Cities doesn't just advocate for the common interest of cities. It also helps city officials lead on challenging issues their communities face by providing education and resources that focus on promising strategies and new solutions. In June 2020, the Cal Cities Board of Directors issued a statement committing to the creation of an equitable and just future for all Californians. Cal Cities is dedicated to supporting its members by connecting them to resources and educational opportunities that strengthen their knowledge and capacity to eliminate racial disparities, heal racial divisions, and build more equitable communities. Below, is a list of foundational resources, which will grow as we deepen our knowledge and breadth in this space.
Advancing Equity Community
We are excited to announce the Cal Cities Advancing Equity Community where members can connect with one another to share information and resources. The new tool enables city officials to post information, give feedback, share resources, and interact with other city leaders on diversity, equity, and inclusion within cities. This community is open to all Cal Cities members. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Meghan McKelvey. Sign up now >
Equity Roadmap
Resources for Cities
Free to watch
- Advancing Racial Equity: An Introduction - Cal Cities and the National League of Cities REAL Department set the stage for the work necessary to expand city leaders' knowledge and capacity to eliminate racial disparities, heal racial divisions, and build more equitable communities. Cal Cities webinar originally offered Aug. 27, 2020.
- Advancing Racial Equity: A Discussion - Cities across the nation are grappling with frustration, outrage, and grief stemming from the effects of systemic racism. Join leadership from the National League of Cities REAL Department and three California city leaders for a discussion on how they are building more equitable and just cities. Keynote panel discussion originally offered at the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo on Oct. 8, 2020.
Learn from other cities in Western City's magazine
The November 2020, December 2021, and December 2022 issues of Western City magazine
highlight efforts to address systemic inequities in city institutions and policies and replace them with systems that are inclusive and fair.
- NLC REAL: The National League of Cities (NLC) Race, Equity, and Leadership (REAL) program was established in the wake of the 2014 unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, to strengthen the capacity to build more equitable communities. The REAL department offers tools and resources that help local elected leaders build safe places where people from all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds thrive socially, economically, academically, and physically. Please refer to the following reading list:
- Municipal Action Guide: Advancing Racial Equity in Your City compiles six immediate steps for improving outcomes for all residents.
- Municipal Action Guide: Responding to Racial Tension in Your City provides important contextual and tactical information to support your municipality’s efforts to respond effectively.
- Repository of City Racial Equity Policies and Decision includes examples of concrete policy and budgetary changes local elected officials have made to prioritize racial equity in their cities and towns.
- Racial Equity Resolution provides a template and talking points that explain why pursuing equity is good for local government.
- The City Leader’s Compass to the My Brother’s Keeper Landscape offers resources for city leaders working to respond to the My Brother’s Keeper Community Challenge. This publication highlights a comprehensive set of steps cities can take to tackle disparities, change systems, and improve outcomes for boys and young men of color.
- GARE: The Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) is a national network of government working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all. GARE supports jurisdictions that are at the forefront of work to achieve racial equity; develops a “pathway for entry” into racial equity work for new jurisdictions; and builds local and regional collaborations that are inclusive and focused on achieving racial equity.
- Race Forward: Race Forward brings systemic analysis and an innovative approach to complex race issues to help people take effective action toward racial equity. The organization conducts original research on pressing racial justice issues ranging from immigration to economic inequality.
- ICMA Race, Equity, and Social Justice: Materials curated by the International City Managers Association (ICMA), along with reports and surveys that describe approaches that have an impact and provide the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others.
- Mayors and Business Leaders Center for Compassionate and Equitable Cities: Resources, including ideas, initiatives, toolkits, and reports, by mayors and for mayors and other city leaders.
League of California Cities and Asian Pacific Islander Caucus Decry Anti-Asian Violence
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cal Cities Contact: Jill Oviatt, (916) 882-8656, joviatt@calcities.org
Cal Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus: Annie Lam, (916) 955-6766, annie@lam-consult.com
Sacramento – In the wake of escalating anti-Asian incidents and attacks across the country, including the brutal killing of eight people, mostly Asian women, this week in Atlanta, Georgia, the League of California Cities condemns these horrific acts. In response, Cal Cities President Cheryl Viegas Walker, mayor, El Centro, and Cal Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus (API) President Sheng Thao, council president pro tem, Oakland, issued the following statement:
“The League of California Cities is deeply saddened and equally outraged at yet another despicable display of bigotry and hate in our country. Our hearts go out to the victims’ families, their communities, and all those across the country who are reeling from the onslaught of violence directed against Asians and Asian Americans during the pandemic.
“The League of California Cities stands in solidarity with our API Caucus and all our Asian brothers and sisters who have been the targets of hate, racism, and violence during a year when the pandemic has already caused so much pain and suffering. The dual pandemic of racism is more than any community should be forced to bear, and just as our communities have worked together to stop the spread of the coronavirus, we must band together to stop the spread of hate.
“This week’s murders cannot be viewed in isolation but as part of a long and dark history of anti-Asian violence that has intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic and been enflamed by racist rhetoric. Right here in California, Asian Americans have been subjected to these acts of bigotry in the past months. A 91-year-old man was shoved to the ground in Oakland, a 51-year-old teacher’s aide was beaten with his own cane in Rosemead, for months an immigrant family has been harassed in Orange County, and in another hurtful incident, a school teacher made slant-eyed gestures during a Zoom class with students in Sacramento.
“To the local, state, and national leaders who have stepped up to denounce this rising racist tide, thank you. It is only through our collective voices and actions that we will root out hate and xenophobia. We stand united in support of the voices of inclusion and firmly against the voices inciting hate.
“We encourage anyone who has either seen or been a victim of these senseless attacks to please report it to the Stop AAPI Hate Center.”
Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a nonprofit statewide association that advocates for cities with the state and federal governments and provides education and training services to elected and appointed city officials.
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