Equity & Inclusion
At the City of Hayward, we strive to build a culture of equity to ensure that we are meeting the needs of all residents. This requires tackling tough issues like institutional racism and implicit bias.
Hayward is one of the most diverse communities in the nation. The City is committed to providing equitable services that improve the lives of all residents and take into consideration past inequities and injustices. We know achieving that vision takes continuous listening, learning, and improvement. This site lists the steps the City has taken thus far and projects that are currently underway.
TIMELINE | ACTION |
|---|---|
1992 | Council Adoption of the 1992 Anti-Discrimination Action Plan (ADAP) |
2017 | Council establishes a limited term Community Task Force to update the ADAP and address increasing community concerns about nationwide discrimination |
2017 | Council Adoption of the Sanctuary City Resolution |
2017 | Council Adoption of the Commitment for an Equitable, Inclusive, and Compassionate Community |
2019 | City joins the Government Alliance on Race and Equity |
2020 | Staff presents the Racial Equity Action Plan to Council |
| 2021 | Council adopts a resolution issuing a formal apology for the City's role in racial discrimination |
Current Projects with an Equity & Inclusion Focus
- Russell City: As part of the Apology Resolution adopted on November 16, 2021, the Community Services Commission recommended a ten point work plan to address historical wrongdoings. The City Council will be discussing the proposed work plan in at it's annual retreat on January 29, 2022. In preparation for future work, the City has released a survey to begin connecting with any former residents of Russell City and their descendants.
- Public Safety Community Outreach Project: This project focuses on hearing concerns and creating responsive solutions to create a community where everyone feels safe and supported, regardless of race or background.
- The Hayward People's Budget: How would you spend $50,000 to build community in your neighborhood? Through this participatory budgeting process, community members will submit, vote on, and implement proposals.
- Heritage Art in Downtown Plaza: These public art pieces will honor the heritage of Hayward's Indigenous, Japanese-American, and Russell City communities.
- Housing Navigation Center: The City opened the Navigation Center in 2019 to help address the City’s homelessness crisis.
- Measure OO - City Boards and Commissions: Hayward voters passed Measure OO in 2020 to allow all Hayward residents to serve on Board and Commissions, regardless of whether they are registered or eligible to be registered to vote. Learn more about serving and how to apply.
Staff Team
The City has been a member of the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) since 2019. Since joining, 28 employees from across the City's departments have participated in GARE's ten-month training on communicating about race, tracking data, and using a racial equity toolkit to evaluate and design City programs. These team members are now training other City staff and conducting workshops for the City's Boards and Commissions.
