Progress Report on the City's Racial Justice Initiatives
Post Date:11/20/2020 6:20 PM
The City Council has committed the City of Sausalito to an ongoing effort to develop programs and initiatives to address the legacy of systemic racism. Below is a progress report on the City's efforts since the previous update on August 14.
On August 18, the City Council approved the purchase of body worn cameras for officers of the Sausalito Police Department. Their deployment is expected to increase transparency between the police department and the community. A draft policy on how the cameras will be used is currently going through a public review process.
Also on August 18, the City Council approved a resolution to allow residents of unincorporated areas in the 94965 ZIP code, which includes Marin City, to be appointed to serve in a liaison capacity on six of the City's boards and commissions, including the Community Safety/Disaster Preparedness Committee and the Economic Development Advisory Committee.
On September 8, the City Council adopted a resolution to expand the Age Friendly Home Adaptation Grant Program to include low-income homeowners who are planning home rehabilitation and energy efficiency projects.
On October 31, the Sausalito Parks and Recreation Department and Performing Stars presented an outdoor movie night in Marin City to bring together residents from both communities.
On November 10, the City Council adopted an ordinance to allow residents of unincorporated areas in the 94965 ZIP code to be eligible for the City's Resident Parking Program. The ordinance goes into effect on December 17.
The City has included a statement on racial justice and social equity in the final review draft of a new General Plan, along with specific components intended to support minority-owned businesses, create more housing opportunities for low-income households, and preserve historic resources connected to the history of people of color and other traditionally under recognized members of the community.
The City has submitted an application for acceptance into the Government Alliance on Race and Equity, a national network of government working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all.
The Sausalito Library is collaborating with the Sausalito Marin City School District, Willow Creek Academy, and the Marin County Free Library on a project to evaluate and improve the school library collections in advance of school unification.
Look for more updates on the City's racial justice initiatives in future editions of Currents. Ideas for new initiatives may be shared with City Clerk Heidi Scoble at hscoble@sausalito.gov.
