Title
Staff Report for Council Consideration to Explore a Local Multicultural Commission
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
At the June 6, 2016 City Council meeting the City Council requested to schedule a discussion to explore a possible Multicultural Commission in San Leandro. The item was also discussed at the July 18th and September 19th meetings. At the September 19th meeting, the City Council directed staff to survey other cities with commissions that include a multicultural component in their scope and bring the item back for discussion on October 17th.
The City Manager recommends that the City Council review the information in this report, which includes a brief survey of six Bay Area cities and provide direction on next steps and/or additional information or research that is requested from staff.
BACKGROUND
The City Council requested staff survey nearby cities that have commissions with a multicultural component in their scope. Staff is also reviewing current San Leandro Boards and Commissions that have a cultural responsibility within their purview.
Analysis
Staff identified six cities in the Bay Area that have City commissions with a multicultural component in their scope. This survey is not intended to be exhaustive, but it does provide multiple examples of the ways in which other cities have used commissions to promote multiculturalism. In general, the commissions tend to cover one of more of the following:
* Celebrating diversity and cultural heritage;
* Anti-discrimination efforts;
* Arts and culture; and
* Social and environmental justice.
1. City of Novato
Multicultural Advisory Commission
The Novato Multicultural Advisory Commission acts as a catalyst to encourage respect, understanding, and inclusion of all of Novato's diversity. The Commission seeks to enrich the lives of the community through courageous interpersonal dialogue, and strives to build a safe and strong community through group and individual interaction as well a...
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