AgdaPkt 2017-02-13 Closed and Joint

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REPORT To the Honorable Mayor and City Council From the City Manager February 13, 2017 SUBJECT Resolution Proclaiming Redwood City a Welcoming City and a Member of the Welcoming Cities and Counties Initiative RECOMMENDATION Approve a Resolution Proclaiming the City of Redwood City a Welcoming City and Joining the Welcoming Cities and Counties Initiative BACKGROUND The City of Redwood City is committed to enhancing its cultural fabric by supporting and celebrating its multi-ethnic diversity, which includes newcomers and immigrants. In keeping with this philosophy, the City of Redwood City is committed to building an inclusive community that welcomes immigrants and newcomers to participate in civic, cultural, and economic life. The Welcoming Cities and Counties Initiative encourages communities throughout the United States to create more welcoming, immigrant-friendly environments that maximize opportunities for economic growth and cultural vitality. ANALYSIS Recent United States Census figures report that 31.5 percent of Redwood City’s population is foreign born and that 45.7 percent of Redwood City residents speak a language other than English in their homes. The City values the social and cultural contributions of immigrants and recognizes that they are critical to the overall prosperity of the City. The City has a history of working collaboratively with Redwood City 2020 to promote the health, safety and success of all members of the Redwood City community. This includes the inclusion and empowerment of all community members through the Redwood City Together Initiative. The Redwood City Together Initiative brings together community members to build grassroots empathy and understanding and to promote welcoming practices throughout the community. Membership in the Welcoming Cities and Counties Initiative will bring the City of Redwood City into a network of over 58 cities across the United States that are actively 6.3.A. - Page 1