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4.A. - Page 4 of 98 <br />Most recently, on August 29, the City Council expressed interest in modifying the City's Strategic Plan to <br />ensure equity is at the core of City policies and activities. The City Council's Strategic Plan Ad Hoc <br />Committee has met to discuss this and on October 12, will recommend that the City Council amend the <br />Strategic Plan to include the foundational principle, "Redwood City will put equity first, urging a collective <br />restart so that policies serve the entire community." <br />ANALYSIS <br />In the last several months, City Councilmembers and staff have focused intently on listening to the <br />community and acting to address concerns regarding racial equity. There are many areas of alignment: <br />shared values regarding equity, equal justice and equal opportunity; shared desires to use data and best <br />practices to shape City services; and shared understanding that government must meet community needs. <br />While current practices and services have many strengths, the Committee and staff also see opportunities <br />for improvement. Importantly, changes need to be grounded in local experiences, data and resources. <br />Feedback from community members and stakeholders provided in recent months may be grouped into <br />eight overarching categories: <br />1. Desire for the City to consider alternative service models for policing <br />2. Desire for transparency in public safety data <br />3. Desire for an organizational culture that supports equity <br />4. Desire for public accountability/oversight of Police activities <br />5. Desire for equity in the criminal justice system <br />6. Desire for equity in housing opportunity including housing affordability and eliminating <br />homelessness <br />7. Desire for equity in educational outcomes and resources <br />8. Desire for community awareness of racism <br />These themes were reflected feedback received in the community dialogue sessions PCRC facilitated; <br />those sessions also identified concerns around cost of living, gentrification, communication and <br />representation. This section of the report provides background information about these themes, <br />recognizing that the City can improve communications regarding police activities and City initiatives. This <br />information is followed by the Committee's recommended actions. <br />1. Desire for the City to consider alternative service models for policing <br />Many residents have urged the City to use best practices in police activities, including partnering <br />with social service organizations to provide services. City leadership shares this value; the Police <br />Department focuses on community policing and works closely with a wide range of service <br />organizations. Several examples are listed below. <br />Some individuals have also advocated for reducing funding for the Police Department and for <br />reducing interactions with community members, such as eliminating the School Resource Officer <br />at Sequoia High School. These topics are discussed further below. <br />Page 4 of 17 <br />City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.ore <br />11 <br />