The Los Angeles City Council approved a motion on Tuesday to draft a “racial equity audit” of the city’s programs and policies. The purpose is to determine whether Black and other minority Angelenos face systemic barriers to accessing municipal benefits.
The motion was introduced by councilmembers Mark Ridley-Thomas and Marqueece Harris-Dawson in June and was seconded by Nithya Raman.
Councilmember Ridley-Thomas said he believed the motion woul be “the blueprint for establishing anti-racist Los Angeles policy framework.”
The motion further noted that Black Angelenos, who account for nine percent of the city’s population, represent a third of those who are injured or killed by law enforcement, 34 percent of the population experiencing homelessness in 2019 and half of those who filed for unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The motion passed 14-0. Next, the city’s Civil and Human Rights and Equity Department must produce the audit and report back to the council within 60 days.
The report may include findings on barriers marginalized communities face to enroll in and access public services and programs, as well as procure city contract opportunities. Data and conclusions will be published online in coordination with the mayor’s office through a “Raquel Equity Hub” or other online platform.