On August 3rd, the City of Long Beach released the Racial Equity and Reconciliation Initiative - Initial Report. The report details actions to address anti-Black racism, advance racial equity, and reconcile with the vision that race should not determine social and economic outcomes for those who live or work in Long Beach. The report represents the fourth step in the Framework for Reconciliation following acknowledging, listening, and convening with stakeholders to shape policy, programs, and practices.
The goals and strategies of the initial report include actions related to government/infrastructure, public safety and policing, violence prevention, health equity and economic inclusion. The four goals, along with their outlined strategies include:
- End systemic racism in Long Beach, in all local government and partner agencies, through internal transformation.
- Design and invest in community safety and violence prevention.
- Redesign police approach to community safety.
- Improve health and wellness in the City by eliminating social and economic disparities in the communities most impacted by racism.
Altogether, the plan consists of 21 distinct strategies and 107 potential actions. The purpose of the potential actions is to center the needs, voices and assets of those most affected by anti-Black systemic racism and eliminate disparities in order to expand opportunities for all Long Beach residents.
The Framework for Reconciliation - Initial Report was released on the same day as the City's Fiscal Year 20-21 Budget. You can watch the Mayor and City Manager's presentation here.