Abstract
Governments worldwide are increasingly called to address structural inequities within their institutions and service delivery. San Francisco’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) offers a compelling model for embedding racial equity into the core of public administration. This session presents OEWD’s Racial Equity Action Plan (REAP), a strategic framework that has driven systemic reforms across internal operations and external programs. Internally, OEWD implemented reforms to create a more inclusive and accountable workplace. These include integrating equity metrics into performance evaluations, redesigning hiring and promotion practices to reduce bias, and establishing a permanent Racial Equity Working Group to guide policy and culture change. Externally, OEWD restructured program planning and funding decisions using racial equity criteria—prioritizing underserved communities, applying equity impact assessments, and embedding community voice into program design. The session will also explore challenges OEWD encountered, such as resistance to change, data limitations, and sustaining momentum amid leadership transitions. Despite these barriers, OEWD’s approach demonstrates how public agencies can move beyond statements of intent to institutionalize equity through policy, practice, and accountability. Participants will gain practical tools and insights for applying similar strategies in their own contexts, including equity-centered planning, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and performance-based accountability. This session is designed for public servants/employees, policymakers, and equity practitioners seeking to operationalize equity in government systems.
Presenters
Daniel EsparzaRacial Equity Manager, Office of Economic and Workforce Development, City and County of San Francisco, California, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Community Diversity and Governance
KEYWORDS
Racial Equity; City Government; Inclusive Policy Design; Government Accountability
