Executive Summary
The City of Arlington Unity Council ( Unity Council ), which was established following the 2020 murder of George Floyd , has remained committed to its charge of gathering community input , seeking strategies and creating an equity plan to eliminate racism and other forms of discrimination .
This report serves as an update to the tremendous work that has been advanced by the Unity Council since the issuance of its February 2021 Report & Recommendations . In addition to providing an update on its initial recommendations , this report also addresses an expanded scope of work for the Unity Council – addressing the inclusionary needs of our disabled , over age 65 and LGBTQ + populations .
As a result of this expanded scope , the Unity Council is demonstrating its commitment to not only eliminating racial and ethnic disparities , but also ensuring that we are intentional about eliminating disparities for many other segments of the city ’ s underserved and marginalized populations . In its February 2021 report , the Unity Council set forth 57 recommendations , designed to foster more equitable outcomes for all Arlington residents and stakeholders . These recommendations were specifically focused on eliminating racial and ethnic disparities across five socioeconomic areas that included economics , education and workforce training , housing , health and wellness , policing and criminal justice .
While the Unity Council ’ s initial report captured a snapshot in time , the recommendations set forth were designed to begin the ever-evolving work of ensuring equitable outcomes for all residents and stakeholders . Additionally , it was understood that many of the recommendations contained in the initial report could not be accomplished by the City of Arlington alone and required collaboration with an array of community partners and stakeholders . By the end of December 2022 , City staff was able to report that it had initiated action on 55 of the 57 original recommendations set forth in the Unity Council ’ s February 2021 report . More specifically , the City reported full completion of 27 of the recommendations , initiated action on 28 of the recommendations and had only two recommendations pending action .
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