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Irvine council unanimously backs AB 91 to add MENA census designation; resolution to be filed
Summary
The Irvine City Council voted 7–0 to support Assembly Bill 91 (MENA inclusion), endorsing a resolution the proponent submitted and asking staff to route necessary legislative support through established channels.
The Irvine City Council voted unanimously on June 3 to support Assembly Bill 91, the MENA (Middle Eastern and North African) inclusion act, and to submit a resolution the proponent provided endorsing the bill.
Council member Lou introduced the item, explaining that current federal census categories require people from Middle Eastern and North African origins to select "white" and that AB 91 would allow a distinct MENA designation to improve data accuracy for planning and equity. Lou said the change would help communities access appropriate services and ensure census data reflect ancestral origins.
Public commenters included local residents who urged the council to support the measure. In council discussion, Mayor (presiding officer) and other members encouraged use of the city’s legislative affairs committee for future requests and noted that individual council members may communicate directly with state legislators as well. Council member Martinez Franco made the motion to support AB 91 and to include the resolution Lou submitted; the clerk recorded a unanimous vote of 7–0.
