Historic Preservation Commission endorses department—s Racial and Social Equity Action Plan (Phase 1)

The Historic Preservation Commission on Dec. 18 endorsed the Planning Department—s Phase 1 Racial and Social Equity Action Plan, which staff said addresses internal departmental functions such as hiring practices, budgeting, contracting and training.

Claudia Flores, department staff, presented Phase 1 as an internal-first set of actions that includes an interim budget equity assessment tool and staff training. She said Phase 2 will focus on external operations (historic preservation, community planning, environmental review) and that community engagement for Phase 2 will ramp up in the spring. Flores noted the city recently created an Office of Racial Equity under the Human Rights Commission and said the new director started work "yesterday," and the department will coordinate on performance metrics and annual reporting.

Several commissioners praised the plan and asked staff to ensure historically underserved communities have access to funding and regulatory relief. Commissioner Matsuda asked why the Historic Preservation Commission was not listed on the plan—s executive summary; staff said that omission was an oversight and agreed to correct the acknowledgement page. A motion to endorse the plan as amended (including the HPC acknowledgement) was made and carried unanimously.

Staff said Phase 1 actions are largely underway and that the department will finalize an implementation matrix and performance measures in coordination with the Office of Racial Equity and the Controller—s Office. Phase 2 drafting and broader public outreach are expected to continue through the next year with a goal of adopting Phase 2 for transmittal to the Office of Racial Equity in December of the following year.