DOS Commission adopts racial equity resolution, directs departmental action plans

The San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services (DOS) Commission unanimously adopted a resolution committing the agency to formal racial equity work and the development of departmental action plans.

Asa King, manager of the newly formed Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, presented the resolution and walked commissioners through priorities including staff engagement, policy and procedure reviews, and board and commission accountability. King said the office will provide training and tools to ensure hiring, promotion, discipline, and program delivery consider racial equity and inclusion.

Executive Director Shereen McSpadden said the work is a departmental priority and noted collaboration with the citywide Office of Racial Equity and other partners. Commissioners voiced broad support during the discussion, highlighting the need for staff participation, culturally competent outreach, and alignment across the agency’s boards and commission work.

One member of the public, Karen Coppock of the HomeMatch home-sharing program, addressed the commission during a public comment window tied to the item and described program adaptations during COVID; her remarks were taken in the queue established for agenda items.

Following discussion, a motion to approve the resolution was made and the commission recorded a unanimous roll-call vote. The resolution directs DOS and its departments to develop and submit racial equity action plans and participate in city-provided training and reporting mechanisms. The commission did not specify enforcement sanctions in the presentation; next steps include departmental plan drafting and staff onboarding to the new frameworks.