Commission presses for release of county disparity study and plans agenda action

Commissioners raised concerns that an Alameda County disparity study prepared by Mason Tillman Associates remains unpublished two years after a draft was expected, and they agreed to place the matter on an upcoming agenda so the Commission can request access to the report.

A commissioner noted that the county study appears to be complete but has been held in county counsel’s office for legal review. County staff said in the meeting that county counsel is reviewing the study and promised to finish that review and get the report to the board and public as soon as possible.

Commissioners said the study could inform the commission’s work identifying disparities and developing locally appropriate remedies. "It seems that this report is really germane to what we're doing," one commissioner said, urging the chair to add an agenda item to request access to the draft or to ask the Board of Supervisors to release the document.

Because the discussion was not an agendized action item at the Jan. 9 meeting, commissioners agreed to add the topic to the next meeting's agenda and to the retreat agenda so the Commission can pursue a formal request. Some commissioners suggested contacting Mason Tillman Associates directly to ask for the draft and advised coordinating with the Board of Supervisors.

Next steps: staff will place a request for the disparity study draft on an upcoming agenda and prepare draft language the Commission can use to request release or access from county counsel or the Board of Supervisors.