PILLAR: Vibrant
AGENDA DATE: December 10, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Office of Housing and Community Empowerment
PRIORITY: Targeted Economic Growth
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SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the (1) adoption of a Drivers of Opportunity Framework aligned around five identified drivers of economic mobility, public safety and community empowerment as described in Exhibit A; and (2) suspension of the Racial Equity Plan - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
*In alignment with Drivers of Opportunity nexus.
Body
BACKGROUND
On August 24, 2022, the City Council authorized the adoption of the Racial Equity Plan. Following the issuance of certain federal directives-specifically Executive Orders 14173, 14218, and 14151 - and changes to federal grant requirements, recent court rulings impacting race- and gender-based resource allocations, and federal guidance memos, the city temporarily ceased use implementation of the Racial Equity Plan and other City policies, plans and programs pursuant to Resolution No. 25-1081 so that the City could review them for any necessary adjustments. that may potentially be inconsistent with the directives was temporarily suspended on June 26, 2025, in accordance with City Council’s direction to the City Manager to ensure compliance with the new federal requirements.
While monitoring these developments, senior City staff met with executive leaders in these institutions beginning in early 2025 to develop a new path forward. These meetings informed the development of the Drivers of Opportunity Framework, which is aimed at continuing the City’s efforts to advance economic mobility, public safety and community empowerment. The Framework, Exhibit A, is based on existing evidence-based tools and publications from entities like the Urban Institute and sets forth a series of drivers of opportunity, including gainful employment, high-quality education, opportunity rich neighborhoods, health environments and access to healthcare, and public safety and wellbeing.
Staff then hosted and participated in more than 12 public meetings to seek feedback on the proposed Framework. Feedback from these sessions and from our survey data informed adjustments to the initial draft of the Framework, which have been integrated into the updated version in Exhibit A.
Upon adoption of the Framework, staff will work to establish goals and metrics aligned with each driver. Additionally, staff will continue community and stakeholder engagement to identify priority areas for focus for the City and for partners, including a partner matrix that will delineate City-led priorities from those led by other entities. Finally, staff will establish a community opportunity index and work with internal city departments to establish data-driven, opportunity-aligned departmental goals.
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
Begin Framework December 2025
Begin Community Opportunity Index Assessment January 2026
Begin Citywide and departmental goal development April 2026
Goal reporting, review and updates Annually
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On June 25, 2025, the City Council authorized a resolution (1) directing the City Manager to review and evaluate city programs and policies to determine whether any adjustments may be necessary to remain for compliantce with federal directives; (2) authorizing the City Manager to temporarily pause for operational purposes a city program or policy to ensure compliance with federal directives; and (3) directing the City Manager to timely brief the City Council on her recommendations on any necessary changes to all temporarily paused city programs or policies and present recommendations for any proposed City Council final action by Resolution No. 25-1081.
The City Council was briefed on the “Federal Grant Compliance Task Force Update, Recommendations and Next Steps” on August 6, 2025.
On September 17, 2025, the Environmental Commission was briefed on the Drivers of Opportunity Framework.
The City Council was briefed on the “Federal Grant Compliance Task Force Updates and Next Steps” on October 1, 2025.
On October 20, 2025, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Advisory Board was briefed on the Drivers of Opportunity Framework.
On October 29, 2025, the Commission on Disabilities was briefed on the Drivers of Opportunity Framework.
The Quality of Life, Arts, and Culture Committee was briefed on the “Drivers of Opportunity Framework” on November 17, 2025.
The City Council was briefed on the “Drivers of Opportunity Framework and Implementation Approach” on December 3, 2025.
The Community Development Commission was briefed on the “Drivers of Opportunity Framework” on December 4, 2025.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.