Wine Country Times

In an effort to address inequity and discrimination and recognize its far-reaching effects on the community’s health, the Napa City Council has declared racism to be a public health crisis.

At a Sept. 15, 2020 meeting, the council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution “affirming that discrimination and systemic racism is a public health crisis that results in disparities in family stability, health and mental wellness, education, employment, economic development, public safety, criminal justice experience and housing.”

As part of its resolution, city employees will be required to undergo a mandatory multi-year training program that will encompass various training modules and topics that focus on implicit bias, cultural awareness and celebrating diversity, racial justice and equality, age and ability, LGBTQ+ and gender identity and equality.

“This list is not all-inclusive and additional topics may be added,” Potter said. “We want to ensure that we are educating our city workforce in all areas necessary so that we can make our government as accessible, equitable and inclusive for all members of the Napa community as possible.”

Since the resolution has been adopted, the city has taken steps to achieve its mission. It has partnered with a local non-profit organization, LGBTQ Connection, to offer two “LGBTQ Best Practices” virtual training sessions for city council employees.

The city has also launched the Equity Initiative, a new program to collaborate with community members to develop solutions to address the root causes of social injustice. Funding for the Equity Initiative is provided through the city’s partnership with the National League of Cities’ Cities of Opportunity Initiative.

To assist the city in building a framework for the Equity initiative, the Cities of Opportunity program will provide partnership opportunities with local agencies addressing equity concerns, provide funding to lay the groundwork for the local initiative, and provide guidance on executing a meaningful equity plan.

To help achieve its mission of achieving equity and inclusion for all, the City of Napa will be joining the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE).