SFHSS presents first annual racial equity action plan update to board

SFHSS senior planner Leticia Harris presented the department’s first annual update on its racial equity action plan, focusing on Phase 1 activities required by Ordinance 188-19 and the city’s administrative code. The Phase 1 report centers on internal workforce development, training and organizational culture-building.

Harris said the department surveyed staff (76% participation of ~54 employees) and received more than 400 open-ended responses. The survey data informed actions on inclusive leadership training, a racial equity advisory, and plans for professional development investments. A public webpage documenting the plan and anonymized survey results was created to maintain transparency.

Harris told the board SFHSS will repeat pulse surveys and expand Phase 2 work next year to address external services, community engagement and equity indicators affecting members. Commissioners praised the initiative and asked how pandemic and return-to-office stresses influenced equity work; Harris described programs linking well-being and equity training to bolster resiliency.

Next steps: repeat the climate pulse, continue staff-accessible trainings and embed equity goals in the strategic-plan refresh. The board and staff emphasized continued public reporting and shared accountability.