DBI adopts racial equity plan and lays out reforms to improve transparency and operations

The Building Inspection Commission voted unanimously on April 21 to adopt the Department of Building Inspection’s racial equity plan, a three‑year internal program focused on recruitment and hiring outreach, standardized onboarding and training, transparent discipline processes, leadership diversity and a culture of inclusion.

Deputy Director Tyrus Madison said the department submitted a final plan to the Office of Racial Equity on Dec. 31 and will incorporate ORE comments as they arrive. The plan grew out of staff surveys (about half of employees responded) and working‑group sessions with DBI managers and HR staff; Madison said the initial phase concentrates on internal HR and workplace practices while a later phase will address external programs and services.

Commissioners praised the plan’s priorities and asked that racial equity be fully integrated into the department’s five‑year strategic plan. Several commissioners (Beto, Jacobo and Alexander Toot) volunteered to serve on a non‑subcommittee working group to develop a Ramaytush Ohlone land‑acknowledgment resolution and to help draft bylaw updates called for in the racial equity plan. The Commission discussed next steps for implementation and outreach.

What’s next: DBI will continue to refine and implement the plan, coordinate with the Office of Racial Equity on any requested revisions, and return implementation milestones to the Commission.