September 1, 2021
The City of Mill Valley commits to act and encourage community action towards eliminating racial disparities, both inside government and in the community. The City Council has identified Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives as their top priority, and staff provides regular updates to the City Council and community on activities in Mill Valley and around Marin County on a regular basis.
Work Plan Update Schedule: The City continues to follow a regular schedule of updates on the DEI Work Plan to Council and the community. Follow the progress on the City’s DEI Tracking Tool
At their meeting on October 18, Council will receive an update on items under the purview of the Police Department, along with a DEI update from the Fire Department and the Library’s plan to eliminate late fees.
At their meeting on November 15, Council will receive an update on items under the purview of the City Manager Department, Human Resources, Recreation, Arts, and Library.
Planning & Building
At their meeting tonight, the City Council will discuss the proposed Housing Element Work Plan, including the schedule and public outreach for the upcoming Housing Element Update.
Public Works
There are a number of curb ramp improvements to report around the City, providing accessible routes that people with disabilities can use to safely transition from a roadway to a curbed sidewalk and vice versa:
- Phase II of the Downtown Project is underway, with the construction of approx. 13 curb ramps located on E. Blithedale Ave, Throckmorton Ave, Corte Madera Ave, and Sunnyside Ave.
- The City recently completed 2 curb ramps at Walnut SLP as part of a Safe Paths 2 Schools grant
- The City recently completed 2 curb ramps along Miller Ave near the Lumber Yard and Park Ave
- We are installing new curb ramps at four corners of Camino Alto/Sycamore intersection as part of traffic signal replacement project
- We are currently installing approx. 5 more curb ramps and a new ADA accessible crosswalk on Ashford Ave as part of the East Blithedale Ave Project under construction
- We plan to upgrade ramps at Tower/Kipling, Lomita/Roque Moraes and Camino Alto within the next two months as part of the East Blithedale Ave Project.
Recreation & Arts
- Recreation staff is working with building maintenance staff to prepare the DEI Art Gallery space planned for the Aquatics and Fitness Lobby. Staff is working to schedule the installation of the art wall display system and lighting. Keep an eye out for a “Call for Artists” for this exciting new art space going out before the end of September.
- Recreation staff has worked with the Mill Valley Historical Society on a program to install historical signage around Mill Valley, which includes signage regarding Miwok Village. The Staff Report detailing the program is planned to be presented to Council on October 18.
Library
Two staff members signed up for Evaluating, Auditing and Diversity Your Collection, a three part training that starts in October. The course will explore key concepts essential to cultivating and promoting inclusive and equitable collections, and will include conducting a diversity audit.
Police
Police Department personnel met with members of the MVFREE Police Working Group in July and August to discuss data collection for RIPA and calls for service. The Police Department continues to follow up on items in the City’s DEI Work Plan, with an update to City Council planned for October 18.
Southern Marin Fire District/Mill Valley Fire Department
- Digital Marin - Chief Tubbs serves on the Digital Marin Committee as a local government representative from the emergency service sector. On August 3rd, 2021, the final draft of the Needs Assessment Report was posted for final comment. The Report is the culmination of extensive community outreach and leadership from the project’s Executive Steering Committee and Community Work Groups. It will serve as a foundation for development of the Strategic Plan. The Report includes Marin’s Overall Digital Need Statements, as well as detailed findings from each of the Communities. Comments were accepted through August 16, 2021. This information was pushed out across the District digital communication mediums.
- SMFD/MVFD DEI TaskForce - The Taskforce is finalizing logistics in order to roll out the DEI awareness training program for all personnel within both agencies. The training will begin with a kick-off meeting for all shift/line personnel, administrative, and fire prevention staff, led by the Taskforce members. Each portion of the program will include a video, viewed previously and approved by the Taskforce, followed by small group discussions within each shift or division.
- Frederick Leon Marcus Youth Academy - The Academy was recently completed with SMFD & MVFD personnel attending the graduation ceremony. By all accounts the Academy was deemed a success and SMFD has been informed that another Academy will be scheduled at a later date with another request for SMFD’s participation.
Learn more about the City of Mill Valley DEI Initiatives