SCAG declares racism a public health crisis

Los Angeles – The joint powers authority representing 191 cities and six counties in Southern California has declared racism a public health crisis and will work in partnership with others to meaningfully advance justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

In a parallel move, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) approved a partnership with the California Community Foundation and other nonprofits, and will provide $1 million in funding to promote community-driven equitable economic recovery and housing strategies throughout the six-county region.

“SCAG stands in solidarity with those working toward a fair and just society, and with those calling for systemic change to eliminate all barriers that reduce opportunity and undermine Southern California’s shared values and ability to thrive,” according to a resolution adopted last week by SCAG’s Regional Council.

Approved overwhelmingly by the Regional Council, the measure creates an ad hoc Special Committee “to further develop SCAG’s response to advancing social justice throughout the agency’s activities.”

“In Southern California, we celebrate diversity, but we need to champion inclusion and equity,” said Rex Richardson, SCAG President and a Long Beach City Councilmember. “When we have a population experiencing shortened life expectancy because of poverty, health, and environmental factors, cities need to step in. When faced with urgent calls to safely reopen our economy and restore jobs while balancing the need to protect the public’s health, cities need to step in to ensure communities of color have the same opportunities for economic recovery. When individuals of color can no longer afford to live near where they work, cities, and our region, need to step in to ensure that our housing and transportation policies don’t continue to perpetuate the racial gap.”

SCAG’s action comes as cities are navigating three crises simultaneously: a pandemic, a fiscal emergency due to historic job loss, and an uprising in response to the brutal killing of George Floyd ­– underscoring the impacts of structural racism, Richardson said.

“If cities are not intentional about equity in housing and economic recovery, our region risks severe setbacks in minority and low-income communities,” Richardson said.

As part of the Call for Collaboration program, SCAG will help fund projects that promote partnerships with community‐based organizations, nonprofit institutions and local government agencies, with an emphasis on elevating local conversations on racial equity and justice.

“The events of recent months have revealed uncomfortable truths about the systemic racism in our society. As a regional planning organization, understanding the disparities that result from geography and the built environment are central to our work to plan for a more racially just, equitable future,” said Kome Ajise, SCAG Executive Director.