Title
a. Receive a presentation of the County of Monterey 2025 Title VI Implementation Plan Update;
b. Approve and adopt the County of Monterey 2025 Title VI Implementation Plan;
c. Authorize the County Administrative Officer to execute the approved County of Monterey 2025 Title VI Implementation Plan;
d. Authorize the Civil Rights Officer to execute the approved County of Monterey 2025 Title VI Implementation Plan; and
e. Direct the Civil Rights Office to implement the County of Monterey 2025 Title VI Implementation Plan.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a presentation of the County of Monterey 2025 Title VI Implementation Plan Update;
b. Approve and adopt the County of Monterey 2025 Title VI Implementation Plan;
c. Authorize the County Administrative Officer to execute the approved County of Monterey 2025 Title VI Implementation Plan;
d. Authorize the Civil Rights Officer to execute the approved County of Monterey 2025 Title VI Implementation Plan; and
e. Direct the Civil Rights Office to implement the County of Monterey 2025 Title VI Implementation Plan.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
As a federal contractor, the County of Monterey must comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination based on race, color, or national origin under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
In December 2017, the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors approved and adopted the County of Monterey Title VI Implementation Plan to prevent discrimination in the delivery of its programs and services. This plan was created following an internal Title VI evaluation, which highlighted the need to strengthen compliance and improve service delivery.
The Civil Rights Office has updated the Title VI Implementation Plan to support the Board of Supervisors’ commitment to ensuring that the County, in its sphere of work, is a space free from discrimination and provides services to all its residents in an equitable and accessible manner.
The proposed updated 2025 Title VI Implementation Plan generally maintains the processes and policies previously approved in the 2017 iteration of the Title VI Implementation Plan. However, it expands its intent to engage meaningfully with historically marginalized communities that are an intricate part of our society. These expansions are clearly outlined in Chapter VII, Appendix B & C of the Implementation Plan, which identifies strategies and projects that directly connect with these populations, such as a reporting and monitoring structure that ensures the successful implementation of the County’s Equal Opportunity Plan. Other responsibilities continue to fall on the Board of Supervisors, the Civil Rights Office, the Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights Advisory Commission, the County Administrative Office, the Human Resources Department, department heads, managers, supervisors, and staff.
The proposed 2025 Title VI Implementation Plan update continues to provide the framework for the County to meet the requirements of the Civil Rights Act by implementing and enforcing the County Nondiscrimination and Language Access policies. These policies uphold and reinforce the original intent of the Plan.
During the update process, the Civil Rights Office gathered input from County departments and Community Based Organizations to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues and needs within the community. This process also aimed to promote initiatives that support and increase civic participation.
The adoption of the updated Title VI Implementation Plan is a crucial step for the County of Monterey, as it receives federal funds and financial assistance. The 2025 update includes the following components:
Policy Statement: A clear affirmation of the County’s commitment to Title VI compliance, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
Designation of a Title VI Coordinator: Appointing a coordinator responsible for overseeing compliance efforts, handling complaints, and serving as the contact point for Title VI-related matters.
Complaint Procedures: Establishing procedures for receiving, investigating, and resolving discrimination complaints under Title VI, with clear timelines for each step.
Language Access Plan: Developing a plan to provide meaningful access to services for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), including identifying language needs, providing translation and interpretation services, and training staff to assist LEP individuals.
Community Engagement: Creating spaces for active community engagement and promoting civic participation through the Spectrum of Community Engagement. Additionally, informing the public about their rights under Title VI and the County's Nondiscrimination Policy.
Training: Offering internal training for County departments and employees on Title VI requirements, County policies, and procedures for handling discrimination complaints.
Evaluation & Reporting: Implementing procedures to regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the Title VI plan, ensuring ongoing compliance, and making necessary adjustments.
The County of Monterey Title VI Implementation Plan will enable the County to continue to be an example for other agencies and at the forefront of enforcing the Nondiscrimination policy and promoting equity for all residents.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Civil Rights Office consulted with the City of Salinas, Natividad Medical Center Language Access Services, and the County of Monterey Health Department. Additionally, the plan was sent to all County of Monterey Departments and a large list of community partners for feedback and comments.
FINANCING:
There is no financial impact on the general fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Initiatives
X Economic Development
X Administration
X Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Daniel Gonzalez, Senior Equal Opportunity Analyst, x6625
Approved by: Juan P. Rodriguez, Civil Rights Officer, x6614
Attachments:
Board Report
County of Monterey 2025 Title VI Implementation Plan