Asking these five questions ensures that in making decisions, developing policies and plans, implementing programs, and providing services and allocating resources, we direct attention to racial equity – as a matter of practice and practical application.
In September 2019, the County Board adopted an Equity Resolution. In furtherance of this commitment to equity, Arlington County Government and Arlington Public Schools participated in a 10-month racial equity cohort program convened by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments in partnership with the Government Alliance on Race and Equity, specifically identifying racial equity as a priority. This means closing race-based outcome gaps so race does not predict one’s success while improving outcomes for everyone; moving beyond services to focus on policies, institutions and structures. The County puts forward the below framework for a Racial Equity Action Plan to be developed with the community and organization.
Vision
An equitable Arlington is one where all are valued, educated, healthy and safe regardless of race.
Mission
As an employee, resident or business in Arlington, advance racial equity as a county-wide priority to eliminate, reduce, and prevent disparities in our policies, procedures practices, engagement, and interaction with and service to the community.
VIDEO: Watch an update from September 2020 about the latest on the County’s equity efforts — and a framework for going forward.
Goals
| Normalize |
| A shared understanding, knowledge and terminology around racial equity within the organization and among the community.
Racial equity is accepted as an imperative and priority throughout the organization and within the community. |
| Organize |
| A sustainable and supported structure to advance racial equity to include personnel and resources that become a defined and integral component of the organization and the system.
Build the capacity of the organization and within the community and commit and dedicate resources to support identified areas of need. |
| Operationalize |
| Racial equity is a matter of principle in developing and considering the impact policies, plans, and decisions have on all residents as well as employees.
Use the racial equity lens, tools and disaggregated data to identify where systemic and institutional racism presents itself and make the changes needed to dismantle it. |
| Assess |
| Every employee, resident and person who interacts with the County sees themselves in the work, the process, the system and structure.
Evaluate where we are, what we have done and how we are doing; what things do we need to change, adjust and how we evolve overtime to respond to changes in the workforce, culture, and community. |