June 24, 2020 IRC Executive Committee meeting

Chair Kennelly called the meeting to order at 5:37 p.m.



Present: Chair Kennelly, Vice Chair Paz (5:47 p.m.), Commissioners Khojasteh, Radwan, Rahimi.



Staff Present: Director Pon, Office Manager Chan, Commissioner Clerk Shore, Deputy Director Whipple, SFGovTV media specialist James Smith, Planning Department Senior Community Development Specialist Aaron Yen. 

There was no public comment.

(Information/Discussion/Action) 

a. Approval of May 27, 2020 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes 

Commissioner Rahimi motioned to approve the Executive Committee’s May 27, 2020 minutes. Commissioner Khojasteh seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously. 

(Information/Discussion/Action) 

a. Follow-Up Actions on Full Commission Hearing on Impact of COVID-19 on Immigrants in San Francisco (OCEIA Deputy Director Richard Whipple, Planning Department Senior Community Development Specialists Aaron Yen and Andre Torrey)

Chair Kennelly thanked OCEIA and Planning Department staff for their work organizing the June 8, 2020 special hearing and providing a summary of community recommendations. Deputy Director Whipple, Senior Community Development Specialist Yen and Commission Clerk Shore presented a review of the summary. Commissioners discussed actionable short-term and long-term recommendations. Vice Chair Paz noted that San Francisco’s recovery from the Great Recession displaced many communities, and that this is an opportunity to make sure communities are not left behind. Deputy Director Whipple suggested that the recommendations take the form of a letter to the Mayor’s Office and the Board of Supervisors, aligning with the Mayor’s focus on equity. Director Pon said OCEIA staff can write a one-paragraph overview on equity and inclusion, and the Executive Committee can write the recommendations. Commissioner Rahimi volunteered to help draft the document.

Commissioners discussed how to develop the recommendations with community input and share them with members of the public. Director Pon said the Commission should develop its recommendations strategically, based on the community testimony provided during the special hearing and its own expertise. Chair Kennelly said the item can be added to the July 13, 2020 agenda as a follow-up to the special hearing. Director Pon reminded Commissioners that once they share draft information at a public meeting, it becomes part of the public record. 

(Information/Discussion/Action) 

a. Director’s Updates

Director Pon provided an update on San Francisco’s 2020 census self-response rate and discussed the challenges of reaching residents who do not have internet access. Commissioner Radwan offered to join upcoming conversations and noted that digital access was one of the themes community members highlighted in their recommendations during the special hearing. 

b. Mandatory Trainings

Director Pon invited Clerk Shore to provide an update on mandatory trainings. Clerk Shore thanked the Commissioners who have completed their required trainings and reminded those who have not done so to send their certificates to OCEIA staff. 

c. Resolution in Support of Board of Supervisors Charter Amendment 200452 [Requirements for Commission Membership]

Director Pon provided an update on the Commission’s resolution in support of Charter Amendment 200452. OCEIA staff sent the resolution to the Board of Supervisors and this week, the Board of Supervisors passed the Charter Amendment unanimously. 

(Information/Discussion/Action) 

a. Follow-Up Actions on Special Hearing on DACA 

Chair Kennelly provided an update on the Supreme Court decision on DACA, and acknowledged the work of community partners and the City of San Francisco. She asked if Commissioners had any follow-up actions on the Commission’s DACA hearing. Commissioner Rahimi noted that the administration’s attempt to terminate DACA again could take months, and may not happen before the presidential election. Chair Kennelly suggested that the Commission revisit follow-up actions at its next Full Commission meeting.  



b. Tracking of Commission Deliverables and Results (Commissioner Radwan) 

Commissioner Radwan suggested that the Executive Committee continue this conversation at its next meeting. At its January strategic planning retreat, the Commission discussed its priorities for the year. Commissioner Radwan recommended that the Executive Committee revisit this discussion and connect it to how the Commission is measuring its impact. Chair Kennelly suggested that she meet with Director Pon and Commissioner Radwan to discuss the matter.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

There was no new business.

Chair Kennelly thanked OCEIA staff and adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m.