November 18, 2024 IRC meeting

We, the San Francisco Immigrant Rights Commission, acknowledge that we are on the unceded ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone who are the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula. As the indigenous stewards of this land and in accordance with their traditions, the Ramaytush Ohlone have never ceded, lost nor forgotten their responsibilities as the caretakers of this place, as well as for all peoples who reside in their traditional territory. As guests, we recognize that we benefit from living and working on their traditional homeland. We wish to pay our respects by acknowledging the ancestors, elders and relatives of the Ramaytush Community and by affirming their sovereign rights as First Peoples.

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This item is to allow members of the public to address the Commission on matters that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission and that do not appear on today’s agenda.

(Discussion/Action)
Discussion and possible action to approve the minutes of the Immigrant Rights Commission’s Full Commission meeting of September 9, 2024.

a. Post-Election Update and Planning for Special Hearing (Director Rivas and Chair Kennelly)
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This item allows Director Rivas to provide a brief overview of the impact of the election on the Immigrant Rights Commission, including local propositions D and E, and OCEIA’s work planning for the new administration. This item also allows Chair Kennelly to provide a brief overview of planning for the Commission’s special hearing on January 13 on immigration policy under the new federal administration. Commissioners are asked to invite community members.

b. Welcoming America Certification (Deputy Director Whipple and Immigrant Economic Inclusion Specialist Leos)
(Information)
This item allows OCEIA Deputy Director Richard Whipple and Immigrant Economic Inclusion Specialist Sayde Leos to provide the Commission with information about the Welcoming America certification process.

a. Follow-Up Actions from Workforce Recommendations
(Discussion/Action)
This item allows the Commission to discuss and take possible action on the draft letter to the San Francisco Department of Human Resources (DHR) requesting that DHR support and sponsor City employees. This item was introduced during the July 24, 2024 Executive Committee meeting, drafted by Clerk Shore, and approved during the September 25, 2024 Executive Committee meeting as a follow-up action to the Commission’s workforce recommendations.

b. Proposed Resolution and Plan to Highlight Immigrant-Owned Small Businesses (Commissioner Souza)
(Discussion/Action)
This item allows the Commission to discuss and take possible action on the resolution drafted by Commissioner Souza on immigrant-owned small businesses. This item was introduced during the Full Commission’s May 13, 2024 meeting and approved during the October 23, 2024 Executive Committee meeting.
 

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a. Chair’s Updates
This item allows Chair Kennelly to provide updates on the work of the Executive Committee.

b. IRC Holiday Event
This item allows Chair Kennelly to discuss the planning of the Commission’s holiday event. Commissioners are asked to confirm their attendance, invite guests, and follow up with consulates.


 

(Information)
Report on OCEIA and IRC activities and announcements. This item allows Director Rivas to provide brief updates on activities and announcements.

(Information)
This item is to allow Commissioners to provide updates on items the Commission has previously discussed, and to introduce new agenda items for future consideration by the Commission.