Councilmember Epstein questions equitable investment methodology timeline
Epstein asks why the equitable investment methodology won't be fully applied until 2034. Ramirez explains the timeline aligns with RFP cycles and the need to iterate and adapt. Epstein presses on what percentage of programs currently use the methodology, with only literacy and Compass RFPs so far.
Thank you.
I'm happy you mentioned the methodology.
So in 2021, you began developing an equitable investment methodology that prioritizes communities with the highest concentrations of poverty.
However, the city's racial
Equity Plan states that this methodology will not be fully applied to all city tax levy funded programs until 2034.
Why will it take more than a decade to fully implement this approach and what barriers are preventing faster implementation?
The timeline of 2034 is to align with what we expect to be the cycle of RFPs coming online.
I will say I think the hurdles are what we've been talking about is anytime that we are implementing change, it will take time to iterate, adapt, and integrate the methodology.
So it's part of the process.
I just think that's very long to do, especially considering you guys started this in 2021.
So one of your long-term goals is to apply this investment methodology to 100% of the funded programs.
What percentage of the city tax levy funded programs currently use this methodology?
It was applied to the literacy RFP in 2024, and an equity approach was applied to the Compass RFP.
So those are the two so far.