Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Strategic Plan

Font Size: + -

We are committed to fostering a more inclusive San Luis Obispo, where every resident feels valued and heard. We have developed the City of San Luis Obispo’s first ever Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Strategic Plan, the success of which relied heavily on community involvement. Inclusivity is not just a goal; it's a journey. This strategic plan will serve as our roadmap.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Strategic Plan
To access the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan in English please click here.
Plan Estratégico de DEI
Para acceder al Plan Estratégico de Diversidad, Equidad e Inclusión por favor acceda aqui.

Historical Context

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Strategic Plan Executive Summary

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Strategic Plan Report in Brief

Project Overview

The City of San Luis Obispo embarked on a project to develop the City’s first DEI Strategic Plan that will serve as a roadmap for DEI strategies, activities, and initiatives for the City over the next five years.

The City is committed to creating a future that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion while honoring its rich history and core values. Our core values are rooted in inclusivity, and this plan aims to make our community more welcoming, equitable, and accessible to everyone.

DEI work is important because it helps create a community where everyone feels valued, safe, and included. This plan is designed to break down barriers, eliminate discrimination, and foster and environment where all residents and visitors thrive.

Project Goals

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Strategic Plan Timeline (development, implementation, & reporting)

September & October 2023: Survey, community engagement, and data collection

November 2023: Data analysis and plan development

December 2023: Plan development and editing

January 2024: Final editing and staff report development for City Council

February 2024: DEISP presentation and Council adoption

July 2026: DEISP Implementation Matrix Report & Presentation to Council

Summer 2027: DEISP Implementation Matrix Report & Presentation to Council

Summer 2028: DEISP Implementation Matrix Report & Presentation to Council

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Framework

Major Pillars

The City's DEI Strategic Plan was built using major pillars, which are broad themes that underpin the overall strategy. The major pillars were designed to address four areas of focus:

Diverse Community Engagement and Representation:
Establish and maintain pathways for diverse representation in City processes, services, and community-wide initiatives that foster systemic change and increase public awareness.

Equitable Communication and Accessibility:
Engage in equitable communication focused on creating accessibility and enhancing external and internal messaging that reinforces the City’s commitment to DEI.

Embedded Accountability and Sustainable Change:
Evaluate the City’s initiatives and strategies to operationalize equity and inclusivity across all City functions to establish measured growth and transformational change.

Inclusive Organizational Culture and Structure:
Cultivate an inclusive workplace culture with equitable programs and policies that value and welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Community Engagement

Strategies for community engagement and inclusion were as follows:

DEI Strategic Plan Community Wide Vision Survey: As part of the preparation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategic Plan, the City of San Luis Obispo prepared a brief visioning survey, in English and Spanish, and invited residents and the community at large to participate. The information collected helped to inform and guide the vision for the City's DEI efforts in the coming years.
Community Wide Workshop: The Office of DEI also hosted three Community-Wide workshops (two in English and one bilingual and virtual) which saw a total of 44 participants. Collaboration and public participation were key strategies in developing the DEI Strategic Plan since the initiatives will have a direct impact on all City residents. The Office of DEI will work to keep the community informed about progress on the implementation of the DEI Strategic Plan and continue to take feedback from the public on ways to better further equity initiatives in the community.
Community Leader Interviews: Finally, the Office of DEI held 24 one-on-one interviews with diverse and interested community members and leaders in topics of inclusion and belonging.

Community feedback is critical to inform and guide the City’s first DEI Strategic Plan and the efforts that will make the entire community a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and diverse communities where all individuals can thrive.

To access the DEI Strategic Plan in English please click HERE.

Para acceder al Plan Estratégico de DEI por favor acceda AQUÍ.

Additional Resources

DEI Task Force Information

DEI Task Force Recommendation Report

Contact

Office of DEI
805.781.7073
dei@slocity.org

News

June 2 Council Meeting Recap
06/04/2026 3:29 PM
Cultural Burn Planned for Miossi Open Space June 8
06/02/2026 3:00 PM
Mayor to Deliver 2026 State of the City Address Next Week
06/02/2026 7:00 AM

More News

City of San Luis Obispo, CA

FIND A SERVICE

I WANT TO...

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Strategic Plan