STEP-BY-STEP

Guide to legislation equity review

Learn about how the Office of Racial Equity analyzes San Francisco laws for racial equity impacts.

Office of Racial Equity

We review proposed City laws that affect housing, land use, employment, economic security, public health, and public safety.

This is required by local ordinance. The review process is designed to:

  • Prevent City laws from having harmful racial impacts
  • Ensure City laws reflect the experiences and needs of San Franciscans
  • Strengthen collaboration between subject matter experts and policymakers
  • Build understanding of effective use of research and data among policymakers and the public
The Board of Supervisors is the legislative branch for the City and County of San Francisco. They "introduce" or propose new City laws every week during their full Board meetings. These are published on their website every Friday.
After the Board of Supervisors proposes a new City law, they generally must wait at least 30 days before taking action on it, such as having a committee meeting or taking a vote. During this time, ORE reviews the proposed City law for racial equity impacts.
Read the legislative handbook to learn more about how the Board of Supervisors creates laws for San Francisco.
1

Review proposed City law

Time:Every Friday (except when BOS is in recess)

ORE reviews newly proposed City laws for "equity flags" (benefits or harms) using preset criteria.

The criteria include:

  • How substantial is the harm or benefit of the ordinance?
  • How many people will be affected?
  • Will vulnerable demographics be affected?
  • Will the impacts be correlated with race?

2

Discuss with Citywide Racial Equity Strategy Table

Time:Typically 1-2 weeks after BOS introduces ordinance

ORE confirms any equity flags with the Citywide Racial Equity Strategy Table using a modified "Delphi method."

The Strategy Table is an advisory committee of senior staff from City departments.

The "Delphi method" is a process where a panel of experts anonymously answers questionnaires and then discusses the responses. It helps create consensus when there is uncertainty and incomplete information. It is commonly used in fields like public policy, economics, and medicine.

3

Develop racial equity impact analysis

Time:Typically 3-4 weeks after BOS introduces ordinance

ORE conducts further research and analysis for City laws with equity flags. This is done in consultation with subject matter experts from the broader community and City departments.

ORE drafts a written report summarizing data, findings, and recommendations about the racial equity impacts of the proposed City law.

4

Submit racial equity impact analysis to Board of Supervisors

Time:Within 30 days or before BOS committee meeting about the ordinance

ORE submits the written report to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors. The Clerk adds the written report to the legislative file. You can search all legislative files in Legistar.

The Human Right Commission Executive Director meets with the Commission, Mayor's Office, and Board of Supervisors to discuss the racial equity impact analysis and any recommendations.