title
Receive a presentation from MES Concepts, LLC on an Inclusive Leadership Program; Consider approval of a contract with MES Concepts, LLC for up to $136,700 to provide comprehensive inclusive leadership services over an initial 6-month period; Consider approval of participation of up to seven Solano Superior Court staff in the program; Consider changing the subcommittee name to “Committee for an Inclusive Workforce”; and Consider delegating authority to the County Administrator to execute the contract with MES Concepts, LLC
body
Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Receive a presentation from MES Concepts, LLC on an Inclusive Leadership Program; Consider approval of a contract with MES Concepts, LLC for up to $136,700 to provide comprehensive inclusive leadership services over an initial 6-month period; Consider approval of participation of up to seven Solano Superior Court staff in the program; Consider changing the subcommittee name to “Committee for an Inclusive Workforce”; and Consider delegating authority to the County Administrator to execute the contract with MES Concepts, LLC
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
At a Board of Supervisors meeting on September 22, 2020, Chairwoman Hannigan requested the formation of a Board subcommittee on Diversity and Equity. The subcommittee was established by the Board and tasked with reviewing, researching, and reporting recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on issues affecting diversity and equity in Solano County, including, but not limited to, racial equality, minority populations, promotional and leadership opportunities, and education.
Supervisors Hannigan and Williams are the current Board appointees to the Social Equity subcommittee which met twice in FY2023/24, on May 23, 2024 and June 27, 2024, to hear proposals from two consultants on the preparation, training and implementation of programs designed to enhance diversity and equity and inclusivity practices in the County. In FY2024/25 the subcommittee met on August 1, 2024 and agreed to recommend Mary Stutts, MES Concepts, LLC as the selected consultant. Subcommittee members requested that Ms. Stutts provide an updated project proposal which was received and subsequently reviewed and discussed at the subcommittee’s September 5, 2024 meeting where the subcommittee members made the recommendation to request contract approval (Attachment B) from the full Board of Supervisors.
The proposed consultant services include inclusive leadership development and implementation; creation of an Inclusion Council (Advisory Council comprised of county staff) including developing a charter and advising on membership and priorities; and strategic planning. The program outline includes: interviews with each member of the Board of Supervisors; 100 virtual, one-half hour, one on one listening sessions with county employees selected by Human Resources to ensure a cross section of staff from varying levels and roles; analysis and consolidation of themes conveyed in all interviews; selection of an Advisory Council comprised of 14 county/1 court employees; 11, four hour Inclusive Leadership workshops for all county supervisors, managers and executives; three, four hour Advisory Council meetings; and a one hour follow up with each of the 11 workshop participants approximately two weeks after each workshop to review how each participant is practicing modeling inclusive leadership.
The subcommittee met on October 2, 2024 and discussed a potential name change of the Social Equity Committee. The subcommittee members took input and agreed to recommend a name change to “Committee for an Inclusive Workforce.”
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Board of Supervisors approved an appropriation of $150,000 to hire a consultant and the funds are included in the County Administrator’s General Expenditure FY2024/25 Working Budget. The costs associated with employee participation in the program are difficult to estimate and will be absorbed by each Department’s FY2024/25 Working Budget.
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the County Administrator’s FY2022/23 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to approve the recommended contract, request additional information, or provide other feedback.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION