CaliforniaSan Mateo County
See how San Mateo County performed on our equity assessment of its ARPA Local Fiscal Recovery Fund investment strategy.
Total Equity Focused ARPA Funds
$77,932,722$77,932,722
Overall Score
High
ARPA Equity Assessment of San Mateo County, CA
Overall Equity Focus
HighWas racial and economic equity an explicit focus of the jurisdiction's ARPA investment strategy?
95% of locations met this criterion.81% of locations met this criterion.86% of locations met this criterion.Equity Decision Making Tools and Resources
HighAre equity tools, frameworks, and structures in place to support equitable investment project identification, design, and implementation?
38% of locations met this criterion.San Mateo County established a strategic plan that included guiding principles such as: 1) assisting communities most impacted by COVID-19 with housing and food; 2) supporting local economy, including childcare, nonprofits, and small businesses; 3) assisting people through workforce development programs; 4) addressing the digital divide; and 5) promoting public health and mental health.
24% of locations met this criterion.The County passed a Racial Equity Resolution in September 2021 that acknowledged the government's role in creating and maintaining racial inequities, and specified a number of actions for government, including the inclusion of equity impact analysis and statements in policies presented to the Board and the development of performance metrics as part of budgeting—both of which discourage systematic racism and center equity in policy making. The County has been implementing the statements through the CEO office and have been integrating equity metrics into the last two budgeting cycles.
31% of locations met this criterion.In 2020, the County developed the San Mateo County Recovery Initiative (SMCRI) which was designed to offer recommendations and oversee the pandemic recovery process. The SMCRI included an Equity Advisory Group which prioritized the establishment of more equitable community systems, policies, and practices. Over the course of more than 35 meetings, recommendations were put forth in the areas of public health, community infrastructure, economic recovery, vulnerable population support, education, and childcare. These recommendations were shared in a recovery framework that was released in September 2020.
51% of locations met this criterion.In 2020, San Mateo County established a Chief Equity Officer position.
31% of locations met this criterion.The County has an equity review process for all proposed recovery programs, which consists of five separate areas: 1) barriers to participation; 2) understanding of the need and problem based on data; 3) benefits and beneficiaries; 4) accountability; and 5) equity considerations.
48% of locations met this criterion.72% of locations met this criterion.38% of locations met this criterion.Community Engagement
HighDid the jurisdiction engage community members in decision making about the ARPA funds, conduct targeted outreach to historically excluded communities, and implement strategies to reach underserved communities?
94% of locations met this criterion.64% of locations met this criterion.54% of locations met this criterion.Equitable Labor Practices
MiddleDoes the jurisdiction use best practices for ensuring public investments deliver family-supporting jobs to residents who have faced barriers to good jobs and economic prosperity?
36% of locations met this criterion.16% of locations met this criterion.70% of locations met this criterion.29% of locations met this criterion.11% of locations met this criterion.Equity Investments
MiddleDid the jurisdiction make investments that have the potential to advance equity by targeting the communities most harmed by the pandemic and addressing systemic inequities?
62% of locations met this criterion.71% of locations met this criterion.64% of locations met this criterion.82% of locations met this criterion.63% of locations met this criterion.81% of locations met this criterion.45% of locations met this criterion.33% of locations met this criterion.32% of locations met this criterion.64% of locations met this criterion.64% of locations met this criterion.31% of locations met this criterion.67% of locations met this criterion.56% of locations met this criterion.50% of locations met this criterion.Transparency & Accountability
HighDoes the jurisdiction set performance goals, collect data to monitor progress toward equitable outcomes, and provide the public with information about how funds are being used?
55% of locations met this criterion.70% of locations met this criterion.64% of locations met this criterion.75% of locations met this criterion.