By Dr. Rashaad Abdur-Rahman, DSW
Director of State Strategies
Government Alliance on Race and Equity
At a time when each day seems to bring a new attack on our hopes for a multiracial democracy, it takes some effort to counterbalance with stories of the people and places that are not only fighting back to protect the gains we have made, but are landing transformative wins that remind us of the power and responsibility we have to stand strong in our values and power. State government agencies are critical bulwarks against attempts to undermine the progress we have made to advance racial equity. One state agency example we should all be paying attention to is the recent victory of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
In their landmark decision, the CPUC has required Verizon to maintain an emphasis on equity in their services to complete an acquisition of Frontier. Among other things, the decision requires Verizon to:
- Expand affordable voice and broadband options, including protections for low-income customers and California LifeLine participants.
- Support continued broadband investment and network reliability, particularly in communities currently served by Frontier.
- Establish comprehensive tribal engagement requirements.
- Further California’s public policy goals of diverse supply chains and workforces, including a $10 million partnership with the California State University system.
- Protect rural and copper customers through enforceable performance standards, resilience requirements, and oversight.
This CPUC action offers a tangible example of how state agencies can utilize their statutory and regulatory authority to require the continuation of efforts that eliminate inequities which have harmed communities for generations. Public utilities can exercise this power as a matter of mergers and acquisitions, but this kind of strategy is not limited only to those agencies. State government agencies such as public health, transportation, energy, commerce, and housing all function with the kind of authority that can be utilized to require entities in public and private sectors to act in the interest of the public good. Now is the time to imagine new ways to wield those powers creatively, responsibly, and in deep co-governing relationships with communities who stand to be impacted by retreats from equity.
Read about other states and their work advancing equity despite the broader backlash in Towards Racial Equity and Social Justice for All: How State Agencies Can Lead the Way in 2025 and Beyond. This guide equips practitioners in state agencies with menus of strategies and actions to block attacks against equity and justice, and to build programs and policies for a multiracial democracy, including options for using economic leverage in investment and procurement and suggestions for strengthening public participation.
The CPUC determination ought to serve as a floor – rather than a ceiling – of how state agencies can lead the way on holding entities accountable while collaborating with a coalition of communities and external partners. This win did not occur in a vacuum but in deep relationship with others who were willing to mobilize to make it happen. These opportunities exist in every state, and it is our task to build the kind of power that positions us to protect our communities.
We are clear that we must be about the business of building coalitions and power.
Here are a few actions to consider if you are looking for ways to do that:
- Join GARE. GARE is the largest network of government racial equity practitioners in the country. We support, network, and convene government leaders who are advancing racial equity regardless of role and title.
- Sign up to attend the State Government Racial Equity Community of Practice. We meet monthly to share best practices, learn about successful efforts, and develop relationships that support organizing and power building efforts across states.
- Already a GARE member? Join the discussion on the GARE Online Community and share other examples or possible approaches as we try to ensure our movement continues to make progress despite some the prevailing backlash headwinds. You can connect to the States Advancing Racial Equity (SARE) group in the online community for more connection and collaboration with peers in state government.
References:
#StateAgenciesandStatesStrategy