The Cosumnes Community Services District (CSD) serves an estimated 190,680 south Sacramento County residents in a 157-square mile area. It’s award-winning parks and recreation services – including the operation of more than 95 parks – operate exclusively within the Elk Grove community. Fire protection and emergency medical services are provided for the cities of Elk Grove and Galt and unincorporated areas of south Sacramento County.
In 2017, the Cosumnes CSD adopted a Commitment to Diversity Policy and issued a RFP for a diversity audit. Zilo International responded to the RFP and was awarded the contract. Zilo International Group conducted two surveys. One survey to gather demographic information for EEO reporting. A second survey was sent out to measure the diversity of the District’s current workforce, measure variances in experiences within the district, and establish a baseline for measuring future diversity and inclusion efforts of the District.
According to Zilo International, “The overall results of the survey are outstanding. On most all questions employees, regardless of race, gender, age, tenure or the department, showed high levels of engagement and commitment to the organization.” Zilo International also made a number of recommendations for the District to grow with respect to employment and services. These recommendations include the development of a strategic inclusion and diversity action plan, further training to ensure that employees have the capabilities they need to carry out their responsibilities, and celebrating diversity through projects, training and events. District leadership developed a strategy to move these recommendations, as well as a number of initiatives already being implemented, forward in a comprehensive and connected way through the development of a District Equity Plan.
Cross-disciplinary teams comprised of staff from the Fire Department, Parks & Recreation Department, Administration Services Department came together to craft the District Equity Statement which now serves as the foundation of the District’s Equity Plan. On April 4, 2018 the elected Board of Directors adopted the Equity Statement. That statement reads:
At Cosumnes Community Services District:
- We will ensure equity and inclusion in recruitment and hiring processes.
- We will ensure equity and inclusion in recruitment and hiring processes.
- We will promote a climate that is welcoming and conducive to the success of all employees through respect, inclusion, equity, and cultural awareness.
- We will develop and support policies and procedures that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- We will provide equitable access to District services, events, and activities that further develop diversity and inclusion in our community.
The District Leadership team has recently engaged a cross-section of staff to craft action items that fall within each section of the statement above. Staff are now in the process of holding focus groups to refine 15-20 action items that will be taken to the Board of Directors for adoption. These action items will be the foundation for our Equity Plan moving forward.