GARE in Action, GARE in Place: County of Santa Clara

GARE in Action, GARE in Place is a series that highlights how the GARE Approach, tools and resources are being used in member jurisdictions across the country. Each installment features a portrait of a GARE jurisdiction actively grappling with what it means to govern for racial equity - to change the policies, practices and procedures of local, regional and state government so that all families and communities can live long, healthy lives no matter their race, class or zip code.

GARE in Action GARE in Place: County of Santa Clara (running time: 4:56) features a large County in the Silicon Valley region charting a path for what it means to transform a system from the inside. In this snapshot, Chief Racial Equity Officer, Analilia Garcia describes what the process has been like to grow racial equity work from one department - in this case, the County’s Public Health Department to multiple departments, then to go Countywide. Garcia reminds us that transforming County policies, practices and procedures from this inside is ultimately about ensuring the well being of families and communities.

Santa Clara County Facts & Resources

Santa Clara Racial Equity Strategic Roadmap

Outlines four priority areas to drive transformational systems change in pursuit of improved outcomes for all Santa Clara County residents:

  • Workforce Equity & Wellness
  • Commmunity Engagement
  • Transparent County Systems
  • Improvement through Data & Evaluation 

View the Roadmap

Santa Clara County Fact Sheet

Population: 1.93 million (2025 estimate)

Demographics: White (47.9%), Asian (43.3%), Black (2.9%), American Indian or Alaska Native (1.2%), Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander (0.5%), Two or more races (4.3%), Hispanic or Latino (24.8%)

Jurisdiction Type: County

GARE Member since: 2021

Featured GARE Resources

GARE Member Jurisdictions Show How Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Part Two

Santa Clara shares how upfront training, concrete goals, and clear communication supported capacity-building and accountability across the jurisdiction.