The City of Seattle is becoming increasingly diverse. A primary challenge of this diversity is the ongoing struggle to create a community where all people are valued, regardless of their background. Mayor Nickels' Race and Social Justice Initiative seeks to reduce disproportionality in economic opportunity, education, civic engagement, health, and criminal justice; to foster more inclusive civic engagement; to ensure equity in City business and personnel practices; and to deliver City services that are relevant to Seattle's diverse populations.

Progress to date

Established and implemented the first-ever "Race and Social Justice" Neighborhood Matching Fund Grant Program. In 2003, $258,000 in grants were given to support 21 community-based race and social justice projects.

Established the Contracting Development and Competitiveness Center, which provides assistance and support to small businesses who are not fully participating in the contracting opportunities in the region. Since the opening of the CDCC, the number of contractors using the center's services grew from 20 to more than 50 contractors. Since May 2003, CDCC contractors have bid on 684 projects and have been awarded 216 projects.

Developed and implemented a Seattle Police Department Racial Profiling Accountability Plan by holding several community forums, forming 11 Demographic Advisory Councils and a Citywide Advisory Council, securing $750,000 federal funding for video cameras in police cars, implementing a new warning ticket to enable Seattle Police to track traffic stops, and implementing a new "consent-to-search" form to evaluate how officers exercise discretion on searches.

Conducted 20 "Community Conversations" aimed at improving City government services to Seattle's diverse communities. Continued the successful City Talks Program, which provides opportunities for employees to engage in conversations and training activities about race. Launched the "Don't Borrow Trouble" campaign, which combats predatory lending practices in the greater Seattle area. Elderly, low-income, minority and immigrant consumers are much more likely to obtain loans at excessive interest rates, and these groups are often victims of predatory lending practices.

Issued Executive Order number 04-03, directing all City departments recognize the Mexican Consular Identification Card, or Matricula Consular, as a form of identification, and ordering all City departments and City agencies to recognize this card as a form of identification when it is presented by an individual seeking City services.

Maintained the City's Equal Employment Opportunity profile, ensuring the City's work force reflects the diversity within the Seattle community.