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EHRAC: ACTION ITEM - (1) REVIEW, DISCUSS, AND EVALUATE CURRENT EQUITY AND HUMAN RELATIONS AWARDS GUIDELINES, NOMINATION, SELECTION, AND RECOGNITION PROCESSES; (2) UPDATE THE GUIDELINES AND PROCESSES AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE; AND (3) IF SO DESIRED, DETERMINE NEXT STEPS.

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Meeting Date: September 29, 2026

Contact Person/Dept.: Michelle Hamilton/Human Resources

Phone Number:  (310) 253-5647

Fiscal Impact:  Yes []    No [X]                                          General Fund:  Yes []     No [X]

Attachments:   Yes [X]     No []   

Public Notification:   (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (09/23/2026) ; (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - Equity & Human Relations Advisory Committee (09/23/2026); (E-Mail) All City Staff (09/23/2026)

Department Approval Name, Title Date: Dana Anderson, Chief Human Resources Officer (09/21/2026)

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RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee (EHRAC):
(1) review, discuss, and evaluate current equity Equity and human Human relations Relations awards Awards guidelines, nomination, selection, and recognition processes; (2) update the guidelines and processes as deemed appropriate; and (3) if so desired, determine next steps.

BACKGROUND

The Equity and Human Relations Awards were first included in the EHRAC work plan in November 2020 as the Community Contributions Award. The inaugural award period opened in September 2021 and culminated in the first award presentation in April 2022. The award recognized outstanding individuals and businesses for their contributions to equity and human relations in Culver City.

During its April 26, 2022, meeting, EHRAC reached consensus to change the name of the award from the Community Contributions Award to the “Equity and Human Relations Award.”

Since its the program’s inception, award recipients have included individuals, nonprofit organizations, and businesses that have demonstrated inclusiveness, altruism, and giving through volunteerism and public service to make Culver City a better place for all people to live. Currently aAwardees are currently selected in the following categories:

•                     Individual: Nominees must reside or be employed in Culver City.

•                     Student: Nominees must reside in Culver City and/or attend a school in the City of Culver City or West Los Angeles College.

•                     Business Owner: Nominees must own a business located in Culver City.

•                     President or Executive Director of a Nonprofit: Nominees must be a leader of a nonprofit located in or serving Culver City and the greater area.

Additional criteria state that the individual meets one or more of the following:

•                     Assists in meeting the needs of others;

•                     Works with an underserved population;

•                     Motivates others to serve;

•                     Is directly involved with those served;

•                     Serves a broad population;

•                     Bases service on the urgency of the need; or

•                     Is an “unsung hero.”

The last two award cycles have received mixed feedback from the community and have coincided with changes to the City Council recognition request process, resulting in uncertainty regarding when awards will be presented and which awardees will be selected to receive a City Council commendation.

At the July 28, 2026, Regular Meeting, EHRAC reached consensus to discuss, at its September meeting, the current and future processes and procedures related to the selection, presentation, and vetting of the awards.

DISCUSSION

It is recommended that EHRAC undertake a broad discussion to review and evaluate the current Equity and Human Relations Awards guidelines, nomination, selection, and recognition processes.

As part of this review, and in light of the City Council recognition request process, it is recommended that EHRAC evaluate whether presenting the awards at a City Council meeting supports an equitable process for all honorees.

If deemed appropriate, EHRAC may consider alternative or supplemental methods of recognizing award recipients that provide consistent recognition to all EHRAC-selected awardees.

FISCAL ANALYSIS

There are no fiscal impacts associated with this discussion at this point in time.

ATTACHMENTS

recommended action

MOTION(S)

That the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee:

1.                     Review, discuss, and evaluate current equity Equity and human Human relations Relations awards Awards guidelines, nomination, selection, and recognition processes;

2.                     Update the guidelines and processes as deemed appropriate; and

3.                     If so desired, determine next steps.