RES-2017-158RESOLUTION NO. 2017- 158
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ANAHEIM DESIGNATING THE CITY OF ANAHEIM AS A
WELCOMING CITY THAT RESPECTS THE DIGNITY OF
ALL PEOPLE AND PROMOTES PROGRAMS TO FOSTER
INCLUSION FOR ALL OUR RESIDENTS.
WHEREAS, the City of Anaheim was established by immigrants 160 years ago, and our
history is one of welcoming those seeking the opportunity for a better life and we continue to
draw strength from that diversity; and
WHEREAS, the City of Anaheim is the tenth largest city in California and has a
population of over 360,000 people, where nearly forty percent of all Anaheim residents are
immigrants or children of immigrants; and
WHEREAS, the City of Anaheim is a diverse community where there are over 40
different languages spoken by a variety of immigrant populations and over sixty-one percent of
residents speak another language other than English in their home; and
WHEREAS, the City of Anaheim is also well established as a world-class destination that
welcomes over twenty million visitors annually to our city; and
WHEREAS, fostering a welcoming environment and treating all individuals with
compassion and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, place of origin, or citizenship status
enhances Anaheim's cultural fabric, economic growth, global competitiveness and overall
prosperity for current and future generations; and
WHEREAS, Anaheim is committed to ensuring a welcoming and neighborly atmosphere
in our community, where all people, including immigrants and refugees, are welcomed, accepted
and encouraged to participate fully in civic, economic and social life; and
WHEREAS, foreign -born Anaheim residents are a vital part of our community, bringing
fresh perspectives and new ideas, starting businesses and contributing to the vibrant diverse
community that we all value; and
WHEREAS, community efforts that promote understanding and bridge our long-term
residents and newcomers is crucial by encouraging and preserving Anaheim's welcoming
environment; and,
WHEREAS, the Anaheim Police Department has worked tirelessly to develop strong and
trusted relationships between immigrant communities and law enforcement, that are a foundation
for a safer and stronger community; and
WHEREAS, Anaheim is a safer community when all people feel safe reporting crimes to
the Anaheim Police Department, which operates under a policy of treating all persons in a
professional and courteous manner regardless of their citizenship; and
WHEREAS, in 2017, the City of Anaheim initiated a Mayor's Task Force on Welcoming
Anaheim, consisting of residents, non -profits, religious organizations, and stakeholders, in order
to further study the issue of becoming a welcoming city; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor's Task Force discussed a number of topics related to the
integration of new residents into our community and heard from local academics about some of
the challenges that may exist for new residents, including immigrants and refugees; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor's Task Force approved a series of recommendations and
suggestions moving forward that seek to incorporate best practices with regard to establishing a
more welcoming community; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Anaheim,
that the City of Anaheim is committed to being a "Welcoming City" and sustaining a community
where all of our residents feel welcome, safe and able to fully participate in, and contribute to
our city's civic, economic and social life; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Anaheim will become an official
member of Welcoming America, a national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting
communities that are committed to fostering a vibrant and welcoming community for all
residents; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Anaheim will continue to work with
local school districts and other local non -profits in order to enhance collaboration on programs
aimed at serving some of our newest residents; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council encourages the City Manager to
consider designating a services coordinator position in the city that would be responsible for
overseeing efforts on immigrant integration and coordination among local stakeholders and
partners; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that City staff will seek to maintain, refine or develop
City privacy policies aimed at protecting the privacy of our residents and any information that
they may share with the City in order to ensure trust with our residents and to promote civic
engagement and participation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Anaheim encourages business leaders,
civic groups, government agencies and community institutions to undertake their own initiatives
beyond this resolution, to make Anaheim not only a welcoming place for new residents from
other countries, but also a major center of global commerce and tourism; and
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that City Council will direct staff to take action, within
their granted oversight, for the benefit of the Anaheim community as a whole.
THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION is approved and adopted by the City Council of the
City of Anaheim this 24t1day of October , 2017, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Tait and Council Members Vanderbilt,Murray,Barnes,
Moreno, and Faessel
NOES: Council Member Kring
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
RK OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM
(Acting)
CITY OF ANAHEIM
By: (/17; �/z
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM
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CLERK'S CERTIFICATE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss.
CITY OF ANAHEIM )
I, THERESA BASS, Acting City Clerk of the City of Anaheim, do hereby certify that the foregoing
is the original Resolution No. 2017-158 adopted at a regular meeting provided by law, of the
Anaheim City Council held on the 24th day of October, 2017 by the following vote of the members
thereof:
AYES: Mayor Tait and Council Members Vanderbilt, Murray, Barnes,
Moreno, and Faessel
NOES: Council Member Kring
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 24th day of October, 2017.
CITY CLERk OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM
(SEAL)