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Dear Equity Ally,
The County of San Mateo recently released guidance on performance to help departments, programs, and contractors better understand and measure the impact of their work. This s
The County of San Mateo recently released guidance on performance to help departments, programs, and contractors better understand and measure the impact of their work. This shared framework is designed to strengthen services, improve accountability, and ensure that every effort moves us closer to a community where all residents can thrive.
At its core, this guidance is about using information, community insight, and transparency to make sure we’re responding effectively to people’s needs. The data informs where the challenges are highest, guides us to learn about the experiences of those with the greatest barriers to success, and helps us create strategies that will get us closer to meeting our goals and improving outcomes for everyone.
Performance measures tell us whether our programs are making a difference, highlight opportunities for growth, and shine a light on hidden gaps that deserve attention. Most importantly, they help us turn good intentions into lasting impact.
With this new tool, San Mateo County is reaffirming its commitment to continuous improvement, fairness, and the well-being of every resident.
In solidarity,
The Office of Racial and Social Justice
Shireen Malekafzali Taidi, Chief Equity Officer
Belén Seara, Equity and Belonging Manager
Andrew Knaack, Equity and Belonging Associate
Caline Salame, Equity and Belonging Associate
Shane Ross, Labor Standards Manager
Michelle Flores Pulido, Labor Standards Associate
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Urban Habitat is now accepting applications for its Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute (BCLI) — a transformative leadership program focused on people from low-income communities and other disadvantaged backgrounds who want to step into advising and decision-making roles. Over the course of the year, participants gain skills in power mapping, navigating policy in housing, transportation, and land use, and developing strategies to advance justice and equity. You’ll also get ongoing support to apply and serve on a commission, connect with a cohort of peers, and access to experts and advocates shaping policy in the Bay Area.
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Deadline: Sunday, October 19, 11:59 pm
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Training includes full-day Saturday sessions, weeknight meetings, monthly webinars, readings & homework.
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Info sessions (online & in several cities) are coming up — join to learn more!
 Looking for ways to support literacy in our community? Volunteer with the Foundation for San Mateo County Libraries and help strengthen programs that reach thousands of residents each year. Or make a difference by donating to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which delivers free books to children each month and fosters a lifelong love of reading.
 The Early Learning and Care (ELC) Stipend Program is part of San Mateo County’s ongoing commitment to supporting early childhood professionals. Administered by the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) through its Prenatal to Third Grade Early Learning Support (P-3 ELS) team, this program is funded by the California Workforce Pathways Grant, a statewide initiative designed to strengthen and grow the early learning workforce.
Earn money while advancing your ELC journey—whether you're completing degree coursework, working toward a Child Development Permit, or participating in ongoing professional development. The Early Learning and Care (ELC) Teacher Stipend Program supports your growth every step of the way.
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  San Mateo County hosted its first Vendor Fair today at 555 County Center in Redwood City, drawing over 200 registered vendors and a strong turnout. Businesses connected with County staff to learn about contracting opportunities, the eProcurement platform OpenGov, and resources for navigating the procurement process.
The event also highlighted the County’s new Local, Local Small, and Local Micro Business Preference Ordinance, which takes effect July 1, 2025. This ordinance supports the local economy by giving certified vendors based in San Mateo County an evaluation preference on competitive solicitations. Several vendors even began their small business certification process during the fair.
The Statewide Special Election is just around the corner. Ballots will be mailed to voters in October, with 46 Drop Boxes available starting October 6.
Vote Centers will open in stages, beginning October 6, with all 15 centers available on Election Day, November 4, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The last day to register to vote is October 20; after that, Conditional Voter Registration is available in person at any Vote Center.
Information about the Proposition will be in the State Voter Information Guide. The County Voter Information Guide will not contain the text of the Proposition. Voters can see the English text here.
Vote by Mail ballots postmarked by November 4 will be accepted through November 12.
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 Workshop — Learn How To Use BenefitCal
Do you need support applying for public assistance like Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or cash aid programs? Join the “Learn How To Create an Account on BenefitCal” workshop at the South San Francisco Public Library.
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Starting and submitting your BenefitCal application
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Viewing benefits, submitting reports, renewing accounts
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Tracking your application status and uploading required documents
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Knowing who to reach out to if you run into problems
BenefitCal supports multiple programs that many in our community rely on for essential support. Getting help navigating the system can reduce stress and ensure benefits are received more quickly and correctly.
Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: 901 Civic Campus Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080
 Sobrato is sponsoring an event coming up on October 24, 2025. The Silicon Valley Worker Ownership Convening. This unique event aims to inspire, educate, and empower attendees to embrace a more inclusive and sustainable approach to business by investing in the growth and development of worker cooperatives. You will learn the benefits of worker ownership models, learn from industry experts and community leaders on how to support worker cooperatives, and connect with like-minded individuals and organizations passionate about creating a more equitable economy. Join us for an insightful discussion, networking, and workshops focused on empowering workers through ownership. This in-person event will be held at the Sobrato Center for Nonprofits in Redwood City, a hub for collaboration and innovation in Silicon Valley. The convening will feature a conversation focus on cities and counties' opportunity to invest in this small business approach to economic mobility.
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: 350 Twin Dolphin Dr., Redwood City, CA 94065
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“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”
This quote from our Declaration of Independence is a reminder that everyone in our community deserves to be treated with dignity and have access to the opportunities that allow them to thrive. Our work is about turning these unalienable rights into everyday realities for all.
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Test your knowledge and see how equity shows up in everyday spaces:
1. What is the main difference between equity and equality?
A) Equity means everyone gets the same things; equality means people get what they need.
B) Equity means people get what they need; equality means everyone gets the same things.
C) Equity and equality mean the same thing.
D) Equity is about race only; equality is about gender only.
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2. Which is an example of accessibility in public spaces?
A) Installing curb ramps at crosswalks
B) Limiting building entrances to stair access only
C) Designing signs in one language only
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 Answers: B, A
Have feedback? We would appreciate feedback about what information you most want to hear from us. For feedback, please email us at equitysmc@smcgov.org.
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