Formal Equity Audit of City Government Practices

Problem:

City and local governments often face challenges in addressing inequities within their institutions, and especially with knowing exactly what areas to target and address. Systemic biases against minority groups are institutionalized and long ingrained into city operations, and changing the existing system requires time, funding, and leadership willing to take on the challenge. The difficulty also lies in how to best present solutions that are quick enough to address community needs but are also genuinely efforts that will last in the long-term.

Solution:

Conducting a formal equity audit of city government practices will allow for better accountability to the Albany community and allow for city government to take a deeper look at current issues in order to develop solutions to address any lacking areas. This audit will examine hiring and promotional rates, allocation of city services, granting of permits and contracts, compliance with Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The audit will also assess internal operations for any evidence of systemic biases or inequities. A thorough city-wide audit by the Office of Audit and Control will allow for this in-depth analysis of city operations and grant time for city officials to examine the issues found and develop task forces or policy changes in response to them.