About ARDI

The LA County Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI) Initiative

On July 21, 2020 the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a motion to establish an Anti-Racist Los Angeles County Policy Agenda to address “generational inequality and systemic anti-Black racism.” This is the Board’s 8th Directed Priority.

Recognizing that racism is “a matter of public health in Los Angeles County,” and that racism against Black people and communities of color has resulted in large disparities in family stability, health and wellbeing, education, employment, economic development, public safety, criminal justice, and housing, the Board directed the County Chief Executive Officer to establish the Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI) Initiative, which is now led by Dr. D’Artagnan Scorza as Executive Director of Racial Equity.

Five women leaders pose together, showcasing diversity and empowerment in Los Angeles County's community initiatives.

Our Vision

Los Angeles County is a place where all
residents are healthy, experience
justice, and thrive.

*Draft Vision: ARDI is gathering community and stakeholder input on the vision statement

Our Mission

To end structural racism and its consequences in Los Angeles County. To
boldly articulate an anti-racist agenda that will guide, govern, and increase
the County’s ongoing commitment to fighting systemic and institutional
racism in all its forms and dimensions by directing, building capacity for,
and sustaining the development of equitable policy, workforce culture, data
analysis, and resource distribution.

Our Initiative Functions

Under the Chief Executive Office (CEO), the Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI) Initiative will
provide the following to Departments and community stakeholders:

Training and Capacity Building

Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting

Technical Assistance and Planning

Policy Analysis and Development

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

Equity-Infused Programming and Resourcing

Current Board-Directed
ARDI Areas of Focus

CHILD & FAMILY
WELFARE

EQUITABLE RESOURCE
INVESTMENT

HEALTH

JUSTICE

POLICY

SUSTAINABILITY

TRUTH, RACIAL HEALING, &
TRANSFORMATION

WORKFORCE CULTURE
& CLIMATE

Board of Supervisors Directives to
Advance an Anti-Racist Policy Agenda

DECLARE

Declare that racism is a matter of public health in Los Angeles County and has risen to crisis proportions, especially for African-Americans

PRIORITIZE

Establish an eighth Board-directed priority to address the elimination of racism and bias in the County, develop a strategic plan, and establish an organizational unit within the CEO

PROGRAM

Evaluate existing County polices, practices, operations, and programs through a lens of racial equity

EVALUATE

Assess existing policies, processes, and practices that may prevent African- Americans from advancing within County departmental career ladders

STRATEGIZE

Advance the strategy recommendations put forward by the Ad Hoc Committee for Black People Experiencing Homelessness

REPORT

Commission an annual report on the State of Black Los Angeles County

RESOURCE

Develop a funding plan in consultation with philanthropy and academia

EXECUTE

Identify at least one Management Appraisal and Performance Plan (MAPP) goal each year that strengthens organizational capacity

Countywide Guiding Equity Principles

Reduce racial disparities in life outcomes as well as disparities in public investment to shape those outcomes.
A tree diagram illustrating strategies for addressing racial disparities and promoting community engagement in Los Angeles County.

Learn More

Turning AIAN Homelessness Data Into Action

 Turning AIAN Homelessness Data Into Action 1024 576 Los Angeles County

Using the American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) Dashboard to Strengthen Policy, Programs, and Practice Data is most powerful when it informs action. The AIAN People Experiencing Homelessness Dashboard was created to increase understanding, support advocacy, and improve outcomes for AIAN homelessness in LA County. For County agencies, service providers, funders, and Tribal partners, the…

read more
Colorful numbers "2026" represent the vision for equity and inclusion in Los Angeles County's ARDI Initiative.

ARDI in 2026: Building Forward

 ARDI in 2026: Building Forward 1024 576 Los Angeles County

ARDI in 2026: Building Forward As Los Angeles County works to serve our neighbors in 2026, the Chief Executive Office (CEO) Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI) Initiative is committed to strengthening our systems, partnerships, and capacity. As we move through the first quarter of 2026, following Black History Month and now during Women’s History Month, we are…

read more
Silhouettes of diverse women against a gradient background, celebrating Women's History Month and promoting inclusivity.

Celebrating Women’s History Month

 Celebrating Women’s History Month 1024 576 Los Angeles County

Celebrating Women’s History Month Join Los Angeles County this March as we celebrate Women’s History Month! Women’s History Month was first celebrated in the City of Sonoma, California, through a weeklong event beginning in 1978. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History…

read more

We want to hear from you!

Please complete the form below if you have any questions, comments,
or ideas pertaining to the Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI) initiative.