To: Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Carlson, District IV Supervisor
Report Title: Resolution declaring June 20, 2024, World Refugee Day.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Resolution declaring June 20, 2024 World Refugee Day, as recommended by Supervisor Carlson.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
BACKGROUND:
See resolution text.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
and for Special Districts, Agencies and Authorities Governed by the Board
body
IN THE MATTER OF declaring June 20, 2024, World Refugee Day
WHEREAS, June 20, 2024, is World Refugee Day, an international day to honor refugees around the globe and celebrate the strengths and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership to a particular social group; and
WHEREAS, millions of refugees - of diverse backgrounds and countries of origin - continue to make life and death decisions to seek shelter and protection; and
WHEREAS, welcoming the oppressed and persecuted is a foundation of our state and nation; Contra Costa County has been home to a diverse population of refugees and immigrants who have added to the economic strengths and cultural richness of our communities; and
WHEREAS, refugees have consistently proven to be a significant economic asset to the nation. According to the Immigration Learning Center, refugees and immigrants have been essential to the U.S. workforce, with immigrant workers comprising 17% of the total U.S. workforce in 2020; and
WHEREAS, research shows that refugees bring diverse skills and talents to our communities, enhancing innovation and entrepreneurship. Immigrants and refugees founded 55% of the billion-dollar U.S. startup companies, further contributing to job creation and economic growth; and
WHEREAS, refugees have made substantial contributions to our local economies when in 2021, the Immigrant population contributed $487B to the State of California economy <https://immigrantdataca.org/indicators/economic-contributions> through federal, state, and local taxes they paid and their spending power, thereby generating economic opportunities for all residents and contributing to making California the 5th largest economy in the world; and
WHEREAS resettlement organizations such as Church World Service (CWS) of Northern California and East Bay Refugee & Immigration Forum, as well as numerous community and faith-based groups, provide crucial support and assistance to refugees who resettle in our state; and
WHEREAS, refugees swiftly integrate into our communities, becoming self-sufficient by paying taxes, supporting local commerce, joining the workforce, and creating job opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County has also welcomed Afghan evacuees fleeing the Taliban’s persecution and Ukrainians fleeing Russian aggression; and
WHEREAS it is essential to encourage the commemoration of World Refugee Day 2024 by participating in local events and expanding knowledge about refugees and the global issues that drive them to seek refuge in our communities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County hereby proclaims June 20, 2024, as "WORLD REFUGEE DAY" in Contra Costa County and recognizes the resilience, strength, and valuable contributions of refugees in building a brighter future for our community
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