The UCR School of Public Policy and the County of Riverside are partnering on a report for county officials on issues raised by community members at three listening sessions in September and October. The community sessions will cover a variety of challenges facing the region such as systemic racism, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the financial crisis.

The School’s Dean, faculty members, and students will work with County officials to identify recurring themes from the listening sessions and potential policy changes for consideration by the Board of Supervisors. 

“The listening sessions offer us the opportunity to get a comprehensive perspective on the issues that we will be looking into,” said Natalie Ikhrata, a student working with the County. “I believe the role of the public is the most important, since these issues impact them directly.” 

“Having our voices heard and sharing the struggles of our communities to our elected officials is one of the ways we can effectively make change,” said Alfredo Barcenas, another student involved in the project. 

Students from the community interested in participating may attend and submit comments for the listening sessions, which will take place on the following dates at the County Administrative Center as well as livestreamed from the Clerk of the Board’s Facebook page and RivCo TV. To provide comments virtually, community members must register 24 hours in advance via the Clerk of the Board’s website, or by emailing the Clerk of the Board at cob@rivco.org.

• Tuesday, Sept. 29th, 1:30–5:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, Oct. 6th, 5:30–8:00 p.m.

• Saturday, Oct. 24th, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Read the County of Riverside press release.