El Cerrito’s progress in funding, infrastructure, and financial stability is worth recognizing. But a city’s success is more than a a list of checks paid or a groundbreaking ceremony—it’s the health of its workplace culture and the trust employees have in their leadership. Without addressing systemic issues, the foundation of these advancements remains fragile.
The Opportunity for Real Leadership
As the Mayor passes the gavel, the new Council has an opportunity to take meaningful steps to ensure El Cerrito’s workplace culture aligns with its stated values. Here’s how they can begin:
Revisit and Revise Policies: Introduce stronger protections against harassment and bullying, with clear reporting mechanisms and consequences for misconduct.
Increase Transparency: Share how the city will address past incidents and prevent future ones, rebuilding trust through accountability.
Prioritize Employee Well-Being: Establish safe spaces for employees to share concerns without fear of retaliation and invest in training for both staff and leadership on creating a respectful workplace.
Commit to Actionable Change: Avoid performative solutions. Instead, focus on implementing measurable policies that create lasting cultural improvements.
Accountability in Workplace Culture
Healthy work culture isn’t just about words—it’s about actions. When incidents like a city manager telling a subordinate to “shut the [expletive] up” or a $544,000 sexual harassment settlement go unaddressed, it’s clear there’s considerable work to be done. Leadership must prioritize accountability, transparency, and policy reforms to create a respectful, supportive workplace.
What’s Next?
Healthy work culture isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s about recognizing when mistakes have been made and taking steps to address them. El Cerrito has a chance to move forward by addressing past missteps and committing to a future where respect, accountability, and equity are more than words on a page—they are the principles that guide every decision.
The community is watching, and the workforce is waiting. It’s time for El Cerrito to lead with integrity and ensure that its culture reflects the values it claims to champion. A truly healthy workplace culture is possible, but it starts with leadership that matches its words with meaningful, sustained actions.
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 