DATE: September 21, 2021
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT
Adopt a Resolution Welcoming and Calling for Support of Afghan Refugees that May Resettle in Hayward and the Greater Bay Area
RECOMMENDATION
That the Council adopts a resolution (Attachment I), drafted by Mayor Pro Tem Wahab and Council Members Márquez and Andrews, welcoming Afghan refugees who might resettle in Hayward and calling on City, County, State and Federal leaders to coordinate efforts to support these new arrivals to the United States.
SUMMARY
In light of the recent withdrawal of U.S. Armed Forces from Afghanistan, it is expected that there will be large numbers of Afghan refugees that resettle in the United States. Given that the East Bay is home to one of the largest Afghan communities in the United States, many of these refugees may arrive here. It is anticipated that approximately 1,300 Afghan refugees may arrive in Alameda County. These individuals will be in need of housing (both temporary and longer term), basic necessities of living, job training, English language skill development, and other support.
Hayward is known as the Heart of the Bay and has welcomed immigrants who create a rich fabric of life in our community. The City has a large Afghan population and has maintained a sister city relationship with Ghazni, Afghanistan. In recent weeks, City staff have been partnering with local non-profits and other surrounding jurisdictions to coordinate relief efforts and raise funds to support new arrivals. More information about these efforts can be found on the City’s website: www.hayward-ca.gov/afghanrelief.
In support of these and other efforts to welcome Afghan refugees to Hayward, Mayor Pro Tem Wahab and Council Members Márquez and Andrews drafted the attached resolution to allow the entire City Council to express their support for our Afghan community and refugees that may arrive in Hayward in the near future. Due to the nature of this resolution, it was added directly to the agenda instead of using the Council referral process.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Resolution