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The City of San Luis Obispo has launched a new community initiative aimed at rebuilding connections across neighborhoods and institutions. The Belonging Project will host quarterly public gatherings to surface local concerns, share lived experiences and explore how language, culture and access affect everyday life in the county.
From a campus conversation to a citywide effort
The project grows out of a previous collaboration between the city and Cal Poly known as the Community Belonging Series, which centered students’ voices. City officials say the new program widens the scope to include residents, community groups and service providers across San Luis Obispo.
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Its inaugural session, held on Feb. 25 and attended by about 36 people, focused on how language and cultural backgrounds—particularly among Mixtec communities—shape interactions with the health system and other public services. Participants described language barriers and differing expectations that can affect care and access.
What the Belonging Project will do
- Quarterly public events: Conversations and panels that bring together students, neighbors and local organizations.
- Practical focus areas: Health, language, culture and public engagement are among the recurring topics.
- Free to attend: The city has emphasized accessibility for all community members.
- Partnerships: Ongoing collaboration with Cal Poly and other local institutions.
City diversity manager Matt Pennon, who has led the office for under a year, says building trust across departments and with residents has been central to early planning. He frames belonging not as a static state but as something that must be cultivated through concrete actions and shared practices.
“Belonging requires work,” Pennon said, describing the program as a place to ask, “What do we do for everyone?”
Next steps and additional resources
The next Belonging Project event was scheduled for May 13 and aimed to explore inclusive public engagement in partnership with Cal Poly’s debate team at the San Luis Obispo public library. Organizers expect future sessions to expand on issues raised in earlier meetings and to build sustained community dialogue.
Alongside the event series, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is developing a Responding to Hate and Bias Toolkit — a set of resources and practical steps for community members facing bias or who want to support others. Officials say the toolkit is intended to provide immediate guidance as well as long-term prevention strategies.
Leaders framed the initiative against a backdrop of heightened local and national tensions, arguing that intentional conversation is a necessary step to move forward together. The city has posted event updates and participation details on its official website.
