It’s exciting to have participation from San Mateo County in this round of the Gateways for Growth program! Immigrants and refugees make up around 35% of the total population in the 20 cities that are situated in the county. San Mateo County’s Immigrant Services program has been growing since its pilot in 2015, and it’s inspiring to learn more from the team as they deepen their immigrant inclusion efforts and convene partners from all over the region. The pandemic has created many obstacles in so many ways, but I believe the passion the Immigrant Services team has for creating buy-in from community members and stakeholders will be demonstrated in their creative, engaging, thoughtful planning.
George Zavala
Gateways For Growth, Welcoming America