CoCo Supervisors Remove Gender-Specific Pronouns From Ordinance Code

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA—The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously this week to significantly update the County Ordinance Code by removing gender-specific pronouns.

The language of the ordinance code, which governs areas such as health and safety, administration and land use, had not undergone a comprehensive review since it was recodified in 1970.

During the update, 841 instances of gender-specific pronouns were identified across more than 1,300 pages. Terms such as "he" were replaced with neutral descriptors like "the department head," ensuring the code is inclusive and representative of all residents, county officials said.

"Contra Costa County is a community for all, and our policies should reflect our dedication to serving everyone," said Board Chair and District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover. "By updating the County Ordinance Code, we’re delivering on our commitment to create meaningful change that benefits all residents."

The initiative marks a step toward broader modernization efforts, including plans to draft a policy mandating gender-neutral language in all county policies and procedures, both existing and future, the county said.

"We are changing our county ordinances to reflect today’s reality and removing gender references turns the page on a practice that has no place in county policy," said District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, chair of the Board’s Equity Committee.

The project was sponsored by the County Administrator's Office in partnership with the County Counsel’s Office with advice from the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice.

"Removing gender-specific pronouns from the County Ordinance Code reflects Contra Costa County's dedication to fairness and modernizing our practices," said County Administrator Monica Nino. "This change ensures our policies and language honor the diversity of our community and promote dignity and respect for all."