Title
Fostering Connection & Belonging Community Engagement Briefing
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on the Fostering Connections & Belonging community engagement process.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the Fostering Connection & Belonging community engagement process.
Staff Contact:
Stacey Ray, Director of Strategic Planning & Performance, Office of Strategic Initiatives 360.753.8046
Presenters:
Stacey Ray, Director of Strategic Planning and Performance
Background and Analysis:
In December 2022, the City Council accepted a set of recommendations on reimagining public safety. During the process to develop the recommendations, the City made an intentional effort to bring together and listen to the lived experiences and perspectives of marginalized community members; community members who are often closest to community problems, but have been historically unengaged, experienced harm, and/or may feel distrustful of being involved in City decision-making and planning processes.
In those conversations, we heard from community members their hopes, concerns, and priorities for public safety, and also a desire to build more connections and stronger relationships amongst marginalized community members and the City.
Additionally, included in the Reimagining Public Safety recommendations is a strategy to build more authentic relationships with marginalized community groups, and actions to commit to regular and meaningful engagement with marginalized community members. The City's 2023 community survey also highlighted soon after that marginalized community members report feeling lower levels of connection and belonging in the Olympia community.
In response, the City will be holding six community conversations in Spring 2024 with new and existing partners to discover alongside our community members how to improve connections and collaboration, increase bel...
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