Title
Briefing on the Experiences of Discrimination in Olympia Report
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Community Livability and Public Safety Committee recommends receiving a briefing of the Experiences of Discrimination in Olympia report.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on the Experiences of Discrimination Report.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the Experiences of discrimination in Olympia report.
Staff Contact:
Tobi Hill-Meyer, Social Justice and Equity Program Manager, 360.753.8285
Presenter(s):
Tobi Hill-Meyer, Social Justice and Equity Program Manager
Yien Wang Folino, Managing Principal, Truclusion
Dane Wolfrom, Senior Manager, Truclusion
Dr Ashley Gardner, Principal Researcher, Truclusion
Background and Analysis:
The City Council established the Social Justice and Equity Commission in 2021. The stated purpose of the Commission is to “eliminate racism and fulfill human rights for a just and equitable Olympia for all people.” The Commission initially explored receiving, mediating, and investigating discrimination complaints to provide administrative and/or judicial remedies. Staff learned that the authority to do this work is reserved by state law for specific municipalities with a population over 125,000, which excludes the City of Olympia.
In 2023, the Social Justice and Equity Commission worked with City staff, to assess discrimination occurring in Olympia. The purpose of the assessment was to better understand occurrences of discrimination from the perspective of Olympia community members who experience it, so that the findings can inform the Commission’s work in advising the City Council on to address discrimination in our community.
The Experiences of Discrimination in Olympia Report was completed by Truclusion which is the result of a survey and series of interviews conducted over the spring and summer of 2023. The survey included approximately 2,000 respondents and over 60 follow up interviews. The report findings detail the kinds of discrimination people in Olympia experience, how common those experiences are, and how those experiences look different for different social group identities. Benefits to learning how Olympians experience discrimination is that understanding the causes and impacts may help identify interventions that will effectively prevent future occurrences and support those most impacted by discrimination.
Truclusion and City Staff will present the findings of the report. Staff will also seek guidance for the Social Justice and Equity Commission as they explore how to advise the City Council on the City’s role to eliminate racism and discrimination given the findings of the assessment.
Climate Analysis:
This item is not expected to have an impact on carbon emissions.
Equity Analysis:
Learning about community members’ experiences of discrimination in Olympia, including the causes and impacts, can help inform what interventions will effectively prevent future occurrences, and guide the recommendation for the City’s role in combating discrimination
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The assessment includes input and feedback from many community members about their experiences with discrimination, including suggestions for action that would make a meaningful difference.
Financial Impact:
$80,000 was spent conducting this assessment, from the 2023 budget year.
Options:
1. Receive a briefing on the Experiences of Discrimination Report.
2. Do not receive a briefing on the Experiences of Discrimination Report.
3. Reschedule the briefing for another time.
Attachments:
Olympia Experiences of Discrimination Report
Olympia Experiences of Discrimination Screen Reader Version