Title
2025-2026 Social Justice & Equity Commission Work Plan
Recommended Action
Approve a 2025-2026 Social Justice & Equity Commission Work Plan for consideration by the City Council Community Livability & Public Safety Committee
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a 2025-2026 Social Justice & Equity Commission Work Plan for consideration by the City Council Community Livability & Public Safety Committee
Staff Contact:
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8046
Presenter(s):
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager
Background and Analysis:
City Commission, Committee and Board submit works plans annually to the City Council’s Community Livability & Public Safety (CLPS) Committee for consideration and a recommendation, followed by consideration and approval by the City Council. CLPS has requested to receive the Social Justice & Equity Commission’s proposed 2025-2026 work plan by March 14. Once approved, the new work plan will guide the Commission’s work from April 2025-April 2026.
The Commission’s staff liaison annually collaborates with members to develop the annual work plan. This year’s work plan discussion will be a continuation of the Commission’s annual retreat held on October 5, 2024. A retreat wrap-up (Attachment A) details the Commission’s conversations on how to address the findings in the Experiences of Discrimination Report, which included learning what other communities are doing, reflections on the role of the Commission, and a discussion on potential ways in which the Commission can work together and with staff to accomplish their work efforts in 2025 and 2026.
The purpose of this agenda item is for Commissioners to consider and approve an annual work plan. Staff will support the discussion by providing a recommended draft work plan that reflects findings from the retreat, as well as Commissioner and CLPS Committee member sentiments that support considering an alternative approach to fulfilling the Commission’s purpose and work. Alternatives discussed to date include a different or varied meeting schedule, reducing the number of Commission appointments, focusing more intentionally and deeply on fewer work plan items, and using a subcommittee model.
Climate Analysis:
There are no known climate impacts to developing an 2025-2026 Social Justice & Equity Commission Work Plan.
Equity Analysis:
The purpose of the Social Justice & Equity Commission is to advise the City Council and staff in addressing discrimination and assist with the sharing of community member resources. Members also serve to enable those from historically marginalized communities to have a voice in City government.
Within the last year, the Commission has been challenged with maintaining it’s membership and regular attendance at meetings. Clarifying the Commission’s purpose, narrowing its scope of work to the most systems impactful efforts, and exploring alternative approaches to completing work can contribute to maintaining a diverse and more broadly representative membership by identifying and reducing barriers to participation.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Social Justice & Equity Commission is intended to be representative of historically under-engaged and marginalized community members’ experiences and perspectives and provide an inclusive and impactful way for that knowledge to influence City planning and decision-making.
Options:
1. Approve a 2025-2026 Social Justice & Equity Commission Work Plan for consideration by the City Council Community Livability & Public Safety Committee
2. Approve, as amended, a 2025-2026 Social Justice & Equity Commission Work Plan for consideration by the City Council Community Livability & Public Safety Committee
3. Do not approve a 2025-2026 Social Justice & Equity Commission Work Plan, and direct staff to use an alternative process.
Financial Impact:
None
Attachments:
Social Justice & Equity Commission Annual Retreat Wrap-up