Title
Reimagining Public Safety Public Engagement Process Update and Launch
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
On January 14, 2021, The Ad Hoc Committee on Public Safety unanimously approved a public engagement process for Reimagining Public Safety.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on the launch of the public engagement process for Reimagining Public Safety.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the launch of the public engagement process for Reimagining Public Safety.
Staff Contact:
Stacey Ray, Strategic Planning & Performance Manager, 360.753.8046
Presenter(s):
Stacey Ray, Strategic Planning & Performance Manager
Larry Jefferson, Community Work Group Member
Background and Analysis:
The City Council has heard from the community the need to reduce inequities and bias in Olympia’s public safety system, and to create a criminal justice system that works for everyone. In January, the Ad Hoc Committee on Public Safety approved a process to reimagine public safety using a community-led approach called Participatory Leadership.
This approach to engaging the public is led by a Community Work Group made of ten community members, who will learn about Olympia’s criminal justice system and host a series of community conversations, focus groups, and community surveys to hear from community members about their experiences and perspectives. The Work Group will use what they hear and learn throughout the approximate six-to-seven-month process to deliver to the City Council a definition for what public safety means to Olympians, and goals and recommendations for reimagining a criminal justice system that works for all.
Since January, preparations have been underway to get ready for the launch of this process, including forming the Community Work Group; conducting stakeholder interviews and developing and sharing educational presentations on Olympia’s current criminal justice system with the Ad Hoc Committee on Public Safety.
The purpose of this agenda item is to serve as a significant milestone and launch of this process. Staff will introduce the members of the Community Work Group, the consultant team who will be providing support to the process and share how community members can start to follow and engage in this work.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is broad community member interest in the City hosting a community-wide engagement process on reimagining public safety in Olympia. In addition to informing possible recommendations for the 2022 budget process, reimagining public safety contributes to the City’s Public Health & Safety Comprehensive Plan focus area, and can inform other City efforts aimed at addressing social justice and equity issues.
Options:
1. Receive the briefing.
2. Do not receive the briefing.
3. Receive the briefing at another time.
Financial Impact:
The approved 2021 Operating Budget includes $100,000 to support this process.
Attachments:
Project Overview
Project Timeline
Reimagining Public Safety Website