Title
City of Olympia Equity Strategic Plan Briefing
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on the City of Olympia Equity Strategic Plan.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the City of Olympia Equity Strategic Plan.
Staff Contact:
Keli Drake, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator, Human Resources, (360) 753-8478.
Presenter(s):
Amelia Layton, Cultural Access Senior Program Specialist, Community Planning and Economic Development - Belonging and Equity Action Team member
Background and Analysis:
The City recognizes the need for all staff to fully engage in equity and embed it in daily work while building a more diverse workforce. An equity assessment conducted in 2022 by The Athena Group included staff interviews, a citywide survey, and departmental meetings with nearly all staff. The Belonging and Equity Action Team (BEAT) used this qualitative and quantitative data to create the City’s first Workforce Equity Strategic Plan, to be implemented starting January 2026.
The plan reflects the City’s commitment to an inclusive, supportive, and respectful workplace, aligned with the City’s values of compassion, integrity, and effectiveness. Developed through a participatory process, it captures the lived experiences and aspirations of employees across all departments and roles.
The plan provides a cohesive, actionable strategy designed to evolve with the organization, embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) into all City operations. Workforce equity is framed as a sustained journey, not a one-time initiative.
Climate Analysis:
DEIB systemic change includes climate justice considerations. Equity work is intertwined with the climate and environments in which we live and work.
Equity Analysis:
The plan is grounded in social justice and DEIB principles, guided by first-order principles:
• Addressing historical inequities
• Leadership accountability
• Sustainable systems that protect everyone
• Lifelong learning and adaptability
By developing a strong workforce that reflects the City’s population, the plan will enable the City to better serve the community. Research shows that diverse teams are more efficient, effective, and innovative, supporting the City’s goal of embedding equity in all work.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The community has consistently expressed a desire for City work to be done through an equity lens. A diverse workforce allows the community to see itself reflected in City operations and ensures processes and policies serve a broader population.
Financial Impact:
Funds for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programming were appropriated in the 2025-2026 Human Resources budget and will support implementation of the plan in the amount of $280,819.
Options:
1. Receive a briefing on the City of Olympia Equity Strategic Plan.
2. Do not receive a briefing on the City of Olympia Equity Strategic Plan.
3. Receive the briefing at another time.
Attachments:
Equity Strategic Plan
Presentation