Title
Olympia Sanctuary City Status and Olympia Police Department Briefing
Recommended Action
Receive a briefing on the City’s Sanctuary City status and Olympia Police Department briefing.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the City’s Sanctuary City status and Olympia Police Department briefing.
Staff Contact:
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager, 360.753.8441
Presenter(s):
Manny Bosser, Human Resources Director
Shelby Parker, Police Chief, Olympia Police Department
Keli Drake, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia has a long history of adopting policies that support safety, dignity, and inclusion for all members of the community.
In 1985, the Olympia City Council adopted its first Sanctuary City resolution. This resolution expressed the City’s desire to be known as a City of Peace, where individuals who are politically persecuted can find safety and sanctuary.
Since that time, the City Council has adopted additional resolutions that expand Olympia’s Sanctuary City commitments, including resolutions declaring Olympia to be:
• A sanctuary city regardless of immigration status
• A sanctuary for reproductive health care and abortion services
• A sanctuary for LGBTQIA2S+ people
These resolutions express the community’s values and guide how the City approaches services, policies, and programs.
During this briefing, the Human Resources Director will introduce the City’s Sanctuary City Policy (Policy 38). This policy was developed through a collaborative process involving City staff, subject-matter experts, and legal review. It provides guidance for City employees about how to apply and uphold the Sanctuary City resolutions in their daily work. The presentation will also highlight how the policy is being implemented and what resources are available to City staff.
The Interim Police Chief will also share how the Olympia Police Department supports the Sanctuary City resolutions through its policies, procedures, and programs. This includes an overview of the collaborative process used to develop departmental guidance and how the department works to build trust with community members.
The goal of this briefing is to help Youth Council members better understand how City values are reflected in policies and day-to-day operations. This information may also help Youth Council members answer questions from their peers, connect people to resources, and better understand how local government works to support community safety and equity.
Climate Analysis:
This briefing is not expected to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
Olympia’s Sanctuary City resolutions reflect the City’s commitment to inclusion, equity, and protecting the rights and dignity of all community members.
Learning about how these commitments are implemented through City policies and programs can help Youth Council members better understand how local governments work to advance equity and support diverse communities.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is strong community interest in the topics addressed by the Sanctuary City resolutions. Providing Youth Council members with a deeper understanding of these policies helps ensure young people are informed about local government actions and can share accurate information within their communities.\
Financial Impact:
There are no financial impacts directly created by this briefing.
Options:
1. Receive the briefing
2. Receive the briefing at another date and time
3. Do not receive the briefing
Attachments:
Resolution M-1192 - Declaring Olympia as a City of Peace
Resolution M-1857 - Declaring Olympia a Sanctuary City
Resolution M-2348 - Declaring Olympia a Sanctuary City for Reproductive Health Care
Resolution M-2591 - Declaring Olympia a Sanctuary City for LGBTQIA2S+ People
Sanctuary City Policy
Immigration Violations Policy
Enforcement Action by Unknown or Masked Individuals Procedure
Safe Olympia Program Website