...Title
Discuss an Analysis on the Effectiveness of Council-Appointed Advisory Bodies
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Discuss an analysis on the effectiveness of Council-Appointed Advisory Bodies in meeting communication and community engagement goals and provide staff guidance on next steps.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss an analysis on the effectiveness of Council-Appointed Advisory Bodies in meeting communication and community engagement goals and provide staff guidance on next steps.
Staff Contact:
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8499
Presenter(s):
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager
Background and Analysis:
The City Council guidebook outlines the purpose, establishment, appointment process, and Council’s relationship with Advisory Bodies. The Guidebook states that “public boards, committees, and commissions provide a great deal of assistance to the Council when formulating public policy and transforming policy decisions into action.”
Starting in 1935, with the Planning Commission, the Council throughout the years has established several standing bodies. Today, there are 14 boards, committees, and commissions with 98 Olympia residents serving as members on those bodies.
Methods for engaging and communicating with the public have evolved significantly over the past 10 years. This coupled with feedback received from staff and volunteers reporting challenges and resource constraints, the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee requested staff to evaluate the effectiveness of Council-Appointed Advisory Bodies to evaluate whether they are meeting Council’s stated mission.
Staff will share information on the following: primary mission, whether the body is mandated to serve in their role, work plans, meeting frequency and attendance, recruitment, feedback received from staff and volunteers, and other alternative engagement techniques that have been developed and used by the City. Staff will help facilitate a discussion with the Committee on opportunities to enhance the experience of Council, Staff, and Community members, with the goal being to help ensure the City is conducting equitable, inclusive, productive and impactful public engagement.
Climate Analysis:
There are no anticipated impacts to greenhouse gas emissions. Staff liaisons utilize our climate framework in aiding Advisory Committees around Council recommendations.
Equity Analysis:
Public engagement that is equitable and inclusive of diverse community member perspectives is foundational to building trust with government, formulating effective policy, and developing programs that best meet community needs. Diverse, equitable, and inclusive public engagement using Council-appointed Advisory Bodies can be challenging because there are barriers to participation. For example, the recruitment and selection process can favor community members familiar and comfortable with government processes.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Olympia community has a high interest in participating in local government decision making. Advisory Committees have historically provided opportunities for more direct Council engagement with the community around policy decisions and Council decision-making.
Financial Impact:
City Council appropriates both personnel and non-personnel resources to support Council-Appointed bodies.
Options:
1. Discuss an analysis on the effectiveness of Council-Appointed Advisory Bodies in meeting communication and community engagement goals and provide staff guidance on next steps.
2. Do not discuss an analysis on the effectiveness of Council-Appointed Advisory Bodies in meeting communication and community engagement goals and provide staff guidance on next steps.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
None