Title
Briefing and Discussion on Reparations for the Descendents of Enslaved African People
Recommended Action
Receive a briefing and discuss reparations for the Descendents of Enslaved African People.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing and discuss reparations for the Descendents of Enslaved African People.
Staff Contact:
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager, 360.753.8244
Presenter(s):
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager
Dave Wolfram, Truclusion
Dr. Ashley Gardner, Truclusion
Background and Analysis:
In August 20204, Mayor Dontae Payne, with the support from Mayor Pro Tem Yến Huỳnh and Councilmember Robert Vanderpool introduced a referral that included the study of potential reparations for Descendents of Enslaved African People. The City Council gave their full support for the referral to move forward.
In November 2024, the City Council passed a resolution that directed staff to research possible city-scale actions and continue to explore ways the city government can support efforts to petition our state and federal governments to study this issue and implement findings.
At the Monday, April 28, Social Justice and Equity Commission meeting, Truclusion will present its preliminary findings and lead a discussion to gather your feedback on their research regarding reparations for the descendants of enslaved African people.
To prepare for the discussion, please review the two documents attached to the meeting agenda:
1. City-Level Reparations Discussion Guide
Please review the sections highlighted in blue, with particular focus on the following areas, as prioritized by Mayor Payne:
• Housing & Land Ownership (pages 2-4)
• Economic Empowerment & Business Development (pages 6-8)
• Education & Workforce Development (pages 10-11)
2. Review of City-Level Reparations Across the U.S.
This document provides a national overview of how municipalities across the country are approaching reparations. Use it to gain insight into the strategies, challenges, and progress being made elsewhere.
As you review the materials, please keep in mind:
• While many of the initiatives outlined may be broadly applicable to the Olympia community, Monday’s discussion will be specifically focused on reparations for the descendants of enslaved African people.
• Consider the following discussion questions as you read:
1. From your own perspective, what reparative actions most excite you?
2. From the lens of an Olympia community member, what reparative actions do you think could create the greatest positive impact?
3. From your role as an SJEC Commissioner, which reparative actions do you think SJEC should explore recommending to Council?
4. What reparative action may not be in the document, but you would like to see discussed as a possible reparation in Olympia?
Climate Analysis:
This item does not have a specific climate impact.
Equity Analysis:
The City of Olympia has committed itself to diversity, equity and, inclusion with a statement, which commits to becoming an anti-racist city, which encompasses not only the removal of barriers that impact Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), but also repairing the harm that has been done. In Thurston County, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) households are more likely to be renters with approximately 42% of BIPOC households renting compared to 31% of white households.
Homeownership is the primary means for wealth building in the United States. The average homeowner’s net worth is forty times that of a typical renter according to the Federal Reserve. Data from the 2022 Assessment of Fair Housing indicates that individuals participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program or on the waitlist for housing assistance from the Housing Authority of Thurston County are more likely to be Black, Indigenous and people of color, people with disabilities, and other members of protected classes. For example, Black households comprised 11% of the Housing Choice Voucher Program participants in the City of Olympia, compared to 2.8% of the general population, and 20% of applicants on the waiting list for assistance from the Housing Authority of Thurston County identified as Black or African American.
According to the National League of Cities, municipalities across the country are committed to increasing the upward economic mobility of residents and reducing the racial wealth gap. By allocating funds to address these goals, the municipalities can also lessen the impact of coming downturns on families and their municipal budget. One unique opportunity to do both is to improve the ability of communities of color to become homeowners, which is work the City of Olympia has prioritized. A lack of equitable access to homeownership has consistently been a key driver of the racial wealth divide. Homeownership offers a consistent, predictable housing payment that can serve as a buffer against rising housing costs, the chance to build equity, and a potential asset that can be passed down to future generations.
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. Receive a briefing and discuss reparations for the Descendents of Enslaved African People.
2. Do not receive a briefing and discuss reparations for the Descendents of Enslaved African People.
3. Take other action.
Financial Impact:
$44,840 has been allocated from the City’s General Fund for this work.
Attachments:
Discussion Preparation Memo
Review of City-Level Reparations Across the U.S.
City Level Reparations Discussion Guide