Title
Joint Meeting of Regional Equity Advisory Boards
Recommended Action
Information Only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to hold a joint meeting of regional equity advisory boards
Staff Contact:
Margo Morales, Community Engagement Program Specialist, City Manager’s Office 360.753.8150
Presenter(s):
Margo Morales, Community Engagement Program Specialist
Robin Rosen-Evans, Chair, Olympia Social Justice & Equity Commission
Marianne Ozmun-Wells, Vice-Chair, Olympia Social Justice & Equity Commission
Dr. Auzimuth Jackson, Co-Chair Thurston County Council on Racial Equity & Inclusion
Joselyn Nelson, Co-Chair Thurston County Council on Racial Equity & Inclusion
Dr. Thelma Jackson, Chair Lacey Commission on Equity
Makieda Hart, Co-Chair Lacey Commission on Equity
Brandon Stephens, Chair, Lacey Human Services Commission
Representative of the Tumwater Equity Commission
Background and Analysis:
In September of 2025 equity advisory boards from local governments in Thurston County came together for a regional meeting, to learn more about the work happening in each community, discuss common goals, and hopes for the future of our communities. Members of the Thurston County’s Racial Equity Council, the City of Lacey’s Commission on Equity and Human Services Commission, and Olympia’s Social Justice and Equity Commission along with staff liaisons from each jurisdiction participated in this first regional meeting. Since the first meeting in September 2025 the City of Tumwater has also established an Equity Commission.
At the September 2025 meeting there was unanimous support from the advisory body members for regional meetings to be held regularly, once or twice a year, so that the boards can share information and be better informed about the work happening throughout Thurston County.
The purpose of this agenda item is for representatives of the different local equity advisory boards to share updates on the work their advisory bodies have been doing, and upcoming initiatives. Advisory body members will also be invited to join small group discussions on community needs and experiences.
Climate Analysis:
This meeting is not expected to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
The purpose of the equity advisory boards in each community is to provide community input and perspectives to the work of their respective jurisdictions. Opportunity for board members to meet and discuss the work with a regional focus helps provide diverse experiences and perspectives to the work in each community, and reflects the fact that residents and visitors in Thurston County often experience our communities from a regional perspective not limited by individual jurisdictional boundaries.
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. Networking with other regional equity board members and learning about the equity work in our neighboring communities supports this on a regional level.
Options:
1) Host the joint meeting of regional equity advisory boards.
2) Do not host the joint meeting of regional equity advisory boards.
3) Select a different date to host the joint meeting of regional equity advisory boards.
Financial Impact:
As the hosting agency the City will provide light refreshments for attendees of this meeting, not to exceed a total of $70.
Attachments:
None