Title
Approval of the Social Justice & Equity Commission Work Plan Update for City Council
Recommended Action
Move to approve the Social Justice & Equity Commission work plan update for City Council.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the Social Justice & Equity Commission work plan update for City Council.
Staff Contact:
Margo Morales, Community Engagement Program Specialist, City Manager’s Office 360.753.8150
Presenter(s):
Margo Morales, Community Engagement Program Specialist
Background and Analysis:
On May 14, 2025, the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee (CLPS) discussed the effectiveness of City Council appointed advisory bodies in meeting the communication and community engagement goals for which they were created. Former Assistant City Manager Debbie Sullivan presented an extensive evaluation of the existing bodies that included analysis of advisory body works plans, referrals from Council, attendance and member survey results. Following discussion of the results, CLPS directed staff to continue the evaluation process, and to bring back recommendations
One challenge identified through the evaluation process was effective two-way communication between advisory bodies, and the City Council. This need was also addressed at the June 24, 2026 CLPS meeting with advisory body chairs.
A solution proposed was an annual end of year update from advisory bodies to the Council on their work plan progress and to share the work they have completed, upcoming projects remaining in their current work plan cycles, and share emerging issues or community concerns related to their advisory body’s scope to help inform Council work plan discussions. A standard update form was developed for each advisory body to complete and submit to Council in December to inform their Council work plan discussions in January of the new year.
The purpose of this agenda item is for the Social Justice & Equity Commission (SJEC) to complete the Work Plan Update form and approve it to be forwarded to the City Council as information to inform their 2027 Council Work Plan discussions.
Climate Analysis:
This is not expected to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions
Equity Analysis:
As a Council-appointed advisory body, the Social Justice & Equity Commission (SJEC) is tasked with providing judicious advice, from community member perspectives to the City Council on issues related to their establishing purpose and mission. The mission of the SJEC is to “eliminate racism and fulfill human rights for a just and equitable Olympia for all people.” Providing an update to Council on the SJEC work plan and emerging issues or community concerns directly contributes to the SJEC mission and provides Council with judicious advice.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The community has a vested interest in the Social Justice & Equity Commission’s work. Improving effective communication between the City Council and the SJEC supports community interests and concerns being shared directly with the City Council to inform annual work plan and priorities discussions.
Financial Impact:
To reduce barriers to community member participation, the City offers stipends of $25 per meeting attended to Advisory Committee members. Those members who certify as low income are eligible to receive stipends of $50 per meeting attended. Advisory Committee members may waive the stipend upon request.
Options:
1) Approve the Social Justice & Equity Commission work plan update for City Council.
2) Modify and approve the Social Justice & Equity Commission work plan update for City Council.
3) Do not approve the Social Justice & Equity Commission work plan update for City Council. No update on work plan items or emerging community concerns will be submitted to Council for 2026.
Attachments:
Draft SJEC 2026 Q4 Work Plan Update