Title
Discuss Draft Reimagining Public Safety Progress Report
Recommended Action
Discuss draft Reimagining Public Safety progress report.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss the draft Reimagining Public Safety Progress Report.
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:
In February 2021, in the wake of civil unrest and community calls for social justice, the Olympia City Council responded by launching a community-led process to reimagine the City of Olympia’s public safety system.
A Community Work Group made up of eight community members, representing a cross-section of demographics, expertise, and lived experiences, led an 18-month effort to understand how Olympia community members experience public safety. The role of the Community Work Group was to learn about Olympia’s public safety system; deeply listen to community members’ experiences, concerns, hopes and dreams; and synthesize what they heard into a recommendation for the City Council.
The Olympia City Council formally accepted the Community Work Group’s recommendations on December 6, 2022. The final recommendations include four guiding principles, five goals, 21 strategies and numerous actions.
Since the City Council accepted the Reimagining Public Safety recommendations, a comprehensive, formal update has not been provided to them or the community. As part of the 2026 City Council work plan, a study session is planned to provide an update on implementation efforts; establish an annual process for prioritizing, tracking and reporting on shared goals and strategies identified in the recommendations.
The Reimagining Public Safety Recommendations were developed by a Community Work Group and continued community involvement in this work remains important. The original Community Work Group is no longer available to reconvene and provide feedback on the draft progress report. At this meeting, staff will present a draft progress report to the Social Justice and Equity Commission to gather community perspectives and feedback before bringing a final report to the City Council.
Climate Analysis:
This is not expected to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
The purpose of the Social Justice and Equity Commission is to advise the Council and staff and serve to enable those from historically marginalized communities to have a voice in City government. Their input on this draft report is an important part of ensuring that the work continues to move forward and represents our community’s needs and values.
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) Discuss the draft Reimagining Public Safety progress report.
2) Do not discuss the draft Reimagining Public Safety progress report.
3) Take other action.
Financial Impact:
No known financial impacts result from this discussion.
Attachments:
Draft Reimagining Public Safety Summary Report
Draft Reimagining Public Safety Progress Tracker