Title
Social Justice and Equity Commission Retreat
Recommended Action
Information Only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to hold the Social Justice and Equity Commission October 10, 2026 Retreat.
Staff Contact:
Margo Morales, Community Engagement Program Specialist, City Managers Office 360.753.8150
Presenter(s):
Margo Morales, Community Engagement Program Specialist
Background and Analysis:
The Social Justice and Equity Commission’s (Commission) Work Plan includes building upon discussion from their previous retreats around the findings from the Experiences of Discrimination Report (Report) and continuing to work on draft recommendations for Council on how to address those findings.
At their October 5, 2024 retreat the Commission identified a list of possible priority areas and desired outcomes related to the findings of the Report. At their October 25, 2025 retreat the Commission revisited the priority areas from their 2025 retreat and developed a framework for identifying the type and scope of projects that would be of greatest impact related to the findings from the Report.
The purpose of this year’s retreat will be to apply the framework to the previously identified priority areas and findings of the Report to develop actionable recommendations for City Council on ways to address the findings of the Report through City programs, policy, and services.
Climate Analysis:
This is not expected to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
The Commission is an advisory body whose mission is to “eliminate racism and fulfill human rights for a just and equitable Olympia for all people.” Providing actionable recommendations to Council on ways the City can address the Report findings directly contributes to the Commission’s mission
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The community has a vested interest in the Commission’s work and while the retreat will not directly impact any neighborhood or community interests, it will prepare the Commission to continue making Olympia a more equitable community.
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
The retreat also includes a lunch hour SJEC alumni meeting for current and past members to share updates on what the Commission has been working on and hear from the alumni about their perspectives on the work. The estimated cost for lunch is approximately $300.
Options:
1) Have the discussion.
2) Do not have the discussion.
3) Have the discussion at another time.
Attachments:
Social Justice and Equity Commission 2026 Retreat Agenda
Olympia Experiences of Discrimination Report
Truclusion Oct 5 2024 Retreat Wrap-up Notes
Social Justice and Equity Commission Project Framework