Title
Approval of Resolution Declaring Olympia a Sanctuary City for LGBTQIA2S+ People
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the resolution declaring Olympia a sanctuary city for LGBTQIA2S+ people.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a resolution declaring Olympia a sanctuary city for LGBTQIA2S+ people.
Staff Contact:
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager, City Manager’s Office, 360.753.8046
Presenter(s):
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager
Aherlow Kasjaka,Site Steward, The Liberation Collective; Board Member, Capital City Pride
Background and Analysis:
On December 10, 2024, the City Council directed staff to bring back for consideration in January a resolution declaring Olympia a sanctuary city for LGBTQIA2S+ community members. The City Council expressed urgency to act in response to the upcoming inauguration of a new President of the United States and as way in which to respond to community interest and concern related to the new administration.
The City of Olympia expands its Sanctuary City commitment to include LGBTQIA2S+ people; affirming a commitment to ensuring all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feel safe and supported.
The resolution builds off of previous actions the City has taken to demonstrate support and commitment to the LGBTQIA2S+ community, including proclamations recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility, establishing the Olympia Police Department Safe Olympia program, the Social Justice & Equity Commission leading research to better understand experiences of discrimination in Olympia, and the City’s annual Municipal Equality Index policy review to determine a score based on inclusivity of LGBTQIA2S+ people who live and work here.
The resolution prepared for Council’s consideration was developed collaboratively amongst City staff, including the City’s LGBTQ Employee Resource Group, City Manager’s Office, and the Olympia Police Department; Councilmembers; and members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community; including input from public comment to Council, individual conversations, and a community conversation hosted through the Belonging in Olympia initiative.
Climate Analysis:
There are no anticipated climate impacts from approving a resolution declaring Olympia a sanctuary city for LGBTQIA2S+ people.
Equity Analysis:
The City of Olympia is committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, equity, and respect, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. One way in which the City demonstrates an ongoing commitment to community and City Council values is through the adoption of resolutions, which help identify what the City will or will not do in response to policies and actions that promote discrimination, harm, or inequity.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Several community groups and community members encouraged the City Council and City staff to pursue a resolution declaring the City a sanctuary for LGBTQIA2S+ people.
Financial Impact:
Actions identified within the resolution can be implemented within existing budgets and resources through further prioritization of staff outreach and technical support, enhancing education and communication strategies, and continuing to improve engagement and collaboration with existing community partners.
Options:
1. Approve the resolution declaring Olympia a sanctuary city for LGBTQIA2S+ people.
2. Modify and approve the resolution declaring Olympia a sanctuary city for LGBTQIA2S+ people.
3. Don’t approve the resolution declaring Olympia a sanctuary city for LGBTQIA2S+ people.
Attachments:
Resolution