Title
Approval of an Ordinance Enacting Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 7.01, Olympia Code Against Discrimination
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on second reading, an Ordinance enacting new Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) Chapter 7.01, Olympia Code Against Discrimination.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve on second reading, an Ordinance enacting new Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) Chapter 7.01, Olympia Code Against Discrimination.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, City Manager, 360.753.8740.
Mark Barber, City Attorney, 360.753.8338
Presenter(s):
Jay Burney, City Manager
Background and Analysis:
The Ordinance was updated between first and second reading as follows:
• OMC 7.01.010 (Declaration of Policy) expanded to include individuals employed by or visiting the City of Olympia, not just residents.
• OMC 7.01.040 now repeats all protected classes listed in OMC 7.01.010 for clarity.
The City of Olympia currently provides protections against discrimination in the delivery of City services or resources (OMC Chapter 1.24), in benefits related to City contracts (OMC Chapter 3.18), and in housing (OMC Chapter 5.80).
However, the OMC does not contain a comprehensive prohibition against other forms of unlawful discrimination within the City of Olympia. The purpose of this new chapter is to declare the policy of the City of Olympia, in the exercise of its police power for the public safety, public health, and general welfare, to establish the Olympia Code Against Discrimination. This Code provides protections for all Olympia residents, ensuring they are free from discrimination based on race, creed, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, family or relationship structure, disability (including the use of a trained guide dog or service animal), marital status, or use of government-issued housing vouchers. The Code is intended to eliminate and prevent unlawful discrimination in its various forms.
The Olympia Code Against Discrimination is intended to be remedial in nature and provides civil remedies for residents who experience unlawful discrimination, supporting the City’s commitment to equity and fairness.
Climate Analysis:
An Ordinance Enacting OMC Chapter 7.01, Olympia Code Against Discrimination, will not impact the environment or climate.
Equity Analysis:
This new Ordinance advances the health, safety, and welfare of Olympia residents by prohibiting unlawful discrimination in all its forms. It also provides civil enforcement remedies, helping ensure that all community members have equal access to opportunities, services, and protections within the City.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Council received feedback from community members highlighting a potential gap in Olympia’s Unfair Housing Practices under OMC Chapter 5.80. In response, the Council referred the issue for consideration of possible legislative action. This concern prompted a broader review of the City’s municipal code and policies on unlawful discrimination, which identified the need for a comprehensive policy addressing all forms of unlawful discrimination in the City of Olympia.
Financial Impact:
It is not anticipated prohibiting unlawful discrimination will have any financial impact on the City.
Options:
1. Move to approve on second reading, an Ordinance enacting new Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) Chapter 7.01, Olympia Code Against Discrimination.
2. Direct staff to modify the language in the Ordinance Enacting OMC Chapter 7.01, Olympia Code Against Discrimination, and make changes to the Ordinance.
3. Do not approve the Ordinance Enacting OMC Chapter 7.01, Olympia Code Against Discrimination.
Attachments:
Ordinance - Second Reading
Ordinance - First Reading