Title
Approval of an Ordinance Establishing a Social Justice and Equity Commission and Amending Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 2.100
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
On Wednesday, October 27, the General Government Commission approved forwarding a recommendation to the full City Council to establish a Social Justice and Equity Commission.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to adopt an Ordinance Establishing a Social Justice and Equity Commission, Amending Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 2.100 on second reading.
Report
Issue:
Whether to adopt an Ordinance Establishing a Social Justice and Equity Commission and Amending Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 2.100
Staff Contact:
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager 360.753.8499
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar item
Background and Analysis:
Background and Analysis did not change from first to second reading.
In June 2020, the City Council made a referral to the General Government Committee requesting the establishment of an advisory commission to address social justice to "dismantle institutional racism and all forms of oppression within our city government while helping build a more equitable, just, and thriving community."
The City's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator led a participatory leadership approach to explore and develop a recommendation with a Founding Member Work Group, made of five marginalized community members, with an emphasis on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The group hosted a series of Community Conversations to elevate the voices of marginalized community members to understand the experiences, perspectives, and impacts associated with racism and other biases. This input was used to inform the Founding Members Work Group recommendation for establishing a permanent Commission.
The attached Ordinance establishes the new Commission as an eleven (11) member Social Justice and Equity Commission. Their duties include:
* Receiving complaints related to unlaw...
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