Title
Briefing on the Social Justice and Equity Commission Public Engagement Process
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not recommended to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on the process to form a Social Justice and Equity Commission.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the process to form a Social Justice and Equity Commission.
Staff Contact:
Olivia Salazar de Breaux, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator, Human Resources, 360.753.8343
Presenter(s):
Olivia Salazar de Breaux, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator, Human Resources
Background and Analysis:
In June 2020, the City Council forwarded to the General Government Committee a referral to develop a Human Rights Commission. Input from the community and direction from Council was that the new Commission's development must be led by marginalized community members, with an emphasis on Black, Indigenous and People of Color.
On November 2, 2020, Council approved an approach to establishing a Social Justice and Equity Commission (Commission) that is led by the City's Equity and Inclusion Coordinator and a Founding Members Work Group made up of community members from underrepresented populations, with an emphasis on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. This group will host a series of Community Conversations to elevate the voices of marginalized community members and use the input gathered to recommend to Council the new Commission's:
* Make-up and terms
* Formal name
* Scope of work
* First year work plan
The purpose of this agenda item is to provide a briefing on the launch of the public engagement process to form the new Commission. Staff will share Community Conversation dates, an updated process timeline, and communications plan.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is significant interest to address systemic racism and inequality in the community. Residents' input received by staff and City Councilmembers strongly supports a process t...
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