Title
Olympia Sanctuary City Resolutions Briefing
Recommended Action
Receive a briefing on the City's Sanctuary City resolutions.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the City's Sanctuary City resolutions.
Staff Contact:
Margo Morales, Community Engagement Program Specialist, Organizational Development and Performance, 360.753.8150
Presenter(s):
Manny Bosser, Human Resources Director
Shelby Parker, Interim Police Chief, Olympia Police Department
Background and Analysis:
In 1985 the City Council passed its first Sanctuary City resolution, declaring the desire for Olympia to be known as a City of Peace where those who are politically persecuted can find safe haven and sanctuary. Since that first resolution the City Council has passed three additional resolutions declaring the City of Olympia a sanctuary regardless of immigration status, a sanctuary for reproductive rights and a sanctuary for the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
The Social Justice and Equity Commission requested a briefing from City staff to better understand how these Sanctuary City resolutions translate to City policy and the City's work. The Human Resources Director will be presenting the City's Sanctuary City Policy (Policy 38). This policy was developed over the course of several months with input from stakeholders, subject matter experts, and staff work groups to develop a draft policy. The draft policy was then reviewed by various staff work groups and the City's legal team before it was approved and published in the fall of 2025. This Sanctuary City Policy is inclusive of guidance and expectations for staff regarding all the current Sanctuary City resolutions. The Human Resources Director will also discuss implementation and resources for staff related to this policy.
The Olympia Police Department's Interim Police Chief will be briefing the commission on police department policies, procedures, and programs related to the Sanctuary City resolutions. The Interim Chief will al...
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