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...
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