Title
Consider a Referral Regarding the Study of Reparations for the Descendants of Enslaved African People
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Consider a referral regarding the study of reparations for the descendants of enslaved African people.
Report
Issue:
Whether to consider a referral regarding the study of reparations for the descendants of enslaved African people.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, City Manager, 360.753.8244
Presenter(s):
Mayor Dontae Payne
Background and Analysis:
The referral directs:
* Staff to draft a resolution calling on the state Legislature, Governor, Congress, and the Office of the President of the United States to create state and federal taskforces/commissions to study reparations for the descendants of enslaved African people. The resolution should also encourage other Washington municipalities to join the City of Olympia in making a similar request of our state and federal governments.
* Staff to research possible city-scale actions and continue to explore ways the city government can support efforts to petition our state and federal governments to study this issue and implement findings.
* Staff to connect Olympia Strong initiatives, Affordable Homeownership Study findings, Comprehensive Plan, Fair Housing Assessment, Capital Facilities, and non-government and governmental partnerships to our city's actions.
* Research other cities that have taken similar actions.
The referral is sponsored by Mayor Dontae Payne, with support from Mayor Pro Tem Hu?nh and Councilmember Robert Vanderpool.
Climate Analysis:
This item does not have a specific climate impact.
Equity Analysis:
The City of Olympia has committed itself to diversity, equity and, inclusion with a statement, which commits to becoming an anti-racist city, which encompasses not only the removal of barriers that impact Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), but also repairing the harm t...
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