Title
Discuss and Approve the Public Engagement Process for Re-Imagining Public Safety
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the public engagement process for Re-Imagining Public Safety
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss and approve the public engagement process for Re-Imagining Public Safety
Staff Contact:
Stacey Ray, Strategic Planning & Performance Manager, 360.753.8046
Presenter(s):
Stacey Ray, Strategic Planning & Performance Manager
Background and Analysis:
The Ad Hoc Committee on Public Safety is scheduled to meet through August of 2021. During that time, the Committee will work with City staff and Council to develop a greater understanding of the current public safety system and consider recommendations to Council on policy and budget options that will reduce inequities, eliminate bias, and create a public safety system that works for all.
Included in the Committee’s 2021 work plan is providing staff guidance on an approach to engage the community in a broad and highly inclusive public process to “Re-Imagine Public Safety.” The purpose of this agenda item is for staff to share for discussion a proposed Participatory Leadership public engagement approach (attached), including the Committee’s role and participation in the process.
Staff will share the approach, timeline, and present the concept of using a Community Work Group to lead this effort. Staff will also discuss the process for selecting Community Work Group members as well as roles and responsibilities for the Work Group, Council, Staff, and the newly formed Social Justice and Equity Commission.
If approved by the Committee, staff will share the Re-Imagining Public Safety engagement process with the full City Council on February 2.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is broad community member interest in the City hosting a community-wide engagement process on re-imagining public safety in Olympia. In response, Council has already committed resources and funding to a public engagement process to re-imagine public safety in 2021.
Options:
1. Approve the proposed public engagement process for “Re-Imagining Public Safety” and forward to the full Council.
2. Approve the proposed public engagement process with changes as directed by the Committee and forward to the full Council.
3. Direct staff to return to the Committee with an alternative approach(es) for further discussion.
Financial Impact:
The approved 2021 Operating Budget includes $100,000 to support this process.
Attachments:
Project Overview
Organizational Structure and Roles & Responsibilities