Title
Reimagining Public Safety Process and Community Work Group Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive an update on the Reimagining Public Safety process and Community Work Group membership.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive an update on the Reimagining Public Safety process and Community Work Group membership.
Staff Contact:
Stacey Ray, Strategic Planning and Performance Manager, Office of Performance and Innovation, 360.753.8046
Presenter(s):
Stacey Ray, Strategic Planning and Performance Manager
Background and Analysis:
The Ad Hoc Committee on Public Safety’s charter includes working with City staff 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.
On February 11, the Committee approved an approach to engage the community in a broad and highly inclusive public process to “Reimagine Public Safety,” with an emphasis on the City’s criminal justice system. This approach will be led by a Community Work Group made up of ten to twelve residents who are dedicated to listening deeply. The workgroup will develop Council recommendations for how to create a public safety system that will best serve Olympia. Council will use this information to guide policy and budgeting decisions for 2022 and beyond. The recommendations will reflect what the workgroup heard from the community.
Throughout March and April, staff sought Community Work Group nominations by reaching out and sharing information with City staff who work in the public safety system, partner organizations, advocates in the community, and individuals who participated in confidential stakeholder interviews.
The request for nominations sought Community Work Group members who are:
• willing to listen deeply and engage in brave conversations.
• curious with a desire to understand different views and perspectives.
• committed to co-learning and working collaboratively.
• dedicated to upholding the authenticity and integrity of the process.
• committed to supporting an outcome that reflects what was heard and learned from the community.
• from marginalized communities and/or have lived experience within Olympia’s public safety system.
Strong consideration was given to individuals who meet the above characteristics, are from marginalized communities, and/or have lived experience within Olympia’s public safety system. The proposed membership ensures that the perspectives and expertise of marginalized community members are central to this process and that it be led by community members most impacted by systemic bias and inequities in public safety.
The purpose of this agenda item is for staff to provide an update on the Reimagining Public Safety public engagement process, including an overview of the steps taken to compile a recommendation for Work Group membership and the resulting roster of Work Group members.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is broad community member interest in the City hosting a community engagement process to reimagine public safety in Olympia. In response, Council has already committed resources and funding to a public engagement process in 2021.
Options:
1. Receive the Informational briefing.
2. Do not receive the information briefing.
3. Receive the information briefing at another time.
Financial Impact:
The City’s approved 2021 Operating Budget includes $100,000 to support the Reimagining Public Safety process.
Attachments:
None