Title
Reimagining Public Safety Process Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
No referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive an update on the Reimagining Public Safety process.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive an update on the Reimagining Public Safety process.
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 is being led by a Community Work Group (Work Group) made up of ten community members. The Work Group will develop for 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 Work Group heard and learned from the community.
The purpose of this agenda item is for staff to provide an update on the Reimagining Public Safety public engagement process, including the Work Group’s planning for listening sessions, how staff will be involved in the process, and communications strategies for engaging community members in the process and sharing what’s already underway to address public safety.
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, the City Council has already committed resources and funding to a public engagement process in 2021.
Options:
1. Receive the update.
2. Do not receive the update.
3. Receive the update at another time.
Financial Impact:
The City’s approved 2021 Operating Budget includes $100,000 to support the Reimagining Public Safety process.
Attachments:
None.