Title
Reimagining Public Safety Recommendations - 2023 Implementation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Workgroup recommends receiving an update on implementation of the Reimagining Public Safety recommendations in 2023.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive an update on implementation of the Reimagining Public Safety recommendations in 2023.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive an update on implementation of the Reimagining Public Safety recommendations in 2023
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:
In February 2021, the Olympia City Council (Council) approved a community-led process to reimagine public safety, with a goal to ensure the City’s system is just, equitable, and without bias. The process launched in July 2021, led by a Community Work Group (Work Group) whose role it was to learn about the City’s public safety system, hold listening sessions with the community, and reflect what they learned in a set of recommendations to the City Council.
The Work Group hosted an extensive public engagement process, gathering input by hosting surveys on Engage Olympia, broad-based listening sessions, and small focus groups.
On December 6, 2022, the City Council held a study session with the Community Work Group during which Work Group members shared their recommendations, experiences leading this process, and how what they learned is reflected in their recommendations and priorities. During the Council’s regular business meeting immediately following the study session, Councilmembers formally acknowledged the Work Group’s leadership and accepted the recommendations.
The City Council approved a 2023 Operating Budget that includes funding specifically to support implementation of the recommendations. The purpose of this agenda item is for staff to update the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee on planned implementation in 2023.The briefing will include an overview of specific new and already underway actions the City will lead, and the corresponding Work Group priorities and strategies in the recommendations.
Climate Analysis:
Proposed actions for 2023 may result in the need for additional staffing and/or changes in operations that require additional vehicles and vehicle miles traveled, subsequently increasing transportation impacts. New temporary and permanent housing projects may include opportunities for renewable energy and will be sited to increase use of public transit.
Equity Analysis:
The Reimagining Public Safety process centered equity in the purpose and the approach; the recommendations center equity with a focus on holistic, systems change that is trauma informed and moves people towards wellness. Actions planned for 2023 will contribute to advancing the City’s capabilities in collecting quantitative demographic data and inclusive community input (i.e. qualitative data) to inform decision-making.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There was broad and inclusive community member engagement in the process to develop recommendations for reimagining public safety in Olympia. This agenda item is intended to keep the Community Work Group that led that process, community members, and Council informed of how the recommendations are being implemented.
Options:
1. Receive the briefing.
2. Do not receive the briefing.
3. Receive the briefing at another time.
Financial Impact:
The City’s 2023 Operating Budget includes $287,000 to support furthering the analysis and implementation of the Reimagining Public Safety recommendations.
Attachments:
Reimagining Public Safety Recommendations