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Rn•INEW <br /> IAA BRIGHTON <br /> building tomorrow today <br /> Council Worksession <br /> August 24, 2021 <br /> 5:00 pm <br /> Present: Mayor Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas <br /> Councilmember Abdullahi Abdulle <br /> Councilmember Graeme Allen <br /> Councilmember Pam Axberg <br /> Councilmember Emily Dunsworth <br /> Absent: <br /> Staff in Attendance: Devin Massopust, Lisa Carlton, Matt Farmer, Zoe Kesselring <br /> Guests in Attendance: Lisa Tabor, CultureBrokers <br /> Discussion with CultureBrokers on Equity Statement and DEI Initiatives <br /> Massopust reported Lisa Tabor with CultureBrokers was in attendance to discuss the equity statement that has <br /> been drafted and DEI initiatives with the Council. <br /> Lisa Tabor, CultureBrokers, provided the Council with an update on the process and what has been achieved to <br /> date. She reported her charge was to assist the City in setting up a governance structure and management <br /> function that helps the City achieve racial equity now and into the future. She discussed the high level <br /> framework that would be put in place in order to achieve the City's goals, which included a philosophy, <br /> governance and management. She commented on the equity statement that had been drafted and described <br /> how she had been engaging with decision makers and stakeholders. The equity statement adoption process was <br /> reviewed noting the final draft would come before the Council on September 14 for approval. She reported the <br /> DEI Commission would be brought on board sometime in September and a DEI Coordinator would be hired in <br /> August or September. <br /> Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas commented it would be great to have the aspirational goals up front and then to have <br /> the disparities listed within the equity statement. Ms. Tabor stated she appreciated this recommendation. <br /> Councilmember Dunsworth supported the City varying its process in order to meet people where they are at <br /> and to meet needs based on the differences in people in order to increase equity. She requested further <br /> information from staff as to why this statement was chosen. Zoe Kesselring explained the outcomes shouldn't <br /> vary, but what is being put in does need to vary. She wanted everyone to have the same outcome noting the <br /> input may be different. <br /> Councilmember Dunsworth thanked staff for all of their efforts on the equity statement. She believed it was <br /> visionary and well done. <br /> Councilmember Axberg thanked staff for all of their efforts to get the equity statement this far. She commented <br /> after speaking with a number of people about equity and inclusion she believed it was important for people to <br /> also to have a sense of belonging. She questioned if staff had a discussion around this topic. Massopust stated <br /> the majority of conversations focused on equity and inclusion. Ms. Tabor commented if"belonging" should be <br />