2021.08.24 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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added this term could be put into the equity statement. Councilmember Abdulle thanked staff for all of their work on this. He appreciated the system and process that would be in place. He believed this was something the City could be proud about. He appreciated the fact diversity, equity and inclusion had been defined within the statement. He focused on the term equity and how it was defined by experts noting equity requires value of all individuals and populations equally, recognizing and rectifying historical injustices and providing resources according to need. He believed the equity statement might be missing acknowledgement of historical harms or resources that were missing. He questioned how this should be incorporated into the statement. He stated he would like to see intentional wording to address the communities that have bore the brunt of this burden. Ms. Tabor thanked Councilmember Abdulle for this suggestion. Councilmember Axberg questioned who should decide who has been most historically impacted versus how do you raise up everyone. She believed this was a delicate matter and a challenge in choosing to go this direction versus focusing on the goal for the future. Councilmember Abdulle stated he does some equity related work in his day job. He noted there were some implications for housing or overall equity. He commented when it comes to see who has been impacted the most historically, this can be demonstrated through research and studies that have been completed. He noted BIPOC communities have been harmed more and face many challenges that other communities are not facing. He believed it was important to look at what the numbers are telling us. He indicated the Council could also collect its own data to see what the numbers were telling us. He was of the opinion the burden has not been shared equally and the equity statement should reflect this. Councilmember Dunsworth suggested the statement be amended to read: the City is committed to addressing the historical and current disparities. Councilmember Abdulle feared this was too general, not specific enough. He wanted the language to be actionable. Councilmember Dunsworth appreciated this fact. She explained the equity statement was a general statement that was part of a larger initiative and noted work would be directed to address race, ethnicity, LGBTQ+, etc. Ms. Tabor commented on the current version of the equity statement and noted staff would be seeking feedback from the public on the most current version. She noted the statement was meant to be a broad stroke or foundation. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas questioned if the City reviewed its current anti-racism statements within personnel policies when developing the equity statement. Massopust reported staff did not review existing mantras in regard to equity at the City level. He explained the majority of the policies and procedures the City has in place are required by hiring processes such as EOE. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas inquired how these could be aligned. Ms. Tabor stated when cities have gotten this far, the process has been to have a policy that requires the City to follow federal guidelines. Councilmember Abdulle commented he would have hoped this equity statement would have set a bolder or stronger tone. He indicated if the statement were left general, it will create more work on the DEI Coordinator to set an agenda. He supported the City Council setting this bold tone. He requested the equity statement be amended to include a states: everyone will be included, especially those who have been historically been harmed. Ms. Tabor stated this language could be added.