2023.06.13 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Schlieu stated one of the important roles of the Equity Commission is to advise City Council on issues influencing equity as it pertains to diversity, inclusion, representation, privileges, intercultural relations, and so forth. Equity work in its totality can be broad and all- encompassing; therefore, to be efficient and produce effective change, it is pertinent to be intentional around what topics are discussed and what actions are pursued. Staff comments further on the accomplishments from 2022, reviewed the role and tasks of Equity Commissioners, and offered a roadmap of topics for the 2023-2024 Commission year. Discussion included: • Staff commented on the goals of the ESAP. • The Commission was interested in hearing from Public Safety in 2023. • The group was also interested in holding joint meetings with other Commissions in the coming year. • It was noted staff would provide Commissioners with information on upcoming volunteer events. • The Commission was interested in engaging with key stakeholders in the community, especially with the school district. • The Commission supported more community engagement opportunities such as hosting community listening sessions, asking tailored questions to community members, hosting community engagement events • The Commission was pleased the Equity Commission would be integrated into the farmers market in 2023. The Commission suggested questions be drafted in order to engage with the public at the farmers market. • Staff shared the initial drafts of a City land acknowledgement would be drafted in the Equity Strategic Action Team and then brought to Equity Commission to finalize. • The Commission discussed the benefit of having a dual relationship with the Parks and Recreation Department. • The Commission supported discussing future goals and priorities at an upcoming meeting. • The Commission supported finding ways to work with the elderly in the community. • Staff will invite Irondale High School administration to attend the initial meeting where Equity Commission will explore its role as it relates to schools. • The Commission is interested in seeing what its role is in relation to equity in businesses. • In addition to collaboration with other commissions, the Commission is interested in having Department Directors attend and share information with the Equity Commission. B. Just Deeds Communication Timeline Schlieu reported on March 14, 2023, City Council approved a resolution to join the Just Deeds Coalition as an effort to increase awareness and understanding around the harmful legacy of discriminatory covenants and to set up support structures for New Brighton property owners to remove their discriminatory covenants free of charge should they so choose. Inviting New Brighton residents to join the City in its journey to address racism and discrimination in housing can have both positive and negative consequences. The positives include increased awareness, mobilization, and legal action. The negatives include anger and resentment, denial and resistance, and tension amongst community members due to fear or lack of understanding. Our communication strategy needs to ensure that the way we communicate mitigate negative consequences and elevate the positive consequences. Staff commented further on the proposed timeline and requested feedback from the Commission. Discussion included: