Lacey commission is close to finalizing its DEI strategic plan

The Lacey Commission on Equity is close to finalizing its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategic Plan.

Lacey Assistant City Manager Shannon Kelley-Fong said the committee is eyeing the council’s adoption of the strategic plan late this year or early next year.

During its meeting on Monday, August 22,the committee discussed two more focus areas for the DEI Strategic Plan.

“Policies, Programs, & Services”

The first focus area discussed the city’s “Policies, Programs, & Services.” The committee aims to make Lacey integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into all city policies, projects, programs, and services, including service delivery, budgeting policies, transportation and mobility, infrastructure, parks, public safety, and criminal justice.

One of the strategies the committee discussed is providing “robust and community-driven park and recreation resources where physical, financial, and social barriers are eliminated.” 

The committee agreed that enhancing active transportation options and accessibility to basic services, including internet connectivity, works as a good strategy for this focus area.

“Livability”

The second focus area is “Livability.” The committee targets to make Lacey provide and assist with “advancing equitable economic opportunities, a diversity of housing and human services, and a healthy environment for all.”

The committee agreed that supporting efforts to increase homeownership and implementing and enhancing affordable housing and homeless services with community partners should be considered as a strategy in the said focus area.

Another strategy involves coordination and collaboration with local schools, government entities, non-profit groups, and other community stakeholders to “advance equity comprehensively in the community.”

“Workforce and Work Environment”

On June 27, the committee discussed the third focus area, “Workforce and Work Environment.” The main discussion points were equitable practices with the city’s hiring, planning, and programming processes.