Lacey to OK Commission on Equity inclusivity strategy work plan

The Lacey City Council is set to approve the proposed work plan of the Commission on Equity (COE), outlining a comprehensive strategy to foster inclusivity and eliminate barriers within the community.

During a work session on Tuesday, Feb 13, Lacey Assistant City Manager Shannon Kelley-Fong and some commissioners of the (COE) briefed the council on the proposed work plan.

The draft work plan addresses inequities by fostering dialogue, conducting research, and implementing strategic initiatives.

“Taking all this survey and the tools we gathered and looking at the industries we've dealt with, for the last years, we've seen what we know, how do we begin to identify the inequities so that we can make recommendations for change and improvement in those kinds of things,” explained Commissioner Thelma Jackson.

Jackson explained that the work plan underscores the commitment to creating relationships and building capacity within these communities to ensure their voices are heard and respected in community decisions.

Kelley-Fong provided an overview of the quarterly breakdown of the work plan, highlighting various engagement, strategic planning, policy, program, and event initiatives.

Kelley-Fong elaborated on upcoming activities, including focusing on the business community, reviewing community liaison programs to reduce gaps in voices, and initiating planning meetings for the Juneteenth event.

The city manager also emphasized the importance of ongoing support, recruitment of additional equity members, implementation of the strategic plan, and research on equity maps.

The council will deliberate on the proposed work plan at the next regular council meeting. The council could either adopt the work plan or take no action. The council may also provide the commission direction on additional matters they want to consider.