HomeMy WebLinkAbout23-035 Adopting an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion StatementResolution 23-035
RESOLUTION NO. 23-035
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND,
WASHINGTON, ADOPTING AN EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
STATEMENT
WHEREAS, as part of the final report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Public Safety and
Law Enforcement, the City Council tasked the City with creating a policy, to be added to the
City ethics policy, that "white supremacy or white nationalism and membership in those
organizations is not tolerated by all of us (City Council and staff)"; and
WHEREAS, the City Council tasked the City Council Culture and Society Committee
with implementing the Ad Hoc Committee on Public Safety and Law Enforcement
recommendations; and
WHEREAS, the Culture and Society Committee considered how best to implement the
recommendations and as part of their remit, drafted an equity, diversity, and inclusion statement;
and
WHEREAS, the Culture and Society Committee, in drafting the equity, diversity, and
inclusion statement, researched other municipalities' similar statements and incorporated suggestions
from advisory boards, staff, and community members; and
WHEREAS, the full City Council considered the statement during the April 2023
workshop meeting; and
WHEREAS, the Culture and Society Committee recommended adoption to the full City
Council; and
WHEREAS, the statement should be prominently displayed on the City's website, in the
City Personnel Policy Manual, and other appropriate locations;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port
Townsend adopts the following Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement and directs the City
Manager to include it on the City's website, the City's Personnel Policy Manual, and other
appropriate locations:
The City of Port Townsend is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity,
and inclusion in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness and foster a culture of inclusion
that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives. We value inclusion as a core strength and
an essential element of our public service mission. The City of Port Townsend commits to:
• Attracting and welcoming residents and visitors from diverse backgrounds.
• Seeking out and eliminating institutional and unconscious bias in our municipal code and
City plans while supporting state and federal nondiscrimination laws regarding daily life in
our community.
• Fostering and maintaining a safe environment of respect and inclusion for all residents,
employees, and visitors to our community.
• Providing creative programs and environments that reflect the diversity of our community
and elevate cultural awareness.
Resolution 23-035
• Ensuring fair and inclusive access to our facilities, programs, resources, and services.
• Ensuring that all our plans, policies, and practices are inclusive and equitable for all our
residents and visitors in our delivery of services.
• Attracting, retaining, and developing talented employees and staff from diverse backgrounds
and underrepresented communities, and fostering a culture that allows employees to bring
their best, unique selves to the City.
• Ensuring equal access to justice and fair treatment for all residents and visitors.
• Partnering with tribal, local, state, and federal governments and nongovernmental
organizations to ensure equitable access to programs, resources, and services.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Port Townsend at a special business
meeting thereof, held this 12`h day of June 2023.
.......... ...... ........... .._ "". .....
David Jeer
Attest:
Alyssa rigiles
City Clerk
Mayor
Approved as to,i"orm:
l " c ood
City Attorney