Item Coversheet

BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT

Item No. 2.
For Meeting of: August 23, 2016

ITEM TITLE:Approaching Equity Issues in Yakima - Presentation by Benita Horn
SUBMITTED BY:

Cliff Moore, City Manager

Joan Davenport, AICP Community Development Director

SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
On May 3, 2016, the City Council directed staff to conduct an Equity Study and referred this project to the Neighborhood and Community Building Committee (NCBC). Staff has been collecting data and working with the Council members of the NCBC to develop the scope of the study. In researching how other Washington State communities have implemented Equity Programs, it was suggested that it would be helpful to have an expert provide information to the Council to discuss tools, techniques, goals and implementation steps to achieve a meaningful Equity Program.  Benita Horn has provided professional  cultural awareness services to several Washington communities. Her resume and a recent presentation made to the City of Renton is attached.
ITEM BUDGETED:
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:Neighborhood and Community Building
APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL: City Manager

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
This is a listening session. It is very likely that additional sessions will be necessary to provide the scope and implementation steps for an Equity Program in Yakima.
BOARD/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
The Neighborhood and Community Building Committee has invited Ms. Horn to speak to the entire City Council.
ATTACHMENTS:
DescriptionUpload DateType
Benita Horn Resume7/25/2016Backup Material
City of Renton PowerPoint on Equity Program7/25/2016Backup Material
Race and Social Justice Initiative _Mayor Executive Order8/8/2016Backup Material
Six Essential Strategies8/8/2016Backup Material