2024-10-09 DEIA Commission PacketSPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
EDMONDS DIVERSITY, EQUITY,
INCLUSION & ACCESSIBILITY
COMMISSION MEETING
The Edmonds Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA) Commission will
meet on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 6 p.m. The regularly scheduled meeting was
moved to this night to respect the start of Rosh Hashanah on October 2, 2024. The
agenda is attached.
The meeting will be held in a hybrid format.
PHYSICAL LOCATION:
Room 123 — Frances Anderson Center 1 700 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020
REMOTE MEETING/ZOOM INFORMATION:
https://edmondswa-gov.zoom.us/i/98071999699?pwd=YS9GTVdWM2VPTUtiROVXVm56NGlaUT09
Meeting ID: 980 7199 9699 1 Passcode: 963195
The public is welcome to attend the meeting.
Posted/Emailed: October 4. 2024
POSTED:
City Hall
Public Safety
EMAILED:
The Herald
The Edmonds Beacon
Myedmondsnews.com
City Council
°V E M°�� SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
Edmonds Diversity, Equity, Inclusion •
& Accessibility Commission
170• 1890 Wednesday, October 9, 2024 1 6:OOPM-8:OOPM
HYBRID MEETING
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Commission members will be meeting in person and/or remotely for this
meeting. The public may join at the physical location or join through zoom.
PHYSICAL LOCATION:
Room 123 - Frances Anderson Center 1 700 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020
REMOTE MEETING/ZOOM INFORMATION:
https://edmondswa-gov.zoom.us/I/98071999699?pwd=YS9GTVdWM2VPTUtmROVXVm56NGlaUT09
Meeting ID: 980 7199 9699 1 Passcode: 963195
6:00 P.M. — Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement: "We acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the Sdohobsh
(Snohomish) people and their successors the Tulalip Tribes, who since time immemorial have hunted, fished, gathered, and taken
care of these lands. We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we honor their sacred spiritual connection
with the land and water." - City Council Land Acknowledgment
1. Roll Call and Absences
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of September 4, 2024, Summary (5 minutes)
4. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker)
5. Update from the City: Todd, Councilmember Eck, Megan (5 minutes)
6. Committee Updates:
a. Community Engagement & Visibility (30 minutes)
i. DEIA Commission Priority Check -In
ii. Calendar:
School District Partnership Opportunities; Snoco Pride Foundation; Pride 2025;
Juneteenth
b. Executive — (35 minutes)
i. Follow-up on Mayor Rosen Discussion from September
ii. Film Series Evolution Continued Discussion
iii. Tree Lighting Update (Jessie)
iv. Holiday Market Commitment
1. 11/2; 11/9; 11/16; 11/23; 12/7; 12/14; 12/21
c. City Engagement & Policy
7. Old Business:
a. Grant Program Update & Application (Megan) — 10 minutes
b. Land Acknowledgement Update — Next Steps — 20 minutes
8. Commissioner's Corner (15 minutes)
Adjourn — 8:OOPM
Next meeting: Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 6:OOPM
Guiding Principles
To ensure we meet our responsibilities as a Commission, we agree to:
• start and end our meetings on time
• demonstrate our respect for our fellow Commissioners, the City of Edmonds, and the citizens we represent by: being present, being prepared, actively
listening, participating in meetings, completing our individual assignments, and holding ourselves accountable
• "step up and step back"
• establish goals and action plans that are results oriented
• establish subcommittees as needed
• engage in courageous, honest, and open dialogue when faced with difficult issues or questions
• utilize the "Ouch Rule" (assume positive intent; resist the temptation to be offended)
• embrace the education opportunities presented through the Commission meetings
• strive to make decisions by consensus. In a case where consensus cannot be reached after a reasonable attempt has been made, the Chairperson may call
for a majority vote.
CITY OF EDMONDS
EDMONDS DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION &
ACCESSIBILITY COMMISSION
September 4, 2024
Meeting conducted via Zoom and in -person at the Brackett Meeting Room
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Elaine Helm, Co -Chair
Jessie Owen, Co -Chair
Dipti Chrastka
Umrah Thomas
Rowan Soiset
Pam Iverson
Patty Narvaez-Wheeler
Councilmember Chris Eck, ex-officio — via
Zoom
Sofia Marie Castillo, Student Representative
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Rebecca Perrault unexcused
GUESTS PRESENT
Mayor Rosen
Barry Crance
Brian Potter
David Schaefer
Lori Kunze
STAFF PRESENT
Megan Luttrell, Program Coordinator
STAFF ABSENT
Todd Tatum, Director
6:01 P.M. — Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement: "We acknowledge the original
inhabitants of this place, the Sdohobsh (Snohomish) people and their successors the Tulalip
Tribes, who since time immemorial have hunted, fished, gathered, and taken care of these lands.
We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we honor their sacred
spiritual connection with the land and water." - City Council Land Acknowledgment
1. Roll Call and Absences: Sofia Marie read the land acknowledgment. Rebecca's absence is
unexcused.
2. Approval of Agenda: Umrah moves to approve the agenda; Pam seconds; approval by
consensus.
3. Approval of August 7, 2024, Summary: Megan recommends updating the date on Item
3. to June. With that amendment, Pam moves to approve the summary; Rowan seconds;
approval by consensus, with the exception of Dipti & Elaine abstaining due to absences at
the August meeting.
4. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker): None.
5. Update from the City: Megan, Councilmember Eck: Working through
Megan mentions that staff is working on budget. The Holiday Market planning is in full
swing.
Councilmember Eck shares that Council has been on a two -week break. There is a Comp
Plan meeting next week. Feedback from Commission has helped accessibility at
community events.
Draft Meeting Summary
DEIA Commission
September 4, 2024
Page 1
6. New Business:
a. Mayor Rosen Discussion: Community Support — what & how:
Mayor Rosen has asked Barry, Brian & David to come participate in the
conversation with the Commission. The discussion will not yield a conclusion
tonight, there is a hope to convene members of the Commission with the folks he's
pulled together to develop framework to recommend to Council.
FIRST QUESTION: Is this the job of government? To recognize the observation
months, holidays, etc.
Brian highlights that Edmonds, as a community, has moved away from providing
minimal government services. He could argue that none of this is the responsibility
of government. Over the course of 3 Mayor terms, the City has elevated the
community's experience within Edmonds.
Rowan points out that looking at DEI work to not include potholes and streetlights
is misunderstanding the point. Evaluating where the sidewalks, streetlights, and
services lack, is an impactful piece of the work. Jessie adds data has been gathered
and should be referenced to build the framework. Patty explains diversity is
definitely a topic that the government must integrate into the work. She shares the
priority document that is under development by the Commissions and shares the
DEIA definitions to center the conversation for everyone in the room. There are
legal implications with these definitions. The City is required to do these things.
Patty asks what happened to the REDI position? Other organizations have positions
that support this work. Elaine asks, how do we identify what the work should be?
Evaluate the role of the government to support the needs of the community. How do
celebrations and recognitions elevate the Parks & Facilities we have, and are they
being used equitable. Dipti adds that flags and procs are fine but is it just lip
service? Brian explains the City facilitated a group of Pride events. The City now
has laid out the framework and now it's time for the LGBTQ+ community to take it
on. The communities need to show up for their cause much like pride & Lunar New
Year folks. Patty, counters that communities cannot always show up for themselves.
If there are barriers — language, accessibility, etc., it's not always an option to show
up for their community. Umrah adds that education is key. This is lifelong work.
There is no end. Patty — a goal is to integrate DEI work as best practice, fold it into
all work. Build the muscle so that an equity lens is always being integrated into
decisions. What are the criteria? Not all the recognitions are DEIA related.
Barry adds his perspective that he feels the role of the Commission is advocacy but
in contrast can get you in trouble with those who are against what you're advocating
for. The largest question, as he sees it, is what the governments' role is. The City
should maintain a non -partisan role on all decisions. Don't engage things that create
divisiveness. Rowan summarizes what he heard, there seems to be a priority that the
requests come from our community. David asks the Mayor, if he got what he
wanted, what would it look like. Mayor Rosen explains, answers to the questions. A
clear framework on how to determine support. He would like to know who in this
room wants to continue the conversation. He would than ask the participants who
Draft Meeting Summary
DEIA Commission
September 4, 2024
Page 2
else should be a part of the conversation. He would look at this group as a first point
of contact.
Currently:
Proclamations - the Mayor decides. If he is asked to participate,
Mayor decides.
Resolution - Council decides.
• Events - staff.
The list the Mayor provided is solely to represent what is out in the world. To
demonstrate where to draw the line.
Those that would like to continue the conversation but need more details before
committing:
Rowan
Dipti
Umrah
Elaine
Jessie
Sofia
*Barry
*Not a DEIA Commissioner
7. Committee Updates:
a. Calendar Review: Jessie will get an email out to prioritize
b. Community Engagement & Visibility:
i. DEIA Commission Priority Review — Patty: (Attachment A)
Next steps:
Updates added by next meeting
Adopt it within the next few months
Push it out to the community, staff, stakeholders of the Equitable
Engagement Framework
c. Executive:
i. Next meeting, October 2nd start of Rosh Hashanah: Move the meeting to
October 91h. Rowan ask the Asian Services Center if we hold the meeting
there, if not, Megan will seek other options.
ii. Film Series Evolution: Barriers: resource, film limitations due to streaming
service challenges. Access to these films is so much easier than it used to be.
Jessie & Elaine have brainstormed alternatives to the film series and have
come up with the following:
1. Needs to be low maintenance.
2. Need Commissioners buy off and participation.
3. Possible option, choose a theme: read a book; watch a movie; listen
to a podcast around a topic.
4. Provide a place to have a discussion on the topics.
Draft Meeting Summary
DEIA Commission
September 4, 2024
Page 3
5. Partner opportunities.
6. Build something that is meaningful and sustainable.
7. Storytelling.
8. Provide a statement to community with priorities & statement to
update the community of film series.
d. City Engagement & Policy: Nothing.
8. Old Business:
a. Book Distribution Plan: Spreadsheet is developed, and schools are being reached
out to.
b. Grant Program Updates and/or Rees: Umrah, Dipti & Pam — developed a
framework/matrix for grant reviews. Application process has been developed by the
group.
c. Land Acknowledgement Update — Next Steps: BUMP TO NEXT MEETING
Elaine makes a motion to extend meeting until 8:20, Jessie seconds, approval by consensus.
9. Commissioner's Corner: Recipient has been found for the Proclamation for Spanish
Heritage Month. Cutie Foundation is interested in connecting regarding the Holiday
Market.
Adjourn — 8:31 PM
Next meeting: October 9, 2024, at 6:OOPM SPECIAL MEETING
Draft Meeting Summary
DEIA Commission
September 4, 2024
Page 4
ATTACHMENT A
Our Mission: Encourage and adopt DEIA through education and guidance.
Identify actionable steps the city government can implement to enhance equitable
access and tackle the harmful effects of historical and current policies and
conditions.
Our Why:
Multiracial democracy Health and Wealth for all Edmonds Compliance w/ Antidiscrimination Laws
Increased Productivity Equitable Government Services & Outcomes City Code/Ordinance
Voices We Center: According to 2022 City data, the following communities have
historically been and are underrepresented, marginalized, and disproportionately impacted in
Edmonds.
Most Impacted Community Groups
What they've asked the City for
• Females older adults
•
Households with
1.
Increase City presence in community led
(age 65+)
incomes less than
events and Initiatives like attending meetings or
• Households with
$50,000
sponsoring community events.
incomes less than
•
People who rent
2.
Establish City staffing and processes that
$50,000
their homes
reflect Edmonds' Diversity and stated DEIA
• People who are Black,
•
People without
values like a DEI position, disaggregating
Indigenous, or People
reliable computer
representation data and making equity goals
of Color (BIPOC)
and/or internet
transparent
• Coast Salish Peoples
access
3.
Build Mutually Beneficial Relationships
Snohomish,
•
People who rely on
including compensating community based
Snoqualmie,
public transit
organizations, faith bases orgs and leaders for
Skgkomish)
their time and expertise
• People who are
Neighborhoods:
4.
Provide equitable/multiple pathways to
LGBTQIA+
opportunity (i.e. engage people in the language
• People who have
•
HWY 99 Corridor
and technology they use)
disabilities
•
Lake Ballinger area
5.
Invest in areas beyond Downtown and
• People who speak
•
Area around
communities that have been historically left
languages other than
Swedish Hospital.
out
English (Spanish,
•
Census Tracts...
6.
Create an inclusive atmosphere citywide by
Korean, Chinese
make accommodations for those with or
Cantonese/Mandorin,
caring for those with disabilities)
Vietnamese,
7.
Operate with transparency (i.e. Integrate
Russian/Slavic)
feedback in tangible wags to show community
• Families with children
members their voices matter)
younger than 18 years
8.
Increase engagement and relationship with
of age
Indigenous communities and share decision
• People who are not
making power with them
US Citizens
THE OUTCOMES WE SEEK
DIVERSITY: Elected officials, staff, and
EQUITY. Ensure various pathways are provided
commissions represent and are trusted by
and barriers clear to the same opportunities
those most affected.
based on the distinct needs and realities of
most impacted communities.
INCLUSION: The voices of those most
ACCESABILITY. Barriers in environment,
affected are invited, amplified and
content, and processes are removed to
respected; and decision -making power is
ensure that individuals of all abilities can easily
shared with them.
access services, information, and engagement
opportunities.
OUR THREE PRIORITY ACTION AREAS
We make thoughtful DEIA recommendation to elected officials rooted
in our lived and professional experience and the expressed priorities
and needs of the communities we center.
• (2024-2025 Example actions and outcomes?)
We support, guide and and challenge City policy, practice and decision
We connect and nurture relationships within the
community and with City government to promote
DEIA and address community needs.
• (2024-2025 Example actions and outcomes?)