Item B: Race Issues Action Plan - Laserfiche WebLink

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ATTACHMENT A Council Priority Issue on Race Action Plan A. Planning Horizon and Focus Although this action plan is developed for a 3-5 year horizon with a specific focus on the first 18-24 months, working on race relations is a long term, ongoing commitment where progress is measured in decades versus a few years. By acknowledging and illuminating instances of bias in the community and making a commitment to change, the City Council is in a unique position to set the tone for race relations in Eugene and the broader metropolitan area. This plan outlines actions that the council as a body, and the mayor and councilors as individuals, can engage in to build a better understanding of race issues among themselves and improve race relations in the community at large. B. Priority Issue Outcomes 3-5 year outcomes: Enhanced council and community awareness of race issues Increased understanding by council and the community about the affect race relations has on community members' perception of safety and quality of life Effective race relations becomes a priority the whole community will actively embrace People of color in the community feel they are respected, engaged, and have a voice in community affairs > Issues of race are engaged proactively versus reactively in time of crisis > Eugene will begin to forge a national reputation as a community that actively supports an environment that is viewed as welcoming by all races and cultures. 18-24 month outcomes: Informed and educated mayor and councilors on the nature and status of race relations in the community Mayor and councilors articulate their collective philosophy and commitment regarding race, racism, and race relations Mayor and councilors act collectively and swiftly against acts of racism in the community > Mayor and councilors enhance existing, and forge new, relationships with communities of color and other race relations allies in the community > Mayor and councilors explore areas of personal growth related to issues of race C. Progress to Date There are several focal points for past and ongoing work regarding race and race relations in the community. The following are examples of several initiatives: Human Rights Commission (HRC) - As an appointed committee of the City Council, the HRC has been working on race related issues for many years. The work of the HRC can be separated into three broad categories, advising city government, educating the community, and responding to incidents of discrimination and harassment. In its current efforts, the commission and its staff respond to discrimination through the work of the