Item C: Race Priority Issue - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

EUGENE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Work Session: City Council Priority Issue - Revised Race Priority Issue Action Plan Meeting Date: August 8, 2005 Agenda Item Number: C Department: Human Resource and Risk Services Staff Contact: Lauren Chouinard www. eugene-or, gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5663 ISSUE STATEMENT The purpose of this work session is to review the revised action plan for the City Council priority issue on race. Developing a council position on race issues was identified by the council as one of eight priority issues. The council is asked to approve or further revise the proposed action plan. BACKGROUND On June 13, 2005, the City Council reviewed a draft action plan on race. While the council generally approved of the contents of the action plan, there were a number of suggestions made to enhance the plan. The revised plan is included as Attachment A. All additions to the plan are bolded and italicized and can be found in Section D of the plan document. The only deletion is found in Item 8 of the short-term action steps. It was felt that directing the Human Rights Commission to do something that is already a central part of their mission appeared redundant. The other sentence deleted was replaced by the revised, new language in Item 8. Aside from the revisions made, there was a suggestion to offer diversity training for all City employees. Attachment B lists many of the diversity trainings already offered to City employees. This list does not include additional trainings that are offered by departments, such as a recent training for Police personnel on Sikh, Arab, and Muslim cultures. During the discussion on June 13, there was also a reference to a written statement made by the council approximately seven years ago on respect for diversity. That statement is included as Attachment C. It is a pledge that was circulated and signed by many community leaders including individual councilors. Attachment C also contains the text of a City Council Resolution regarding International Human Rights Day that was signed in late 2002. RELATED CITY POLICIES Issues of race in the community are related to the "Safe Community" Council Goal which emphasizes a safe community where people feel secure and respected. COUNCIL OPTIONS The council is asked to provide direction on the Race Priority Action Plan. The council may approve or modify the proposed action plan. Approval or modification of the action plan would give staff direction to assist council with implementation of the action plan. L:\CMO\2005 Council Agendas\M050808\S050808C.doc