FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 2, 2014
MEDIA CONTACTS
Gwen Schuler, Media and Communications,
gschuler@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5160
Megan Marquett, Media and Communications,
mmarquett@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5051
Equity and Empowerment is a Focus
Equity and empowerment are more than buzz words; they are part of the decision-making process at the City of Tacoma and with adoption of the Equity and Empowerment Initiative framework on Tuesday, Sept. 30, more focus will be given to how they are used.
The City Council in a unanimous vote approved the resolution that outlines the mission, vision and goals that will guide the initiative.
The initiative helps emphasize the City’s commitment to providing equitable access to services and will help shape future organizational policy.
“The Equity and Empowerment Initiative will provide opportunities eliminate racial and other disparities as it provides a strong anchor point to reveal other forms of inequity,” said Diane Powers, human services division manager. “Ultimately, we want to create an organization and a city that is welcoming, inclusive and accessible to everyone.”
A committee of City staff from various departments worked on the initiative after receiving direction from the City Council and City Manager, T.C. Broadnax, who identified it as a top priority in 2014.
The initiative identifies five goals, which are:
- For the City’s workforce to better reflect the community it services
- For more purposeful community outreach and engagement
- For equitable service delivery to all residents and visitors
- To support human rights and opportunities for everyone to achieve their full potential
- To commit to equity in local government decision-making
Now that the initiative’s framework has been approved, staff will begin working on a comprehensive plan to meet these goals in the City and begin to develop an outreach effort.
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