Submitted by: Robert Croslin
Submitting Department: Legislative
Agenda Section: Discussion
Item Title:
title
FY22 Budget Initiative: Race and Equity Coordinator/Advisor
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
FOR DISCUSSION:
I move the Mayor and Council authorize the establishment of a Racial, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator/Advisor position and allocate $60,000 in the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) budget to support this effort. Staff shall investigate the possibility of full-time, part-time, or contract position in addition to cost sharing the position with neighboring municipalities.
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Summary Background:
Former Mayor Hollingsworth proposed, and the City Council established, a Race and Equity Task Force to study and advise the Council on the impact of legislation, policies, and programs on minorities residing in the City of Hyattsville and to develop an Equity Plan. This initial and important step can be greatly enhanced by hiring a specialist to advise and assist the Committee in drafting and developing the plan. The coordinator will identify opportunities to improve transparency, educate, and inform the community and staff through training, workshops, assisting with ethnic event programming, and outreach, reviewing practices, motions, and legislation to ensure equity and fairness. As our City and communities across the nation grapple with new and longstanding policies and practices that have resulted in unintended consequences against communities of color, this position can assist and advise the staff, community, and Council. This position is increasingly important to ensure we can identify and avoid disparities within City government and our community so I am therefore requesting an amount not to exceed (NTE) $60,000 set aside for a Racial Equity and Diversity Coordinator contract or staff position.
Next Steps:
Council discussion.
Fiscal Impact:
$60,000
City Administrator Comments:
An evaluation of available resources and costs will need to be performed. The staff will prepare a job description to evaluate the most cost effective way to implement and will reach out to neighboring municipalities to gauge interest in a shared resource/position.
Community Engagement:
TBD
Strategic Goals:
Goal 5 - Strengthen the City’s Identity as a Diverse, Creative, and Welcoming Community
Legal Review Required?
N/A