Lacey City Council Appoints Inaugural Members to Commission on Equity

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Submitted by City of Lacey

The Lacey City Council appointed the inaugural members to the newly formed Commission on Equity during its regular meeting on Thursday, May 20. The appointments follow an extensive application and review process, and come as a recommendation from the former Equity Workgroup (also known as the Civic Leaders Forum). This group was instrumental in helping the City of Lacey develop its Commission on Equity ordinance.

The Commission on Equity includes seven general members and may include a youth member from the Lacey Youth Council. The newly appointed members are Clifton Brown, Anne Clay, Makieda Hart, Jonathan (Jon) Hegwood, Thelma Jackson, Kim Sauer, and Kristine Stolberg. General members serve three-year terms and may serve two consecutive terms. The Commission on Equity does not currently include a youth member. A youth representative from the Lacey Youth Council is anticipated to be appointed in the fall.

“We are excited to get this important work underway,” said City of Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder.

“We have the most diverse community in Thurston County and the City wants to make sure all community members have an equitable opportunity to participate in the City’s future. In my role as a National League of Cities (NLC) board member, I have had the pleasure of serving as the board liaison to the Race, Equity, And Leadership (REAL) Council for three consecutive years. In this capacity, I have learned so much about diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. I am very excited to see the City continuing the work on equity and race here in Lacey through this commission.”

On January 21, 2021, the Lacey City Council enacted Ordinance 1581, establishing the City of Lacey’s Commission on Equity. The Commission on Equity’s purpose is to identify and advance opportunities that will create a more welcoming community, continue critical conversations on race and equity, seek greater participation from underrepresented community members, and identify existing gaps and barriers which could prevent full participation in government and public policy. The Commission on Equity may create policy recommendations for the Lacey City Council, including providing data analysis and recommendations on addressing issues related to inclusivity, education, and equity in Lacey.

To learn more about the City of Lacey’s Commission on Equity, visit the City of Lacey website.

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