2020/07/15 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

• July 15, 2020 Discussion ensued regarding the importance of nurturing and mentoring a younger generation of refugees and immigrants; volunteer opportunities within RISNW; the role of a City government; language barriers for immigrants and ways to help by creating a database of employees with language skills and a change of hiring practices; encouraging community engagement among immigrants; connecting with the City's Diversity Committee; and the impact of the COVID pandemic on refugees and immigrants. President Tuohy introduced Benjamin Young, member of the Everett Housing Authority Board and the City of Everett Districting Commission. Benjamin Young spoke about housing equity with an emphasis on people of color and those who are financially challenged. The following topics were discussed: providing a solution for the fair and equitable treatment for people of color;the difference between equity and equality and the need to focus on equity; the work of Everett Housing Authority in the Baker • Heights neighborhood; finding a way to approach housing issues;the need for City staff, Council, and Administration to reflect the community they serve. Council Member Vogeli introduced Sarah Boyle, Director of the South Everett collaborative called Connect Casino Road. Sarah Boyle spoke about building community in neighborhoods with an emphasis on the Casino Road area, English language learners, and barriers to equity. Discussion took place regarding housing shortages worsened by the pandemic and the potential outcome of lifting the moratorium on eviction, the need for collaboration with Snohomish County on housing issues; the need for a deeper discussion on the six conditions for system change: policies, practices, resource flows, relationships and connections, power dynamics, mental models, and how those may pertain to Everett. Council Member Vogeli introduced Deborah Jacobs, Director for the King County Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO). • 209