Title
Resolution to Affirm the City of Ann Arbor’s Commitment to the Joint Washtenaw County-City Equity Initiative and Approve a Purchase Order with Washtenaw County for Phase 2 of Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) Engagement (NTE $38,461.50)
Memorandum
On June 9, 2017, the City of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County participated in and co-sponsored Phase 1 of training conducted by The Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE). The City and the County are interested in continuing this partnership with Phase 2 of their engagement.
Budget and Fiscal Impact: Costs for Phase 2 of the Joint Initiative would be shared equally between the City and Washtenaw County. Funding for the City share of the costs for Phase 2 of this engagement in the amount of $38,461.50 is available in the City Administrator’s FY2018 Contingency Fund.
On July 13, 2017, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners approved a Resolution Affirming the County’s Commitment to a Joint Washtenaw County - City of Ann Arbor Equity Initiative; Approving the Contract with the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) Group (County Resolution 17-111) and authorized a budget of up to $77,000.
Phase 2 of the engagement proposal, which is attached for reference, includes an “Advancing Racial Equity “ series with City and County staff. The overall objectives of the “Advancing Racial Equity in Washtenaw County and the City of Ann Arbor - Phase 2 series are as follows:
• Build organizational commitment and infrastructure across functions of Washtenaw County and the city of Ann Arbor so that there are clear action steps for implementation.
• Increase understanding of the role and responsibility of government in advancing racial equity, including basic racial equity terminology.
• Develop skill at operationalizing racial equity, including using Racial Equity Tools, development of a Racial Equity Action Plan, inclusive outreach and public engagement, workforce equity, and communicating about race.
• Develop, propose and secure passage of an Equity Ordinance in Washtenaw County and the City of Ann Arbor.
Affirmation of the City’s commitment to the Joint Initiative is requested.
Attachments: Washtenaw County Resolution 17-111
Engagement Proposal, GARE Phase 2
Staff
Prepared by: Sara Higgins and Mary Joan Fales, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, On June 9, 2017, the City of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County participated in and co-sponsored Phase 1 of training conducted by The Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE);
Whereas, Continuation of this partnership is in the best interest of both municipal entities and residents of Washtenaw County;
Whereas, GARE has proposed a second phase to their engagement with Washtenaw County and City of Ann Arbor staff and leadership that will result in creation of an action plan for the equity initiative;
Whereas, On July 13, 2017, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners approved a Resolution Affirming the County’s Commitment to a Joint Washtenaw County - City of Ann Arbor Equity Initiative; Approving the Contract with the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) Group (County Resolution 17-111) and authorized a budget of up to $77,000,
Whereas, The City Administrator recommends continuation of County-City equity initiative and participation in the GARE Phase 2 engagement with the City’s sharing equally in the cost of the project not to exceed $38,461.50; and
Whereas, Funding for the City participation is available in the City Administrator’s FY2018 Contingency Fund;
RESOLVED, That City Council affirms its commitment to a joint Washtenaw County-City of Ann Arbor Equity Initiative and participation in Phase 2 of the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) engagement;
RESOLVED, That City Council authorizes the issuance of a purchase order to Washtenaw County not to exceed $38, 461.50 for FY2018 engagement costs with funds to be available for expenditure regardless of fiscal year, and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take all necessary administrative actions to implement this Resolution regardless of Fiscal Year.