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File #: 23-1297    Version: Name: 2023 Equitable Engagement Proclamation
Type: Proclamation Status: Filed
File created: 8/21/2023 In control: City Council
On agenda: 8/21/2023 Final action: 8/21/2023
Enactment date: Enactment #:
Title: Proclamation To Recognize the Equitable Engagement Initiative and Final Report
Attachments: 1. 2023 Equitable Engagement.pdf

Title

Proclamation To Recognize the Equitable Engagement Initiative and Final Report

Body

WHEREAS, The City of Ann Arbor wishes to advance equity by developing a shared understanding of what equity means for city policies, guidelines, and practices to help Ann Arbor be a more inclusive city; and

 

WHEREAS, Demographic data collection over the last four years has shown that community engagement attendees are not representative of the city’s diverse population; and

 

WHEREAS, A thirty-person Steering Committee was formed to represent new perspectives and to discuss how to implement more equitable engagement strategies. These recommendations were formalized in the report Achieving Equitable Engagement in Ann Arbor; and

 

WHEREAS, A multi-department team researched other communities’ best practices, inventoried our current resources and practices, and facilitated meetings with the Steering Committee for eighteen months; and

 

WHEREAS, A presentation of the Steering Committee’s recommendations was shared with the Planning Commission, Renters Commission, Human Rights Commission, Environmental Commission, Commission on Disability Issues, and the Energy Commission for feedback; and

                     

WHEREAS, Community Engagement Specialists have already used the Steering Committee’s recommendations to make budget requests and have received funding for a digital engagement hub and a pilot liaison program.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Christopher Taylor, Mayor of Ann Arbor, Michigan, express the community’s gratitude to the members of the Equitable Engagement Steering Committee for their commitment to advancing equity in the City of Ann Arbor’s public engagement strategy.

 

I hereby set my hand and seal

this 21st day of August, 2023

 

______________________________

Christopher Taylor

Mayor of the City of Ann Arbor