Equity, Access, and Rights Advisory Board
About the Equity, Access, and Rights (EAR) Advisory Board
The EAR Advisory Board is charged with helping to move the City forward as a more diverse and equitable place through outreach, education, and feedback to Staff and City Council.
EAR serves as the resident advisory board regarding the following:
- Provide access for community members to raise concerns about equity and rights to Staff and City Council.
- Conduct outreach and collaboration with the community, community organizations, and other jurisdictions, including maintaining a list of outside resources to assist community members.
- Advise on issue resolution and informed feedback on proposed policies for staff and City Council.
- Serve as a standing task force to assist the City Council Culture and Society Committee in furthering equity, access, and rights in the City of Port Townsend.
- Review and update the City's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement.
- Identify barriers and possible solutions for participation in City government and programs.
- Formulate recommendations on select proposed ordinances, resolutions, proclamations, plans, and procedures.
- Formulate recommendations to City Council, staff, other advisory boards regarding equity, access, and rights education, training, and resources.
- Propose to City Council, and when directed, convene public listening sessions on difficult community issues and recommend equitable and effective actions.
- Provide a forum for discussing equity, access, and human rights issues.
- Identify issues and provide City Council with feedback regarding equity, access, and rights.
EAR Advisory Board Members
Members for this Advisory Board have not yet been selected and appointed by the Mayor. The application process is open and ongoing at this time.
The City of Port Townsend is seeking community members with a demonstrated commitment to social justice and community care. There are nine open positions on the EAR Board. Please review the City Council Resolution creating this board and consider applying using the link below. The Mayor will begin reviewing applications and making appointments in fall and winter 2023. The EAR Advisory Board is expected to begin work in 2024. Do you know someone who would be a great fit for this Advisory Board? Please consider forwarding the application link.
Meetings
Dates and times for EAR Advisory Board meetings will be set by committee members in consultation with the Council liaison and Staff liaison. All meetings will be open to the public and public comment is welcome. All scheduled meetings will be found on the Meeting Calendar, and meeting agendas and minutes will be found in the records and documents directory.
City of Port Townsend Equity Statement
The City of Port Townsend is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness and foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
The City of Port Townsend commits to:
• Attracting and welcoming residents and visitors from diverse backgrounds.
• Seeking out and eliminating institutional and unconscious bias in our municipal code and City plans while supporting state and federal nondiscrimination laws regarding daily life in our community.
• Fostering and maintaining a safe environment of respect and inclusion for all residents, employees, and visitors to our community.
• Providing creative programs and environments that reflect the diversity of our community and elevate cultural awareness.
• Ensuring fair and inclusive access to our facilities, programs, resources, and services.
• Ensuring that all our plans, policies, and practices are inclusive and equitable for all our residents and visitors in our delivery of services.
• Attracting, retaining, and developing talented employees and staff from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented communities, and fostering a culture that allows employees to bring their best, unique selves to the City.
• Ensuring equal access to justice and fair treatment for all residents and visitors.
• Partnering with tribal, local, state, and federal governments and nongovernmental organizations to ensure equitable access to programs, resources, and services.
