The City’s Next Steps Towards More Social Justice and Racial Equity
Following conversations among staff, with council and throughout the community on social justice and racial equity, the North Liberty City Council discussed next steps at its Aug. 25, 2020, meeting. This list was initially included for discussion at the council’s meeting on July 29, and has been updated with current status, and is not all-inclusive of actions or possible actions, and staff anticipate additional items following City Council discussion, feedback from the community and further strategy sessions.
Completed
Host a series of community conversations to solicit feedback and ideas as well as provide a space for residents to share their stories: hosted six listening posts in late July/early August
Collect additional data with the objective to evaluate and address potential disparities: 2019 data presented
Develop a regular data-sharing mechanism, building on existing public monthly reports, for additional transparency: data sharing mechanism created; NLPD will report annually
In Progress
Consider more City outreach opportunities with the community: staff is currently working on a Great Neighborhoods Initiative program to help reach underserved populations and address the information gap between the city and residents
Regular meetings or open house type events with city departments: in progress; Great Neighborhood Initiatives program will incorporate city department outreach
Inclusionary training, programming, and/or education opportunities through the library and recreation departments: hosted embody | embrace in January and planning for 2021 event; partnered with UAY for conflict resolution
Provide more frequent diversity & inclusion training: currently require one training session for city employees each year; looking to expand required and optional trainings
Staff required training: PD recently moved up implicit bias training; new state law requires additional annual PD training; looking to expand training opportunities for all staff
Partner with local government organizations: staff currently collaborating with local organizations to offer area wide employee equity and inclusionary training
Work with vendor to upgrade police data tracking software: Chief Venenga and other jurisdictions working with vendor to enhance tracking capabilities
Enhance partnerships with NAACP and other entities: Chief Venenga has established a relationship with the local NAACP President; the President has agreed to review, mediate and provide guidance when race complaints are received; also discussing other partnership opportunities such as Know Your Rights workshop, juvenile interaction with police officer and city wide training
Explore ideas and best practices to increase diversity within the City workforce: HR Director exploring ideas with other colleagues; NAACP has agreed to share all job announcements with their members
Recruit social services organizations to have a location in North Liberty: with the completion of the Ranshaw House the City will have space to provide service providers with office space)
Awaiting Action or Direction
Effectively engage diverse communities in planning and participatory budgeting processes and integrate their arts and culture throughout government activities and events.
Contract for an external audit and study of traffic stops and searches: Chief Venenga recommends consulting with Dr. Chris Barnum to analyze the data annually
Establish a Community Police Review Board to incorporate citizen input on policing practices and review incidents
Consider unarmed Community Service Officers
Build systems to make better decisions by developing a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team. Analyze all decisions and practices with a racial equity lens in order to remove barriers and expand opportunities
Develop a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion toolkit for staff, and make it available for council and local businesses
Establish Inclusionary Zoning for housing
Guarantee residents have access to services and are protected from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations
Adopt a hate crimes ordinance
Establish a Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council
Consider conducting an independent equity audit
