Camas to review equity in city government
Camas has initiated a two-year process of reviewing equity, diversity and inclusion in city government.
The city Council on Monday appointed councilmembers Greg Anderson, Ellen Burton and Bonnie Carter to an Equity Steering Group. The group will facilitate a series of conversations with city residents through June before presenting findings by Dec. 20.
Then, the council plans to form an Ad Hoc Equity Advisory Committee, with input from the steering committee on citizen membership and a work plan. The ad hoc committee will present a final report, due Dec. 19, 2022, “relating to city legislation, policy or practices which may be revised to further the goals of equity, diversity and inclusion in city programs and services.”
Burton told the council that the process will involve reviews of hiring and staff diversity training and avoid duplicating initiatives created by the Camas School District.
“This is something that’s really important to the foundation of our community, making sure that Camas is a place that is welcoming for all citizens — no matter what their aptitudes, what the color of their skin, what their income level and what their mental health might be,” Burton said. “We want to make sure that our policies and procedures are equitable across the board.”
Jack Heffernan
Jack Heffernan is a breaking news reporter and covers Clark County government for The Columbian.