HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-2018.08.DEI Workshop CC Memo
City Council Memorandum
To: Mayor Hicks & City Councilmembers
From: Melanie Mesko Lee, City Administrator
Date: June 8, 2018
Item: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Workshop
June 11, 2018
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Volunteer Room
Background Information:
TIMELINE
November 2016—the Hastings School District, led by HMS Principal Mark
Zuzek and Community Education Director Mary O’Brien began an on-going
dialogue about diversity, inclusion, and access to resources. An initial meeting was
held the morning of November 7 (letter attached). At that meeting, Jane
Venderpoel from Dakota County provided demographic and socio-economic
indicators for Dakota County and Hastings. Most members of our management
team attended this meeting and Council was advised of this initiative in an email
from me dated November 7, 2016.
2017
Throughout 2017, a number of community events were held throughout the
community. My records do not list the exact dates of the events. One session was
titled “Understanding and Recognizing Racial Bias & White Privilege.”
In December 2017, Mark Zuzek reached out again to Mayor Hicks and me to
discuss how to continue the discussion on diversity, inclusion, and equity. The
intent was to discuss designing a joint effort in Spring 2018. Councilmember
Leifeld was also invited to join the conversation—the first meeting was held
January 4, 2018. In addition to the names above, Tim Collins, Kari Gorr, Kelsey
Waits, and Bill Spinelli were also invited.
2018
These meetings continued every 3-4 weeks throughout the months of February and
March. During this time frame, Derrick Jagger (YMCA) and Lee Stoffel
(Communications) also joined the table to assist. The group discussed many ways
to foster a community discussion—from a “welcome week” to printing signs to
adopting a proclamation. Throughout the many meetings, there was a desire to
bring the issue before the community for a broader dialogue.
The YMCA has an Equity Innovation Center and has developed a number of
resources and training related to diversity, equity, and inclusion that Derrick
Jaeger brought forward to share with the group. The Y prepared a proposal to
provide assistance in a multi-faceted community initiative. That proposal is
attached and Derrick will be joining us on June 11 to be able to answer questions.
On Sunday, April 29 a community kick-off event was held at the Hastings High
School. Approximately 250 people including City Councilmembers, City Staff,
School Board members, local business people, and the public at large attended and
shared their thoughts on the topic. Based on the feedback received, follow up
discussions are intended to be held.
Monday, June 25 6-9 p.m. HHS Commons
Community training session, led by the YMCA Equity Innovation Center,
“The Hidden Brain and Unconscious Bias”
Monday, July 16 6-7:30 p.m. HHS Commons
Continuation of April 29 Community Conversation: Review the group
feedback from the April 29 session and dig deeper into the main topics that
emerged
Analysis
In addition to the demographic data illustrating the changing demographics within
not only Dakota County but Hastings specifically, additional information and/or
feedback relating to this initiative supports discussion on the City’s role:
• Business Retention & Expansion visits—one of the prime concerns
expressed from our business community is the lack of workforce. There are
businesses that are holding back on expansion plans, not because of lack of
business but due to lack of workforce.
• Community Survey—recent survey feedback suggests that an opportunity lies
with the “Community Characteristic” of “Openness and Acceptance.”
• Community Image & Livability—one of Hastings strengths is how close knit
it is. Councilmember feedback as part of the recent discussions on strategic
goals is being an accepting and welcoming community, attractive to young
families.
• Retention—data indicates that new residents/families moving to Hastings are
increasingly not white. That number has grown and will likely continue to
grow. While it’s important to bring people to Hastings for our economic and
community viability, we also need to work to make sure they feel welcome
and connected so they stay here, buy homes here, and keep jobs here.
• Attendance and feedback from April 29 Event—strong attendance and
continued inquiries/feedback from the event suggests that there is support for
the discussion.
Financial Impact: None at this point. Any financial support of the City will need
to be discussed and approved by the City Council.
To participate in a community engagement process using a facilitator through the
YMCA program, the City’s contribution is being requested at $19,000. If
supported, this contribution could be split between two budget years.
Attachments:
November 7, 2016 Initiative kick off letter
Demographic presentation from Dakota County
YMCA Diversity & Inclusion Plan
YMCA Diversity and Inclusion Proposal
Feedback from April 29 community event