Council News Release

Councilmember Bruce Harrell

Council Passes Resolution Directing Race and Social Justice Work to Continue
City Employees and Department Heads Commit to Heighten Efforts

SEATTLE – Today the City Council passed a Race and Social Justice Resolution intended to heighten the City of Seattle’s awareness of institutional racism and social disparities. The Resolution, sponsored by Councilmember Bruce Harrell, seeks to carry forward and strengthen the initiative begun by Mayor Nickels. Councilmember Harrell believes that “Mayor Nickels had the vision and courage to drive this important work which demonstrated his recognition that race and social disparities continue to exist throughout our city. The initiative can result in a healthier and more efficient work environment and better city services to all communities.

Department heads, change teams, city employees and community leaders were all on hand to support the legislation. Deputy Mayor Tim Ceis, on behalf of the Mayor and the City’s executive team, expressed their gratefulness that this important work will continue.

The Resolution states the strategies and tools to address racial and social disparities and describes the goals of improving workforce equity, contracting equity and best practices to achieve equal access to city services.

“This work must continue because all people in Seattle benefit when we demonstrate inclusiveness in how we make decisions, how we provide basic city services and how we manage change. This is the first piece of legislation on this issue and Seattle’s commitment in this area has already been nationally recognized.” says Mayor Nickels.

A key component of the work going forward was the 2009 establishment of a Race and Social Justice Community Roundtable. This group consists of individuals from community organizations, business, philanthropy, education and others with the mission of extending this work beyond city government and into the community. Councilmember Harrell “looks forward to working with the Roundtable and moving this effort beyond City government.”

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