Committee on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Regular Meeting

Lansing, MI · May 8, 2024

Minutes

Minutes Committee on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Wednesday, May 8, 2024 @ 4:30 p.m. City Council Conference Room CALL TO ORDER Council Member Jackson called the meeting to order at 4:30p.m. PRESENT Council Member Jackson, Chair Council Member Pehlivanoglu, Vice-Chair Council Member Carter, Member OTHERS PRESENT Renee Richmond, Council Admin. Assistant Lisa Hagen-Lawrence, OCA Michael Hopson, HRCS – DEI Coordinator MINUTES MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER PEHLIVANOGLU TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM APRIL 10, 2024 AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 3-0. PUBLIC COMMENT No public present PRESENTATION City of Lansing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office Michael Hopson Ms. Coleman stated the Advisory Board is making headway with DEI efforts, both internal and external components, and have done different trainings, but noted that the last meeting was cancelled so did not have documentation to provide. Councilmember Carter asked if a certificate of completion was given after the training to verify what has been done. Mr. Hopson answered no, but that is a good idea and will begin doing so, he added there is more training next week and looking at a template to look at the ordinance to see if anything needs to be added or implemented, and how the advisory group can take recommendations to HRCS. Councilmember Jackson noted it’s frustrating because things get talked about all the time and looks good on paper but how do they make things tangible. Mr. Hopson agreed and said it doesn’t have to be big it can be small and make things happen, Ms. Coleman stated DEI is not a fast moving component, it requires continuous work and takes everyone. Councilmember Jackson asked for an overview of the Human Rights Ordinance and the enforcement, he is not aware of any complaints or violations and if there has been any. Ms. Coleman responded very few, any that would be significant would have gone to OCA, some they’ve spoke with and didn’t want to move forward. Councilmember Jackson asked what the process would be if it did move forward, Ms. Hagen-Lawrence briefed Ordinance 297.11 and if DRAFT the department determines to move forward, then City Council designates a hearing officer, everyone received a notice and after the hearing the hearing officer makes recommendations. Councilmember Jackson asked for details and Ms. Hagen-Lawrence read from the ordinance 297.13, may include but are not limited to the following: a) Ceasing the illegal conduct cited in the complaint and taking steps to alleviate the effect of such illegal conduct; b) Providing that the Respondent apologize to the Claimant; c) Closing the matter based upon a mediation/ conciliation agreement of the Claimant and Respondent; d) Requiring the respondent pay damages for injury or loss; e) Hiring, reinstating, or promoting the Claimant, with or without back pay, or providing such fringe benefits as the Claimant may have been denied; f) Selling or leasing of housing or dwelling unit in question to the Claimant; g) Admitting the Claimant to a place of public accommodation or extending full and equal use and enjoyment of said place of public accommodation; h) Paying some or all of the Claimant's costs, costs incurred at any stage of review; i) Posting the explanation of and requirements for compliance with this chapter; j) Dismissing the complaint; and k) Imposing costs against a Claimant for a frivolously filed claim. Councilmember Jackson asked if law could provide him with a memo with the information, Ms. Hagen-Lawrence agreed. Councilmember Pehlivanoglu asked about a private business and if there is a difference if they contract out, Ms. Hagen-Lawrence responded it could, it could be specific in their agreement. DISCUSSION/ACTION DISCUSSION – City Programs for Committee to Consider Councilmember Jackson requested the Committee to review the draft spreadsheet and come back with suggestions. Councilmember Pehlivanoglu mentioned from the previous meeting she feels the training portion is happening and at a glance working on some other things. Councilmember Carter noted the importance of tapping into the community. Councilmember Jackson concluded with wondering why the Human Rights ordinance isn’t being utilized, Councilmember Pehlivanoglu suggested tackling that afterwards. Other Adjourn Adjourned at 5:02p.m. Submitted, Renee Richmond Recording Secretary, Lansing City Council Approved by the Committee on June 12, 2024

Agenda

Packet

AGENDA Committee on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion AGENDA FOR MAY 8, 2024 AT 4:30 PM Lansing City Hall, City Council Conference Room 124 W. Michigan Avenue, 10th Floor To provide input or ask questions on any item that is listed on the agenda, members of the public may contact the City Council at city.council@lansingmi.gov or (517) 483-4177 prior to the meeting. To view the meeting live: https://www.lansingmi.gov/1212/Council-Committee-Meetings Council Member Jackson, Chairperson Council Member Pehlivanoglu, Vice Chairperson Council Member Carter, Member 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Minutes A. April 10, 2024 4. Public Comment on Agenda Items (Up to 3 Minutes) 5. Presentations: B. City of Lansing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer Michael Hopson 6. Discussion/Action: C. DISCUSSION - City Programs for Committee to Consider 7. Other 8. Adjourn Persons with disabilities who need an accommodation to fully participate in these meetings should contact the City Council Office at 517-483-4177 (TTY 711) 24 hour notice may be needed for certain accommodations. An attempt will be made to grant all reasonable accommodation requests. Page 1 of 18 Minutes Committee on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Wednesday, April 10, 2024 @ 4:30 p.m. City Council Conference Room CALL TO ORDER Council Member Jackson called the meeting to order at 4:33 p.m. PRESENT Council Member Jackson, Chair Council Member Pehlivanoglu, Vice-Chair Council Member Carter, Member OTHERS PRESENT Sherrie Boak, Council Office Manager Lisa Hagen-Lawrence, OCA Feliz E Rodriguez, Ingham County Michael Hopson, HRCS – DEI Coordinator Michael Lynn Norma Bauer MINUTES MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER PEHIVAOGLU TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM MARCH 13, 2024 AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 3-0. PUBLIC COMMENT Ms. Bauer voiced her concern with the City’s background check and training on open meetings act. She expanded on her concern with vetting employees for the jobs and asked for flexibility for background checks. Mr. Lynn spoke about the Lansing Empowerment Network and asked this Committee to come to this Committee to speak on Lansing 360 meetings. Council Member Carter asked about their last meeting, and Mr. Lynn stated there 65-70 people at their last meeting of Empowerment Network driven by African- American membership but Lansing 360 is City wide. The next meeting is April 20th at the library on the Lansing 360 based on Omaha’s development. Council Member Jackson asked for the difference between Advance Peace these efforts. Mr. Lynn stated Advance Peace works with the most violent outside the enforcement is. This works towards intervention and prevention. Council Member Pehlivanoglu spoke in support of the work being done in the groups of Lansing 360. Ms. Bauer spoke on diversity in the City. Page 2 of 18 DRAFT PRESENTATION Ingham County Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Director Council Member Jackson explained that Ingham County was invited to see what they were doing to see if there was any collaboration. Ms. Rodriguez briefly outlined her work since she came on board 2 years ago, this included an organizational survey, where they found out people wanted more training and they have also taken on assisting with policies. This began with auditing policies and making sure they were understandable. The department implemented a compliance schedule for how often they are reviewing the policies with best practice mode and having a department head signing off annually. Regarding the trainings, they get a DEI introduction within the first week of employment. They also do microaggression trainings, department head trainings, sensitivity trainings, quarterly Ingham County engage series, trainings during the day. There are internal Committee’s – Safe Space Advocates and Cultural Diversity Committee. The advocate group for employees to have a peer to go to for situations that happen in the office. There is portion of the department on bidding and vendors along with the EOC training. With the Racial Equity Task Force there is community development and involvement events. These include community discussions and housing, so they are trying to engage the community, including hosting an event on Community Cultural Day – BiPac Business Day. Ms. Rodriguez spoke briefly on their Criminal Justice Program in collaboration with courts and the County to create an RFP for data on determinations what judges are making. Council Member Carter asked about Veterans Affairs and what capacity are they filling. Ms. Roriguez stated they have an entire office, and they will help with any assistance they are eligible for. They are encouraging them to contact them because they might not know what resources. Council Member Pehlivanoglu asked if Mr. Hopson asked if he heard anything he has an interest in. Mr. Hopson confirmed he spoke to Feliz last week and they are working together, but heard some items today and there is an opportunity for more. It is important to let more people know about these options and there is a lot of overlap that the City and the County can do. Council Member Pehlivanoglu asked Mr. Hopson about bringing more vendors into the City where they could reach under utilized groups. Mr. Hopson stated that some communities will give minority business status, and in the City purchasing does handle some of those. A lot of these plans and ideas are needing to put things in order and find out where to go; to help and employee or a vendor. In addition Council needs to have all the information to be a resource. Council Member Jackson encouraged Mr. Hopson to continue with their discussions and continue to come to City Council with any of their ideas. Council Member Pehlivanoglu if all City employee training is online or thoughts on in person. Mr. Hopson stated the thought is to do in person, but the equity training on education is already going on. There is a DEI Advisory Board which can work with the Council EDI for discussion and topics. Mr. Lynn spoke in support of the work being done in Ingham County, and was encouraged with the City collaboration. He asked Council to consider an ordinance for the DEI officer/coordinator as a department director because they oversee everything in the City. Mr. Hopson stated the Page 3 of 18 DRAFT HRCS Director is also the DEI Director, but if there are things he can take the charge. The DEI Advisory Board works with the Council Committee, but right now he appears the work is being done and he is currently still a new employee. DEI needs to be part of purchasing, HR, trainings and inter-woven. Ms. Rodriguez added that Mid Michigan DEI Leaders Forum meets monthly, representatives from LCC, MSU, Peckham, United Way, City of Lansing, Ingham County, etc.; the leaders come together. Ms. Bauer noted that the City of Lansing is also part of Eaton and Clinton County as well. Other Adjourn Adjourned at 5:11 p.m. Submitted, Sherrie Boak Recording Secretary, Lansing City Council Approved by the Committee on Page 4 of 18 Committee on Equity Diversity & Inclusion Programs for the City to Consider based on Ingham County Perform a Needs Assessment Health in all Policies – Social determinants of health – o Education attainment o Housing o Transportation o Neighborhood safety Training – o Bias o Micro-Aggression o Sensitivity o Conflict Resolution o Department Heads Quarterly Engaged Series Internal Committees – Safe Space Equal Opportunity – o How to be Vendors in the City o City Competitive Bidding o Internal Hiring/Termination Reporting o City Multicultural Day Racial Equity Taskforce o Youth Advancement o Criminal Justice Reform ▪ Create Resolution Request Proposals to Create an Annual Report on Criminal Justice Data for the City/Ingham/Eaton/Clinton o BIPOC Business o Community Involvement BIPOC Business Events- o Housing Community Conversations o Multicultural Day o Unity in the Community Community Outreach – o Treasury o District/Circuit Courts o Parks o Clerk o Public Service o Police o Veteran Affairs o Public Transportation Page 5 of 18 Ingham City Council Council Council City County HRCS Action Action Action Clinton ACTIVITIES Program Program/Policy Report Resolution Ordinance Eaton Need Assessment Health in All Policies Education Attainment Housing Transportation Neighborhood Safety Training T Bias F Micro-Aggressions Sensitivity Conflict Resolution Department Heads Quarterly Engaged Series Internal Committees - Safe Space D R A Equaly Opportunity How to be vendors in the City County City Competitive Bidding County Internal Hiring/Termination Reporting City Multicultural Day County Racial Equity Taskforce Youth Advancement Criminal Justice Reform ???????????? BIPOC Business Page 6 of 18 Ingham City Council Council Council City County HRCS Action Action Action Clinton ACTIVITIES Program Program/Policy Report Resolution Ordinance Eaton Community Involvment BIPOC Business Events Housing Community Conversations Multicultural Day Unity in the Community Community Outreach Treasury T District/Circuit Court F Parks A Clerk Public Service Police D Veteran Affairs Public Transportation Courts Health Department Probate R Animal Control Drain Roads 911 Sheriff Register of Deeds Page 7 of 18 Page 8 of 18 NEEDS ASSESSMENT Page 9 of 18 HEALTH IN ALL POLICIES Health in All Policies health in all policies approach as a strategy for addressing the complex factors that influence health and equity, also referred to as the social determinants of health, which include educational attainment, housing, transportation options, and neighborhood safety. Policy audit EQUITABLE Understandable Free from pronouns Compliance schedule for reviews Page 10 of 18 TRAINING • BIAS • MICROAGGRESSION • SENSITIVITY • CONFLICT RESOLUTION • DEPARTMENT HEAD TRAINING • QUARTERLY INGHAM COUNTY ENGAGED LEARNING SERIES Page 11 of 18 INTERNAL DEI COMMITTEES Page 12 of 18 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITTEE CURRENT FOCUS: • HOW TO BE A VENDOR FOR INGHAM COUNTY • INCREASE INGHAM COUNTY BIDS TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE • CONTINUES REVIEW OF INTERNAL HIRE/TERMINATION REPORTS • BIPOC BUSINESS @ INGHAM COUNTY MULTICULTURAL DAY (AUGUST) Page 13 of 18 RACIAL EQUITY TASKFORCE (RET) RACISM IS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS •YOUTH ADVANCEMENT •CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM •BIPOC BUSINESS •COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Page 14 of 18 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT/BIPOC BUSINESS Page 15 of 18 CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM • RESOLUTION TO ISSUE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO CREATE AN ANNUAL REPORT ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE DATA FOR INGHAM COUNTY • INGHAM COUNTY WILL WORK WITH INGHAM COUNTY COURTS ON A PROPOSAL FOR THIRD-PARTY ENTITIES TO CREATE AND OPERATE A CRIMINAL JUSTICE MONITORING SYSTEM THAT WILL COVER DISTRICT AND CIRCUIT COURTS OPERATING IN INGHAM COUNTY AND TRACK PROSECUTION AND SENTENCING OUTCOMES BASED ON DEFENDANT DEMOGRAPHIC DATA. Page 16 of 18 COMMUNITY • HEALTH DEPARTMENT • DRAIN • TREASURER OFFICE • ROADS • PROBATE • 911 • PARKS • SHERIFF’S OFFICE • CLERK • REGISTER OF DEEDS • ANIMAL CONTROL • VET AFFAIRS • COURTS Page 17 of 18 QUESTIONS/CONTACT INFO FELIZ RODRIGUEZ 517-231-7528 FRODRIGUEZ@INGHAM.ORG Page 18 of 18