Beginning in 2021, the District engaged Dr. Brandon Taylor to implement a strategic planning process related to Justice, Equity, Diversity, And Inclusion (J.E.D.I.). The first step is incorporating the J.E.D.I. framework into the District’s mission and values. Studies have shown that organizations that incorporate equity into their work can better respond to challenges and meet the diverse needs of its residents. Additionally, this framework can make the District's work more inclusive and give voice to those traditionally unheard. 

  

A team of more than 20 staff members participated on the steering committee for the project. The strategic plan process included an initial planning phase, an environmental scan, an analysis of current strengths and challenges, and a mission, vision, goal, and strategy development process related to the information gathered, resulting in a Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Report and Action Plan.  

 

The Action Plan included 28 goals related to J.E.D.I. and encompasses all agency areas, from parks and facilities to human resources and finance. Recognizing that this is a large project, the District contracted with Dr. Heather Vilhauer to assist with implementing the Action Plan over the next few years.  

 

The Action Plan includes the development of a dashboard to track J.E.D.I. efforts within the agency. The dashboard will be dynamic so that as actions are completed, additional efforts can be added to the list of work to be completed. 

 

Next Steps – Board Approved J.E.D.I. Policy 

 

A crucial first step in the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) work that the District is undertaking is the approval of a board-approved J.E.D.I. Policy. This policy will set the tone for the importance of J.E.D.I. within the agency and assure the community that we recognize that Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are fundamental values guiding our work toward accomplishing our mission. It also provides a platform to ensure that J.E.D.I. principles permeate every aspect of our work and inform our decision-making moving forward. The District has worked with staff throughout the year to develop the J.E.D.I. policy.  Prior to this presentation to the Board of Directors, District employees were provided the opportunity to review a draft policy and provide feedback. The feedback that was received was incorporated into the proposed policy.