During a recent city council meeting, members engaged in a candid discussion regarding the findings of a survey that highlighted significant issues related to race equity within the city’s workforce. Council members expressed concern over the low participation rates from Black, Brown, and Indigenous individuals, suggesting that past experiences of voicing concerns without subsequent action may have contributed to their reluctance to engage.

Dr. Lewis, a key presenter, emphasized the importance of expanding the survey to capture a broader range of voices, particularly those who have historically felt marginalized. The survey results indicated a troubling correlation between the predominantly white staff's comfort in discussing issues of white supremacy and the overall climate of the department. This revelation prompted calls for deeper analysis and action from the council to address these systemic issues.

Council member Ellison raised skepticism about the department's ability to enact meaningful change, questioning whether the administration was merely cycling through leadership without addressing underlying dysfunctions. He noted a pattern of high turnover within the department, which has hindered progress and raised doubts about the effectiveness of current strategies.

Director Corbitt responded by acknowledging the need to realign departmental efforts with the established ordinance governing race equity initiatives. He stressed that focusing on the ordinance's objectives is crucial for fostering genuine cultural change within the city.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity for clearer goals and a cohesive strategy to reintroduce race equity initiatives across all city departments. Council members expressed gratitude for the insights provided by Dr. Lewis and her team, recognizing the potential for collaborative efforts to enhance community engagement and accountability in addressing race equity issues.