The Government Operations Committee discussed on Aug. 7 whether the legislature should adopt its own equity indicators and how to collect representative public input.

Options discussed

Charlene and staff presented a framework used by departments for equity indicators and suggested the legislature choose a small number of measurable indicators to track. Committee members proposed two low‑friction options: add optional, self‑identified demographic fields to the public comment “blue card” (the form attendees complete when speaking) or provide a QR‑code survey at meetings that attendees could optionally complete to provide demographic information and feedback.

Concerns and guidance

Members cautioned about interpreting demographic data by visual observation and emphasized using self‑identification. Several members urged clear definitions for each indicator and an emphasis on metrics that the legislature can influence (for example, tracking who participates in public comment, whether translation and interpretation services are requested, or measuring outcomes of discretionary funding decisions). Staff offered to prepare a draft questionnaire and suggested coordinating with Planning and Sustainability for housing‑related indicators.

Next steps

Staff (Charlene and Katrina) offered to prepare a tangible draft (a questionnaire or revised blue card language) for committee review; members asked for a practical, optional collection method and agreed to review a proposed form or digital survey.

Ending

No formal action was taken; staff will draft a concrete proposal for the committee to review in the coming weeks.