Staff reports employee engagement survey progress; commissioners set May planning date for veterans forum

City staff told the Lacey Equity Commission that the city launched an employee engagement survey and that a community forum for active‑duty veterans and families is in early planning.

Veronica said the employee engagement survey launched last Monday and that the city has been promoting participation through internal communications, posters and short videos. As of the meeting, she reported a partial response rate (reported in the meeting as 49 of 330 staff) and the city’s consultant will help create a dashboard to analyze responses; staff committed to report survey results back to employees.

On veteran outreach, staff said a planning committee will meet to organize a community forum for active‑duty service members and their families. The forum was originally proposed for late April but staff reported it is more likely to occur May 27 at the Lacey Veterans Services Hub; staff confirmed coordination with the Thurston County Veterans Fund advisory board and a partnership with South Sound Military Communities Partnership to provide resource speakers and service referrals.

Veronica asked commissioners to hold a placeholder date in late May for planning meetings; she said invited partners include the Thurston County Veterans Fund advisory board, South Sound Military Communities Partnership and other service providers. Commissioners suggested reaching out to military spouse groups and local Rotaries that have historically supported military recognition events.

No votes or formal actions were taken on these items; staff requested commissioner participation in upcoming planning sessions and agreed to circulate survey questions and regular updates.