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DC arts commission says pay-equity study underway; staff to get update next month
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Summary
The District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities heard an update Jan. 22 on a compensation equity study and was told staff will provide a more detailed report at the commission's February meeting. Commissioners discussed timeline, outside partners and communication with staff.
The District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities heard an update Jan. 22 that a compensation equity study is underway and will return to the commission with more detail next month.
Commission Chairperson Reggie Van Lee said the review of pay equity is part of an "accountability dashboard" the commission and executive staff agreed would guide annual priorities. "For today, there are 3 of those topics that we want to discuss, and I'm gonna start with the equity study," Van Lee said.
Aaron Myers, the commission's executive director, told the executive committee the agency compiled regional and national pay-comparison data after securing access to external software through the Office of Contracting and Procurement. "We look to be reporting back to you at least next month, with some possible updates as far as how we are answering the call to what we were able to see," Myers said. He added the agency appears competitive in pay for the region but that a fuller analysis will take outside partners and time.
Commissioners pressed for a timeline and for clarity on how the review will translate into action. Commissioner Julianne Brenza noted differences between budgeted personnel-service totals and pay-grade ranges discussed during recent budget hearings and asked how the study will align those items. Van Lee and other commissioners said they expect Myers to consult with outside offices including the OCFO and other human-resources partners before returning with specific recommendations.
Myers also flagged the districtwide context of limited cost-of-living adjustments in recent years and said some fixes may require coordination with other city offices. "It's a complex issue," he said, explaining the plan to prioritize immediate steps where possible while pursuing longer-term solutions with outside partners.
Commissioners asked that the February commission meeting include not only status but an initial set of milestones or an estimated timeline for any implementation. Van Lee said the executive director and the vice chair have monthly touchpoints to monitor progress. The committee did not take a formal vote on pay changes at the Jan. 22 meeting.
The commission's full board is scheduled to meet Jan. 23; the executive committee said it will review the study again at an upcoming meeting and move to closed session only if the topic requires confidential personnel discussion.
