Mountlake Terrace DEI Commission adopts calendar additions and plans community outreach events

The Mountlake Terrace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission met on Nov. 20 and took procedural votes and planning steps for community outreach in the coming months.

The commission approved its August and September minutes, excused three absent commissioners and voted to adopt its calendar for the coming months with two additions: a spring equinox/Nowruz proclamation and recognition of disability-related observances (including noting the ADA anniversary and disability awareness opportunities). Motions and seconds were recorded in the meeting; all votes were taken by voice and approved without recorded roll-call tallies.

Commissioners and city staff discussed near-term outreach and events: a series of community conversations scheduled for Dec. 4–5, a charter meeting for the Edmonds School District Special Education PTSA on Dec. 12 at the Mountlake Terrace Library (charter membership $35; future dues $10 per person), and a sponsored school event on a coming Saturday with a proposed booth from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Staff and commissioners agreed to share promotional materials and staffing for those events when schedules are confirmed.

Other items discussed included planning for Juneteenth, a proposal to revive the night market concept that combines food, music and pop-up retailers, and a proposal to host a children’s civic day at City Hall during the April council meeting (April 24 was identified as a possible Council date that could accommodate school groups). Jerome, the city staff liaison, and Andrew, the events coordinator, said the city could consider venue support, promotion and modest in-kind contributions for events where organizers supply dates, budgets and volunteer plans.

Commissioners also discussed partnering with nearby jurisdictions and community organizations — including the Washington West African Center, local mosques and schools — to broaden outreach. The commission noted a recent successful “welcoming week” and said they will prioritize community conversations and a City University-style civic education program set to start in February that would feed into board and commission recruitment.

No formal budget allocations were made at the Nov. 20 meeting; commissioners asked staff to return cost estimates for proposed activities before any funding commitments. Several commissioners and staff volunteered to serve at upcoming events and to pick up materials for Saturday’s outreach.