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Council committee reviews $233,000 DEI contract to help create Office of Equity
Summary
Staff presented a contract with Edge Advisory Group to finish a DEI roadmap, support standing up an Office of Equity and provide management training; the contract was described as just over $233,000 and staff sought to put it on the Jan. 21 consent agenda.
A staff presenter told the Finance, Administration and Communication Committee on Jan. 14 that the city is proposing a consulting contract with Edge Advisory Group to complete the city’s DEI strategic plan, advise on an Office of Equity and provide management training.
The contract is divided into three work streams: finish the roadmap; deliver Respect, Equity and Diversity and Inclusion training and train internal facilitators; and provide management training to align the city’s strategic plan with the proposed Office of Equity. Staff described the contract total as a little over $233,000 and asked to place it on the Jan. 21 consent agenda.
Why it matters: Staff said the work will include data gathering, identifying performance measures and best practices, analyzing staffing needs and developing a transition plan for future leaders of the office. The goal is to structure the office and its leader’s responsibilities so the position can be successful and retained.
Council reaction and concerns: Council members supported the effort but raised questions about retention of DEI leaders and whether an outside consultant should act as interim leader. Council Member Forsyth said past turnover (cited by council as about two years on average) makes it important to ensure the office has support; the presenter said the contract includes steps to support a successful transition. Council Member Stewart said she was uncomfortable with the consultant acting as the Office of Equity leader for six months and said she prefers building local capacity; other council members raised similar concerns but agreed to place the contract on consent with plans to return with more details.
Community engagement and oversight: Council Member Salahuddin emphasized stakeholder and community engagement, suggesting greater involvement of local organizations such as Eastside for All. Staff said Anita (representing the consultant) and staff would develop timelines and that staff will return in February with specifics on council participation and expected requests for support.
Ending: Committee members indicated no formal objection to placing the contract on the Jan. 21 consent agenda; staff said they will schedule follow‑up briefings and a possible study session so council can review draft materials before finalization.
