Council adopts ordinance to establish Equity Commission; membership and duties outlined

The Tumwater City Council voted unanimously on Oct. 21 to adopt Ordinance O2025‑017 establishing an Equity Commission to advise the council on barriers to civic participation and city services.

Assistant City Administrator Kelly Adams presented the ordinance and outlined its purpose as creating a focused advisory body to identify gaps and recommend actions “to foster a more welcoming community.” The proposed commission will have seven members: six preferred from within city limits and one member who may be from the city’s urban growth area (UGA). Adams said initial appointments would be staggered so four members begin on three‑year terms and three members begin on two‑year terms to avoid a single reappointment cycle.

Adams explained that the ordinance sets the commission’s duties to enhance participation from underrepresented community members, identify gaps and barriers that prevent full engagement with local government, and provide recommendations to the city council. She said the ordinance intentionally does not define application procedures, group‑representation definitions, youth representation, or stipend programs; those topics will return to council for future discussion and possible code changes.

Council member Gavi moved adoption of Ordinance O2025‑017, seconded by Council member Doha. The motion passed unanimously.

Ending: The ordinance creates a new advisory commission and tasks staff and council with subsequent work on recruitment, application procedures and consideration of youth representation and stipends; formal implementation details will be considered at future meetings.