WDIC reviews 2025 goals and gathers priorities for 2026, including Human Rights Office oversight
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Summary
The advisory committee reviewed its 2025 goals, noted partial progress on several items, and collected ideas for 2026 such as monitoring the Human Rights Office staffing decisions, preparing the 2026 climate survey, recruiting to full membership, and increasing engagement on LGBTQ and single‑household equity issues.
At its Dec. 18 meeting, the Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee reviewed its list of 2025 goals and collected ideas to carry into 2026.
Members confirmed several accomplishments — awarding the Lesleynopin Claiborne Strength and Diversity Award and distributing $5,000 in mini grants — and noted partial or deferred work on items such as preparing for the 2026 climate survey and establishing a clear reporting process for departmental equity indicators. The chair said the committee had reached a high point of membership earlier in the year but currently has vacancies and will continue recruiting toward a full complement.
Committee members proposed several 2026 priorities: inviting administration back to provide a detailed plan and timeline for the climate survey and public dashboard; continuing to monitor the Office of Human Rights staffing and ensuring public engagement if restructuring proceeds; following state civil service reforms; improving outreach to universities and job programs; and explicitly addressing equity for LGBTQ residents and single‑household populations.
Members also discussed the committee’s legal status relative to open meetings law and whether to explore a name change that explicitly includes the word "equity." The chair said staff would seek clarity from the county attorney and suggested working groups for specific tasks such as award procedures rather than standing subcommittees that have open‑meeting implications.
The meeting closed with a reminder of HR’s open house the following morning and brief committee member reports before adjournment.
