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Consultant presents equity infrastructure analysis; commissioners press for clearer roles and tangible follow-up
Summary
Kearns & West consultant Ben Duncan told Bend’s Human Rights and Equity Commission the city has assets but needs clearer leadership positioning, consistent practice across departments and stronger systems to turn equity commitments into action. Commissioners and public pressed for specific staff supports, role definitions and a transparent implementation timeline.
Ben Duncan, a consultant with Kearns & West, presented the findings of an equity infrastructure analysis to the City of Bend’s Human Rights and Equity Commission on Jan. 13, outlining organizational strengths and weaknesses and a timeline for recommendations.
Duncan said his review — based on staff and stakeholder interviews and document review — found notable strengths in accessibility practice and some ongoing equity programs, but “deficits” in clarity of roles, leadership positioning and consistency of practice across city departments. He said advisory bodies such as HREC can be…
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