Consultant presents equity infrastructure analysis; commissioners press for clearer roles and tangible follow-up
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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 valuable assets but need clearer boundaries and predictable channels to move community concerns into city decision making. Duncan described the project as two phases: analysis and then development of recommendations, with a council work session scheduled for Jan. 28 and delivery of his draft to the city manager by Feb. 1.
Commissioners used the Q&A to press for concrete supports. Commissioners asked that staff provide materials in advance, formal position descriptions for new liaison roles (including the newly created community connector position), and a clearer ‘‘input–output’’ process so HREC advice reaches council at a time when it can influence decisions. Multiple commissioners urged that any equity‑focused staff liaison be given wraparound supports and training, and that the manager of that liaison receive support, too.
Duncan said his recommendations will address leadership placement and positional influence — i.e., who the equity function reports to and how much authority it has — and include options rather than a single prescriptive model. He acknowledged limits to his scope but emphasized a focus on models and principles to guide staffing, governance and accountability.
Kathy (staff liaison) committed to provide commissioners with resource lists and meeting materials. Duncan and staff said the report will be public; commissioners and community members asked for a public rollout plan that centers impacted communities and provides opportunities for community engagement and reparative outreach.
The meeting closed the discussion with a focus on next steps: commissioners encouraged a transparent decision timeline following the Feb. 1 delivery so community members can follow when recommendations will be considered and what actions (if any) the council will take.
