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Race Equity Advisory Committee outlines work plan; council debates scope and advocacy
Summary
REAC co‑chair Caitlin Lombardi presented the committee’s 2025 accomplishments and 2026 priorities — including bystander trainings, a racial equity toolkit and engagement on guiding principles — prompting council discussion about REAC’s budget, scope and whether certain outreach activities cross into advocacy.
Caitlin Lombardi, co‑chair of Bainbridge Island’s Race Equity Advisory Committee (REAC), presented the committee’s 2025 report and 2026 draft work plan during the March 17 study session.
Lombardi said REAC’s volunteers bring lived experience and professional expertise in housing, civil rights, communications and public policy, and that the committee’s 2025 work included supporting the council’s reaffirmation of the welcoming and inclusive city ordinance, collaborating on the racial equity toolkit and contributing recommendations on affordable housing and comprehensive‑plan guiding principles. “We do not expect those to be perfect,” Lombardi said of the draft guiding principles, and she asked council to continue collaborating with REAC and other advisory groups.
Councilmembers thanked REAC for its work but probed several issues: the committee’s prior separate budget (about $20,000), how funds were spent (noting bystander trainings), whether REAC’s outreach to worker groups exceeded advisory scope, and whether the city should formally adopt the draft racial equity toolkit. Councilmember Nelson said some constituents were uncomfortable with perceived organizing tied to a contracted housing provider; Lombardi and others defended REAC’s role in seeking voice for groups often excluded from public processes.
Council discussion also focused on how REAC’s draft guiding principles should be integrated with other advisory committee input and city priorities; several members said they want a council retreat and ward meetings to set clearer direction before finalizing work plans and new policy language. Interim City Manager Ellen Schroer said the toolkit has not been formally adopted by council and that staff has been using the draft as a tool for planning and engagement.
The council received the report and raised follow‑up requests including: sending the race equity toolkit to members who requested it, clarifying REAC’s recurring budget request status, and determining whether certain outreach activities should be brought to council for guidance. No formal vote or policy adoption occurred at the session.
