Washington County adopts revised ACRE charter, aims to tighten advisory process

The Washington County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved revisions to the Advisory Council on Racial Equity (ACRE) charter and bylaws at its July 28 meeting after ACRE members and county staff described a collaborative, year-long update.

Barry Johnson Smith, co-chair of ACRE, told the board the revisions grew out of retreats, interviews and member feedback aimed at “strengthening our relationship with the council, continue the work that we're doing, but making it better and a more impactful … experience for our members.” Alicia Sojourner, director of the Office of Access and Opportunity, said the changes "are not about changing the purpose of ACRE. They're about strengthening the council," and asked the board to approve the revised documents.

The updates clarify that ACRE will advise the county administrator, designate a board liaison to maintain communication between the council and commissioners, broaden ACRE’s scope to countywide priorities, and establish an annual work plan meant to keep the council focused on a manageable set of priorities while allowing response to emerging issues. The bylaws also tighten operational items such as staff support roles, quorum and voting procedures and a documented process for tracking recommendations and agency responses.

Commissioners praised the level of engagement from ACRE members. Commissioner Therese and Commissioner Snyder highlighted the council’s sustained participation, and Commissioner Fye said Washington County’s diversity made the council’s work especially important; all commissioners voted to approve the charter and bylaws, 5-0. Chair Harrington noted that charter updates will still come to the board and emphasized the board’s role in ensuring ACRE receives relevant contextual guidance tied to county priorities.

The approval takes effect immediately; ACRE members in the audience were acknowledged by the board before the item moved to the next agenda matter.