Staff proposes converting Equity Commission into an initiative-focused task force; commission debates name and scope

A staff member proposed amending the ordinance that created the Equity Commission to instead form an "equity task force" that would meet as needed to focus on specific initiatives such as applying an equity lens to the Unified Development Code and master plans. "Our proposal will be to make those edits, and then in January, when that task force is then set, that we go through kind of what the rules and procedure look like," staff said, explaining the plan to draft red-line ordinance changes for City Council review.

Commissioners generally supported a more initiative-focused role but expressed concern about the label "task force." "My main concern is the term of task force...it can be perceived to others in a way that is aggressive," one commissioner said, arguing for a different name that would better reflect advisory collaboration. Several members suggested alternatives such as "advisory board," "solutions council" or "innovation lab."

Staff clarified next steps and timing: the ordinance edits would be red-lined and sent to City Council; ordinances require two readings, with the second reading planned before board and commission appointments in December. Appointments would continue to be made through the same process (mayor/council). Staff said the goal is to preserve the group s an advisory body while increasing its role in initiative review.