CSD-20-004 - Advancing the City's Work on Equity, Anti-Racism, Indigenous Initiatives and Social Justice Issues

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REPORT TO: Community & Infrastructure Services Committee DATE OF MEETING: October 19, 2020 SUBMITTED BY: Michael May, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, ex. 7079 PREPARED BY: Michael May, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, 7079 Denise McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services, ex. 4657 Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services, ex. 7646 WARD (S) INVOLVED: All DATE OF REPORT:October 8, 2020 REPORT NO.: CSD-20-004 SUBJECT: Advancing the City’s Work on Equity, Anti-Racism, Indigenous Initiatives& Social Justice Issues (eg. Homelessness) __________________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: That the City advance its work on equity, anti-racism and Indigenous initiatives, as well as other social justice issues(eg. homelessness),through the creationof a dedicated staff team, as outlined in CSD-20-004, which will provide senior level leadershipandinternal staff expertise in theseareas; and that the associated funding for that team be built into the 2021 budget. BACKGROUND: Mayor’s Task Force on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) In late 2019, the Mayor’s Task Force on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) was created to support the achievement of the following priority in the City’s Strategic Plan – “Create a comprehensive Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy by 2020 to combat systemic barriers to full economic and social participation in the city.” The Task Force consists of approximately 30 members of the community, who are demographically representative of the City’s overall population,and 15 City staff. Councillors Singh and Marsh, as well as the Mayor are also on the Task Force. The mandate of the Task Force isfocused on four broad areas: 1) broadening community engagement in municipal decision-making – particularly for people who are traditionally under-represented; 2) improving equitable municipal service deliveryto Kitchener’s diverse population; 3) encouraging, maintaining and promoting a more inclusive workplace and diverse workforceat the City of Kitchener for both employees and volunteers, and; 4) celebrating the full diversityof the Kitchener community. Shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic began the Task Force was paused, however, it has now resumed and is targeting 2021 for completionof its work. *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994for assistance. 3 - 1