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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4064 Resolution - Against Bias-Based HateRESOLUTION NO. 4064 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PASCO, WASHINGTON FURTHERING PASCO AS AN INCLUSIVE AND WELCOMING COMMUNITY WHOSE LEADERS ARE COMMITTED TO STAND UP TO BIAS BASED HATE AND COMMIT TO SUPPORTING AND INITIATING MEASURES TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY COHESION FOR PASCO COMMUNITY MEMBERS. WHEREAS, from its beginning and throughout its evolution the City of Pasco has been the home to diverse cultures and peoples, which has led to Pasco's unique and rich character, abundance of opportunities, and has been a source of pride for all who live here; and WHEREAS, today, people descendant of nations from the continents of Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, along with the Pacific Islands and other diverse groups of people; live, learn, work, and play in Pasco and together have built and sustained Pasco's industries, neighborhoods, businesses, education, culture, etc.; and WHEREAS, the many cultures represented within Pasco have, and continue to make, significant contributions in the City's development through work on the Railroad, local agricultural economy, small business enterprise, building of public infrastructure, public buildings and parks, churches, commerce, etc.; and WHEREAS, the Pasco City Council recognizes that the diversity of the people of Pasco contributes to a stronger sense of community cohesion and, that we have as a City, committed to inclusion and we continue to affirm: inclusivity through the City operations; diversity recognition through celebrations, proclamations, education; and policies that promote a culture of inclusion and unity; and WHEREAS, racial discrimination and violence represents a pervasive and persistent challenge for society, often rooted deeply at an interpersonal level; and WHEREAS, similar race -based animus in the form of bias, harassment, and hate crimes have and continue to occur across our nation; and WHEREAS, since the outbreak of COVID-19, immigrant and refugee community leaders and civil rights organizations have reported a regional and national increase in bias, harassment, and crimes toward Asian American and Pacific Islanders, and WHEREAS, locally, there exists a history involving discrimination toward Asians, African Americans, Hispanics, other communities of color, and other marginalized communities starting with the segregation of Chinese rail workers to east of the railroad in the late 1880s, such that the people and governments of Pasco and the Tri -Cities region, to this day, continue to work together to correct and overcome; and Resolution - 1 WHEREAS, combatting racism requires dialog, unity of purpose, and action from all community members beginning with elected leadership; and WHEREAS, the City of Pasco reaffirms its commitment to foster an environment where cultural diversity is recognized, respected and celebrated, and its own policies serve to connect community members of all origins and eliminate institutional barriers based on race, religion or orientation; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASCO, WASHINGTON: Section 1. Declaration of City Council. The City of Pasco denounces hate, acts of violence, bigotry, harassment, or discrimination based on race, religion, gender, nationality, immigration status, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, or socioeconomic status. Section 2. The City of Pasco reaffirms its commitment as an inclusive community as expressed in Resolutions 3820 and 3968 and further commits to, and urges all community members to, work toward overcoming and to discourage all expressions of hate and bigotry and to support one another in this effort. Section 3. The City of Pasco is committed to the inclusion and equal treatment of all community members through its provision of municipal services, programs, and policies. Section 4. The City of Pasco is committed to engaging in an ongoing dialog with the community including at community forums and events, Chamber events, district meetings, with small business owners, faith -based organizations, non -profits, and public organizations to further the goals, objectives and ideals stated herein. Section 5. The City of Pasco affirms its intent to act proactively as a government, and as an employer providing municipal services, to employ strategies and initiatives designed to enhance cultural competency and community cohesion, including: • Strengthening the cultural competency of its workforce by ongoing anti -bias training to staff and volunteers; initiating a strategic equity planning process to continue advancing municipal services; and engaging in community resiliency planning. • Continued emphasis on recruiting a diverse applicant pool for our workforce and appointments to City's Boards and Commissions. • Support City Boards and Commissions in their efforts to remove barriers to further promote transparency and accessibility to the City of Pasco. • Leverage opportunities to partner on events which promote unity and celebrate diversity through arts and cultural programs. • Promote policies and investments that increase community cohesion through design and opportunities including: Resolution - 2 o Identify and establish transportation and land -use policies that increase accessibility and mobility for all members of the community. o Continued enhancement of our zoning practices that increase housing opportunities and that do not disproportionately negatively impact people of color and low- income communities. o Promote public participation that addresses disparities in access for different populations and incorporates education for all stakeholders. • Continue to work with the Franklin County Prosecutor in the prosecution of hate motivated crimes based on race, religion, and sexual orientation. • Recognize and appropriately act on opportunities to further unity and community cohesion. • Strive to partner with and support organizations and individuals that are also committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion as a component of their own professional cultures. PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco, Washington this 7 day of June, 2021. Saul Martinez Mayor ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM: �4 , 4'v'r�_ C%, Debra Barham, CMC Kerr Fer on Law, PLLC City Clerk City orney Resolution - 3