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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Washington County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Initiative

Washington County’s mission is to provide excellent and cost-effective services that support healthy, peaceful, safe and sustainable communities; and encourage meaningful participation in community activities and County governance. To help meet these challenges, the County launched its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiative, a two-to-five-year process to deliver equitable outcomes throughout the County’s programs, budgets, decision-making and service delivery.

 

DEI Resolution

In their efforts to advance racial equity in Washington County, the Board of Commissioners worked closely with various community stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop a DEI resolution. 

Responses to a community survey also allowed the Board to review public feedback and make appropriate changes to the draft resolution. The Board adopted the final version at their evening meeting on February 25, 2020, following a public hearing.

Background


The County’s DEI initiative is propelled by previous work by community advocates and partner organizations, such as Centro Cultural, Adelante Mujeres, the Coalition of Communities of Color and Vision Action Network.  These and many others have contributed to  Washington County’s awareness of disparate outcomes, particularly along racial and ethnic lines, that have long existed within Washington County.

In 2016, the Coalition of Communities of Color launched a research project to:

  • create a proactive effort to bring racial justice to Washington County so that every community flourishes, andCoalition of Communities of Color report on WC

  • unite people and stakeholders across the County in collective action for the advancement of racial justice and community-building.

In 2018, the Coalition released its extensive report, “Leading with Race: Research Justice in Washington County,” which details:

  • the lived experiences of eight communities of color and ethnic groups in Washington County,
     
  • data snapshots of four jurisdictions within the County that identify key socio-economic outcomes for communities of color living in those cities, and
     
  • a Call to Action that implores readers to take recommended actions based on the findings in this report.

Previous work by County staff and leadership also contribute to this important work. In 2018, the County Administrative Office (CAO) convened the DEI "Think Tank," a group of CAO, Community Engagement and Support Services staff tasked with identifying strategies to develop a more diverse workforce and create a more inclusive organizational culture, with a focus on the County’s human resources and procurement programs and systems.

The Think Tank’s work resulted in several recommendations which the Washington County Board of Commissioners accepted on March 19, 2019.

Both the Coalition and the Think Tank recommended that the County create and implement the DEI initiative with methods focused on operationalizing racial equity across the County.

 

Current situation

  • In mid-September 2020, after a nationwide search, Latricia Tillman became Washington County’s first chief equity and inclusion officer.
  • In the coming months, more detail will be provided about Washington County’s DEI initiative, including the new Office of Equity, Inclusion and Community Engagement, and efforts to operationalize diversity, equity and inclusion across all aspects of the County’s public service mission.
  • The County’s staff Equity Committee convened on September 19, 2019 to begin providing recommendations to County leaders about DEI needs and strategies. While currently in hiatus during the County's response to the COVID-19 crisis, the committee will reconvene toward the end of 2020.

Please direct any questions or feedback to CPO@co.washington.or.us or call 503-846-6288.  


September 2019