TITLE: Title
One Orange Racial Equity Framework Update
PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is to request that the Town Council adopt the county-wide One Orange Racial Equity Framework and to share an update on the town's efforts in advancing racial equity.
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DEPARTMENT: Town Manager’s Office
CONTACT INFORMATION: Race and Equity Officer Anita Jones-McNair (amcnair@carrboronc.gov)
INFORMATION: The One Orange framework development began the fall of 2020. The One Orange Task Force along with six sub-committees comprised of staff from each jurisdiction of Orange County began researching, listening to the community and brainstorming on the goal to develop a racial equity framework. The last update was presented to elected officials of each jurisdiction in June 2021. Since that time the task force has been focused on further listening and engaging the community and refining the document. Community outreach events were organized, the plan was shared with the community, and valuable feedback was received. In November 2021, a push for additional community engagement resulted in listening sessions at the Senior Center and The Refugee Support Center. Questionnaires were distributed at the Annual Community Toy Chest Event and sent to organizations such as El Centro Hispano. The One Orange Task Force utilized the feedback to refine the Racial Equity Framework. Feedback from the community shows interest and support of this work and the need for action by all jurisdictions.
This document is a working framework used to guide racial equity work being done in each jurisdiction and collaborative opportunities. The framework provides structure and oversight as each jurisdiction develops individual strategies to advance racial equity. (See Attachment B.)
Orange County Commissioners approved the framework on January 18, Hillsborough Board of Commissioners on January 24 and Chapel Hill Town Council on January 26.
The next steps will focus on continuous jurisdictional collaboration, develop an Orange County historical timeline that focuses on race, creation of a racial equity index, evaluation and accountability steps and consider other training opportunities.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: There is no financial impact currently associated with this item. Staff impact is centered around incorporating the framework’s guidance in town governance.
RECOMMENDATION:r Staff recommends that the Town Council accept the town’s effort in advancing racial equity update and adopt the One Orange Racial Equity Framework.