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CITY OF TUKWILA EQUITY POLICY 2017 I. BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW The Mayor, Council, and staff of the City of Tukwila have a strong commitment to equity in city government, and they desire that all residents, visitors and employees have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Societal, environmental and legal factors, both historic and present-day, have resulted in inequitable access to opportunities and services for some individuals and groups of people. These include but are not limited to: • Age • Physical and/or Cognitive Disability • Economic Status • Gender • Gender Identity • National Origin/Language • Race and/or Ethnicity • Religion • Sexual Orientation The City of Tukwila values its rich diversity. The majority of people who live in Tukwila are people of color, and 40% were born in a country other than the United States. More than 80 languages are spoken in our schools, and 50% of Tukwila households speak a language other than English at home. We benefit from friends and neighbors with different perspectives and cultures, the variety of businesses owned by immigrants and refugees, and the community forged when we share foods from around the world. While we celebrate Tukwila, we recognize that many in our community do not have equitable access to services, government, education, employment and other opportunities toward a better future. More than 20% of our population does not have health insurance, and Tukwila's median household income is 40% of King County's. 23% of Tukwila households live below the poverty line, and more than 10% of students in the Tukwila School District currently experience homelessness. We recognize the role that government can play in breaking down barriers to equitable access to opportunities. The City's Strategic Plan, adopted in 2012, provides us the guideposts for our work on behalf of our residents, businesses and guests, and emphasizes partnerships and collaboration. One of the goals -- A Solid Foundation for All Tukwila Residents -- clearly calls for equitable access to opportunity for Tukwila residents and serves as the foundation of this equity policy. Page 1 of 3