HomeMy WebLinkAboutESJ 2026-03-05 Agenda PacketTukwila Equity and Social Justice Commission
City of Tukwila — City Hall
6200 Southcenter Boulevard, Tukwila, WA 98188
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Equity and Social Justice Commission meeting will
be held on March 5, 2026, at 5:30PM.
Join the meeting video on your computer or mobile app: Click here to join the meeting
Participate in the meeting by phone: 253-292-9750, Phone Conference ID: 125 348 618#
For in -person, please join us at 5:30Pm
Tukwila City Hall, 6200 Southcenter Blvd, Tukwila, WA 98188
For assistance during the meeting, please call Jo Anderson, Equity and
Social Justice Staff Liaison, at 206-658-7849
T u s ay,
ET
N
E
arch 5, 2
Call to Order
11 Introduction (2 minutes)
111 Approval of Agenda (2 minutes)
IV Approval of Minutes, February 5, 2026 (2 minutes)
V Written Public Comments
VI Business Items
• An Ice Breaker
2
5:
COMMISSION ACTION ITEM: Commissioners will get to know one another.
• Supporting Community -Led Programming and Cultural Celebrations
COMMISSION ACTION ITEM: Commissioners to discuss how to fairly distribute resources in 2026,
including creating a list of potential initiatives, developing criteria and a process, and generating
awareness about the opportunity.
Tukwila Equity and Social Justice Commission
City of Tukwila — City Hall
6200 Southcenter Boulevard, Tukwila, WA 98188
• 2026 Work Plan
COMMISSION ACTION ITEM: Commissioners to discuss.
Relationship building in the community:
• Supporting community -led programming and cultural celebrations.
Awareness, Forums, Trainings:
Equity Policy and Accountability:
• Reintroducing the ESJ Commission to the Council and develop a working relationship
consistent with the stated purpose in the Commission's bylaws.
o Revised Resolution 1970 — Update and Next Steps
o Review February 23 City Council Special Meeting
VII Miscellaneous
VIII Adjournment
Tukwila Equity and Social Justice Commission
City of Tukwila — City Hall
6200 Southcenter Boulevard, Tukwila, WA 98188
TTENDEES:
Jo Anderson
Aaron Draganov
Joe Duffle
Kathy Hougardy
Fane Katoa
Trish Kinlow
EET
TES
T u s ay, Fe ruary 5, 2 5 5: P
Kristen Schwabe -Frye
Lina Stinson Ali
Laurel Humphrey, Guest
CaII to Order
II Introduction (2 minutes)
III Approval of Agenda (2 minutes)
IV Approval of Minutes, January 8, 2026 (2 minutes)
V Business Items
• An Ice Breaker
Commissioners watched the City's Black History Month video together with comment
from Mr. Duffie who was featured.
• Review Revised Resolution 1970. Attached.
Commissioners recommended a few more revisions to Res. 1970 and unanimously
approved to move it forward with the understanding that Jo would make final edits
based on their recommendations and the document is to be reviewed by the City
Attorney.
• Review 2025 Council Report. Attached.
Commissioners enjoyed the year in review and requested adding photos to the report.
• 2026 Work Plan
Commissioners continued discussing the identified two main focus areas in 2026.
Tukwila Equity and Social Justice Commission
City of Tukwila — City Hall
6200 Southcenter Boulevard, Tukwila, WA 98188
1. Supporting community -led programming and cultural celebrations. Eid al Fitr
was given as an example as an upcoming opportunity. Time will be dedicated
on the March agenda to discuss how to move forward on this focus area.
2. Reintroducing the ESJ Commission to the Council and develop a working
relationship consistent with the stated purpose in the Commission's bylaws.
Jo and Laurel shared ideas including:
• A written or in person report on upcoming Council activities from Laurel.
• Engagement at City events where Councilmembers may be.
• Presentations to Councilmembers, potentially in committees.
• Future participation in Strategic Planning and Budget Process during community
engagement phases.
• Seasonal activities with other boards and commissions.
VI Miscellaneous
• ESJ Commission is seeking to fill a community position, formerly the councilmember
position.
• The State of the City will take place April 29. Seeking members for the City choir, Voices
of Tukwila.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, RESTATING
TUKWILA'S COMMITMENT TO BEING A SAFE,
WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE CITY, AND
REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 1970.
WHEREAS, one of the City of Tukwila's greatest assets is being a beautifully diverse
community of neighborhoods, residents, businesses, and visitors; and
WHEREAS, all of Tukwila's community members deserve to live in a safe,
welcoming, and inclusive environment free of hate, discrimination and fear; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 1921, adopting a city equity policy in 2017,
we believe in the public sector for the public good, and advancing equity and inclusion is
critical to the success of our communities and our nation; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 1614 in 2006, reaffirming its
commitment to being an inclusive community as a fundamental value; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 1900 in 2016 and Resolution
No. 1970 in 2019, reaffirming its commitment to being a diverse, tolerant and inclusive
community; and
WHEREAS, we, as elected representatives of the people, have a responsibility to
support the constitutional and civil rights of all and not stay silent in the face of violence
and discrimination against any person; and
WHEREAS, the people of Tukwila recognize that people of all cultures, ethnicities,
abilities, and backgrounds all do better when we work together; and
WHEREAS, the City of Tukwila promotes principles of non -violence, civility and
strives for a culture where compassion and solidarity overcome fear and division; and
WHEREAS, the City of Tukwila does not tolerate bias, harassment, discrimination,
or retaliation based on race, religion, ancestry, national origin, immigration status, gender,
2026 Legislation: Inclusive City
Version: 02/06/2026
Staff: J. Anderson Page 1 of 3
gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, housing status, economic status, or
other legally -protected class status; and
WHEREAS, because hate crimes and incidences of intimidation are on the rise
locally, regionally, and nationally, the City Council desires to reiterate our position that all
elected officials, whether local, state, or federal, should be leaders in opposing hate;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Tukwila has historically been, and remains to this day, a welcoming
community to people from all over the world, and therefore the City Council reaffirms its
commitment to being safe, welcoming and inclusive for all residents and visitors to our
City. We reject the politics and language of division, bigotry, violence, hate and
discrimination. We will fight for the rights, freedoms and interests of all the members of
our community no matter what the color of our skin, our gender, the way we worship,
where we were born, our sexual orientation, our disabilities, or any other identity.
Furthermore, we resolve to:
1. Prioritize the City's Equity Policy goals and promote a welcoming
environment for all in our community and recognize the rights of individuals to live their
lives with dignity and free of discrimination.
2. Commit to pursuing a policy agenda informed by our community that affirms
civil and human rights.
3. Engage with individuals and community groups to build trust, promote
education and encourage dialogue among all community members.
4. Publicly support those in our community affected by hate, denounce the use
of language expressing hate and be especially careful to never use such language in
spoken, written, or social media.
Section 2. Resolution No. 1970 is hereby repealed in its entirety.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, at
a Regular Meeting thereof this day of , 2026.
Armen Papyan, Council President
2026 Legislation: Inclusive City
Version: 02/06/2026
Staff: J. Anderson Page 2 of 3
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED:
Andy Youn-Barnett, CMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM BY:
City Attorney
Filed with the City Clerk:
Passed by the City Council:
Jane Ho, Councilmember
Filed with the City Clerk:
Passed by the City Council:
Verna Seal, Councilmember
Hannah Hedrick, Councilmember
Dennis Martinez, Councilmember
Kate Kruller, Councilmember
Joe Camacho Torres, Councilmember
2026 Legislation: Inclusive City
Version: 02/06/2026
Staff: J. Anderson Page 3 of 3
Equity and Social Justice Commission
2025 Report
Prepared by Jo Anderson, Inclusion & Engagement Manager and ES1 Commission Staff
Liaison
Purpose
Per Tukwila Municipal Code ("TMC") 2.29.010, the Equity and Social Justice Commission
("Commission") is hereby established to serve in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and
City Council for the City of Tukwila.
Membership
Position Representation
Commissioner
Commissioner
1
City Council, Revised
Ordinance Removes Position
beginning January 2026
Jovita McConnell through
April
Hannah Hedrick, August
through December
2
Education
Maryan Abdow
3
Community
Lina Stinson -Ali
4
City Employee
Trish Kinlow
5
Community
Kathy Hougardy
6
Community
Joe Duffie
7
City Employee
Fane Katoa
8
Education
Aaron Draganov
9
Community
Kristen Schwabe -Fry
non-
voting
Student Representative
Hamdi Diriye
Expenses
ESJ Commission Budget
Expenditures
Purpose
Operating Supplies, $1,000
$450
Youth Commissioner Stipend
Other Misc Expenses, $3,800
$296
Showalter GSA Pride Event Support
$300
Know Your Rights Red Cards Printing
$1,500
Still Waters Snack Pack Program
$1,100
TSD Emergency Food Fund
$1,000
FTPC Park Equipment
$154
Year End Meeting Dinner
Total Allocation, $4,800
$4,800
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2025 Workplan: Goals and Activities
The following goals were identified in alignment with the Commission's objectives:
1. To promote understanding that accepts, celebrates, and appreciates diversity within
the community.
2. To serve as a resource for the community by providing information and educational
forums that will facilitate a better understanding and awareness of social justice and
human rights.
3. To provide recommendations to the Mayor and City Council regarding opportunities to
increase equity and sociat justice awareness and promote social justice programs.
Goal 1: Relationship building in the community
• Relationship Building with HealthPoint (March, June, August) -
Commissioners met regularly with representative from HealthPoint, including
Sherry Williams (VP Community Engagement and External Relations) and
Sundeep Malhi (Patient Experience & Community Engagement Manager) to
receive information and provide feedback on Phase I of the new clinic.
• State of the City Support (April) - Aaron and Fane participated to share
information about the ESJ Commission with community members. Trish, Kathy,
Fane, and Jo participated in the Voices of Tukwila choir. Jo was a member of the
State of the City coordinating team.
• Pride Month Support (June) - Commissioners supported and helped develop
activities, including the Showalter Middle School GSA Celebration and the City's
Pride Flag Raising Ceremony. Commissioners approved funding for GSA snacks
and decorations. Jo coordinated the Pride Flag event, including speakers.
• Juneteenth Support (June) - Commissioners helped plan and volunteered at
the annual commemoration. The 2025 theme was Echoes of Freedom: Past,
Present& Future. Mr. Duffie provided welcoming remarks and Trish was the
keynote speaker. Mr. Duffle and Maryan served on the planning committee and
volunteered at the event along with Kathy. Jo chaired the planning committee.
• World Refugee Day Support (June) - Commissioners informed planning and
helped promote the event with community partners, including the International
Rescue Committee, King County Library System, and Wide World for Refugees.
Commissioners provided ideas for the Jo to bring to the planning meetings.
2
• Summer Souk Recommendation (July) - Per the recommendation of Maryan,
the City tabled at the `Summer Souk' night market at AbuBakr Islamic Center to
provide information on policies, programs and services. Jo coordinated staff
support.
• Veteran's Day Support (November) - Commissioners supported the Parks &
Recreation Veteran's Luncheon. Mr. Duffie was the guest speaker. Maryan and
Hamdi assisted with lunch service. Jo developed an article for the City staff
newsletter, the Grapevine, featuring stories from Judge Kim Walden and Mike
Marcum about their military service per the Commissions request.
• Relationship Building with the Tukwila Historical Society (December) - Kathy
hosted the meeting at the Tukwila Historical Society. Commissioners discussed
shared goals and alignment to support community -led celebrations and events
in 2026.
Goal 2: Awareness, Forums, Trainings
• Know Your Rights Promotion (May) -Commissioners approved funding to print
Know Your Rights "Red Cards" nine languages for distribution. This is an initiative
of the Commission to create greater awareness of the constitutional rights of all
community members. Content generated by the Immigrant Legal Resource
Center have been printed and are available in public areas at City Halt, the
Justice Center, and Tukwila Community Center.
• Racial Restrictive Covenants Update (June) - A continuation of the previous
year, Aaron adapted and shared a document titled 'Long Range Action Plan for
Racial Restrictive Covenants Follow -Up' with an outline of categories, goals,
and recommended actions. Kristen provided updates regarding progress made
by the UW project tracking and mapping properties with racial restrictive
covenants.
• Community Health & Air Quality Awareness Event (July) - Lina and Aaron
supported the event that included health screenings, education, and distribution
of 152 air purifiers from King County Public Health. The event was planned and
implemented in partnership with Lina's connection with the African Leaders
Health Board. The event drew support for several local nonprofits.
• Legislative Process (November) - Commissioners requested an overview of
Tukwita's Legislative Process from Laurel Humphrey, Legislative Analyst.
3
Goal 3: Equity policy and accountability
• Meeting with Police Chief (April) - Commissioners engaged with Chief Dreyer
to Learn about TPD's obligations as it pertains to assisting Immigration &
Customs Enforcement (ICE) as well as state and local laws that set parameters
on the relationship between local law enforcement and ICE. Also,
Commissioners provided feedback regarding the positive impact of the Tukwila
Officers at the high school and recommended that TPD find opportunities to
engage with communities. Tabling or presence at local events was suggested.
• Feedback for The People's Project (May) -Commissioners received
information from Griffin Lerner, Public Works Analyst about Tukwila's first -ever
Participatory Budgeting (PB) initiative, giving residents the power to decide how
to invest in their community. Commissioners recommended ensuring
transparency in the process, accessible communication other than just
online/digital presence, and messaging about how this project build trust and
civic pride. Further discussion included Commission support for recruiting a
resident -led steering committee that will be charged with developing the
process for idea generation and voting among community members.
• Feedback on Cannabis Zoning Regulations (September) - Per
Commissioners' request, Laurel provided information about the zoning
regulations under consideration. While Commissioners expressed varying
opinions, some expressed concerns through public and a written comment
regarding lack of acknowledgment of the history of racism and the
criminalization of marijuana; insufficient outreach regarding the initiative,
including offering translated information; impacts on communities of color and
youth; and concerns related to Cannabis sates as a source of revenue for the
City. Discussion resulted in an interested in building a relationship with the
Council in 2026 with Laurel's support.
• Stilt Waters Snack Pack Program Support (November) - Commissioner
approved funding towards snack packs distribution for Tukwila School District
Students via Stilt Waters Family Services and they would like to again allocate a
portion of their budget. The commission again voted to support this food justice
effort.
• TSD Emergency Food Support (November) - Commissioner approved funding
for the Tukwila School District to address additional emergency food needs for
families not supported by McKinney Vento efforts. TSD will purchase store cards
with nominal amounts for basic needs.
4
• Park Equipment for Low -Income Apartment (November) - Commissioner
approved funding for Foster Tukwila Presbyterian Church to purchasing park
equipment for a low-income, immigrant families living at the Ridgecliff
Apartments (details attached).
• Resolution 1970, City's Commitment to Being Diverse, Tolerant and
Inclusive Review (December) - Per Council's request, Commissioners
reviewed the resolution and provided recommendations at the January 2026
meeting.
5