Lane County Equity Lens: Analysis and Recommendations
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Date
2020-06
Authors
Mulcahy, Mariah
Noviski, Maya
Cook, Lindsay
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Oregon Policy Lab, Institute for Policy Research and Engagement, School of Planning, Public Policy, and Management
Abstract
Our research yielded six themes relevant to equity in local government. The themes include the definition of equity, staffing, professional titles, budget, measuring equity, and community engagement.
Equity: Equity is defined similarly by the three equity leaders. Their definitions incorporate enhancing residents’ access to opportunities and improving residents’ quality of life. Although equity often encompasses protected classes, equity leaders employ the Government Alliance for Race and Equity framework which emphasizes racial equity.
Staffing: Staffing levels vary across the three equity offices and affect the prioritization of equity work.
Professional Titles: Two of the three equity leaders’ titles are “Chief” of their department, which denote the equity programs’ legitimacy and the equity leaders’ responsibility and/or authority.
Budget: Only one equity program is funded by independent budgetary line-time and reported having adequate funding. The remaining equity programs are funded under over-arching line-items and reported being insufficiently funded.
Measuring Equity and Community Engagement: Community engagement was identified as an area for improvement for all three equity programs.
Although our research did not generate definitive findings, it highlights how the structure of an equity program can impact its efficacy. Equity programs with limited resources do more with less, which is often not sustainable. We encourage Lane County to consider increasing the number of staff responsible for equity work, evaluate the allocation of Lane County’s budget and creating more opportunities for residents to participate in and contribute to equity work in Lane County.
Description
15 pages