Title
An Ordinance amending Sections 2-519 and 2-526 of the Code of Ordinances, changing the name of the Racial Justice and Equality Commission to “Racial Justice and Equity Commission.” [Mayor's Office, Brown]
Summary
Authorization to amend Sections 2-519 and 2-526 of the Code of Ordinances, changing the name of the “Racial Justice and Equality Commission” to “Racial Justice and Equity Commission”. (L0051-24) (Brown/Scott)
Budgetary Implications [select]: No
Advance Document Review:
Law: { Select Yes, Completed by [Ashleigh Bailey, 1/9/2024]}
Risk Management: {Select Yes/No, Completed by [Official, Date]}
Fully Budgeted [select]: N/A
Account Number: N/A
This Fiscal Year Impact: $N/A
Annual Impact: $N/A
Project:
Activity:
Budget Reference:
Current Balance:
Body
WHEREAS, equality is one of the central principles of democracy and is based on the belief that all people should have the same opportunities to be successful and have a productive, enjoyable life. Equality is rooted in fairness since it is linked to another American ideal, that of meritocracy; and
WHEREAS, equity recognizes that everyone doesn’t begin in the same place in society. Some people face adverse conditions and circumstances making it more challenging with the same effort to achieve the same goals. Equity advocates for those who may have been historically disadvantaged, making it difficult for them to be successful; and
WHEREAS, what is “fair” as it relates to equity isn’t a question of what is the same but rather the point from which a person begins. Equity takes into account historical and other factors in determining what is fair; and
WHEREAS, the Racial Justice and Equality Commission desires to recognize this distinction and amend its name to the “Racial Justice and Equity Commission”.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE LEXINGTON-FAYETTE URBAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT:
Section 1 - That Section 2-519 of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Code of Ordinances be and hereby is amended to read as follows:
(1) A commission is hereby created which shall be known as "Racial Justice and Equity Commission."
(2) The focus areas of the commission shall be:
a. Health Disparities;
b. Law Enforcement, Justice and Accountability;
c. Housing and Gentrification;
d. Racial Equity;
e. Education and Economic Opportunity.
Section 2 - That Section 2-526 of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Code of Ordinances be and hereby is amended to read as follows:
(1) The commission shall not have the power to directly operate any program.
(2) The commission shall make recommendations and advise the mayor and urban council for purposes of developing racial justice and equity within the city.
(3) The commission shall set goals, develop strategies for reaching their goals, and create methods to measure progress towards their goals.
(4) The commission shall create an annual report detailing the effects and successes of their efforts and outlining a plan for the upcoming year.
(5) The commission shall engage with citizen groups for the purpose of soliciting community feedback.
(6) The commission may request information or assistance from departments and divisions of the government to assist the commission with its duties.
Section 3 - That this Ordinance shall become effective upon its date of passage.
PASSED URBAN COUNTY COUNCIL:
________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
________________________________
CLERK OF URBAN COUNTY COUNCIL
PUBLISHED:
0051-24:ANB:4892-4421-6727, v. 2