Portland City Council Passes Resolution Establishing A Racial Equity Steering Committee

Press release from the City of Portland:

July 16, 2020

The City Council passed a resolution at its Monday, July 13, 2020 meeting that establishes a Racial Equity Steering Committee to develop a community vision statement and accompanying initial recommendations in response to systemic inequities.

The original resolution can be read here. Councilors Spencer Thibodeau, Belinda Ray, and Pious Ali all submitted amendments to the resolution that were passed. Councilor Thibodeau’s amendment added language for a third-party to receive complaints concerning the June 1st into 2nd protests (passed 9-0). Councilor Ray’s amendment added language narrowing the focus of the Committee and speeding up the timeline for the report (passed 7-2). Councilor Ali’s amendment added language for an independent review of the June 1st into 2nd protests (passed 9-0). The final resolution as amended passed 8-1.

This press release was produced by the City of Portland. The views expressed here are the author’s own.