In order to dismantle systemic and structural racism within our government and community, local leaders must commit to a long-term action plan that recognizes the differences between individual, institutional, and structural racism, as well as the history and current reality of inequities for all marginalized groups. Failure to make and follow through with the commitment will jeopardize the development and success of racial equity on Bainbridge Island. (Ord. 2025-22 § 1, 2025; Ord. 2020-23 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020)

A. This chapter establishes a standing race equity advisory committee, hereinafter called the “committee,” to provide informed recommendations to the city council on programmatic, community, and legislative options to address and rectify systemic and structural racism and bias within government and law enforcement.

B. Working for racial equity benefits everyone. Deeply radicalized systems are costly and depress outcomes and life chances for all groups. The goal of the committee is not to just eliminate the gap between white people and people of color, but to increase the success for all groups. While strategies to achieve racial equity may target the needs of a particular group, racial equity develops goals and outcomes that will result in improvements for all groups. Systems that are failing communities of color are actually failing all of us. (Ord. 2025-22 § 1, 2025; Ord. 2020-23 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020)

A. The race equity advisory committee shall be governed by Chapter 2.01 BIMC.

B. The committee shall consist of Bainbridge Island residents with experience in or a commitment to ensuring and promoting the committee’s purpose as set forth above. (Ord. 2025-22 § 1, 2025; Ord. 2024-08 § 8, 2024; Ord. 2021-16 § 13, 2021; Ord. 2020-23 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020)

The processes for vacancies and removal shall be governed by Chapter 2.01 BIMC. (Ord. 2025-22 § 1, 2025; Ord. 2020-23 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020)

A. The committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

1. As directed by the city council, serve as a technical and planning advisory committee to the city council on issues related to racism and race-related bias.

2. As directed by the city council, assist the city in implementing racial equity-related goals and policies as expeditiously as committee and city resources allow.

3. As directed by the city council, provide advice or recommendations to the city council, as appropriate, on methods of completing a baseline city government and police department equity assessment of policies, staffing, contracting, and decision-making.

4. As directed by the city council, assist with or manage the completion of a baseline city government and police department equity assessment of policies and procedures.

5. Recommend to the city council a racial equity action plan and implementation strategy.

6. Provide advice or recommendations to the city council, as appropriate, on how to measure progress toward implementing the city’s racial equity action plan.

7. As directed by the city council, assist the city with participation in regional racial equity efforts.

8. Provide education and outreach to the public regarding racial equity and the work of the committee and the city relating to racial equity. (Ord. 2025-22 § 1, 2025; Ord. 2020-23 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020)

The processes for meetings, officers, records and quorum shall be governed by Chapter 2.01 BIMC. (Ord. 2025-22 § 1, 2025; Ord. 2020-23 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020)