M E M O R A N D U M

TO: City Council

FROM: David J. Deutsch
City Manager

SUBJECT: Staff Report Regarding the Recommendations
of the Diversity Task Force

DATE: June 11, 2003

On August 1, 2001, the City Council adopted Resolution R-81-01 creating a Diversity Task Force to ensure that the City adequately addressed the needs and concerns of its residents. The Resolution directed the Diversity Task Force to produce a report that would include:

A. A proposed Diversity Statement to be adopted by the City Council;

B. Recommendations about how the City can be more inclusive of different racial, ethnic and other groups within the community;

C. Recommendations regarding an on-going mechanism to encourage inclusiveness and implement the recommendations of the Task Force. This should include an evaluation of whether an existing committee, a new committee, or another type of board should perform this function; and

D. Recommendations about how Bowie can celebrate its diversity by providing opportunities for residents to experience the various cultures within and around the City.

On May 19, 2003, Diversity Task Force Co-chairs John Gossart and Kathy Ladipo presented the Task Force Report to the City Council. A motion was adopted that evening to accept the report from the Task Force and to discharge the members from their duties. Council agreed to discuss the recommendations of the Diversity Task Force at a later meeting. These recommendations are now presented for discussion and adoption on June 16th.

Task Force Recommendation A:

The Bowie City Council Should Adopt The Diversity Statement Proposed By The Diversity Task Force.

Bowie Diversity Statement

In our commitment to the welfare of all our citizens, the City of Bowie seeks a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the entire variety of human experience. In our commitment to diversity, we welcome people of all backgrounds, and we seek to include knowledge and values from all cultures in all aspects of our community life. Our commitment to work toward an environment that values diversity requires that we create, promote and maintain environments, activities and programs which further our understanding of individual and group diversity. We will also develop and communicate policies and promote values which discourage intolerance and discrimination.

Diversity, when it is accepted and respected, is a tremendous strength and asset for any community. It encompasses an understanding that each individual is unique and valuable to the welfare of the community. It recognizes and celebrates the differences amongst individuals, and capitalizes on the strengths resulting from these differences. Diversity works best when a community explores these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment.

The term “diversity” means difference, variance and heterogeneity. Its opposite is sameness, similarity and homogeneity. Because this meaning is broad, it has come to mean many things to different people. The dimensions of diversity shall include, but are not limited to the following: race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexual orientation, sex/gender, disability, socioeconomic status, cultural orientation, physical abilities, political beliefs, age and national origin.

By working together, we can maintain a community and a work environment where all citizens have the opportunity to develop their potential and contribute fully to Bowie’s future growth and development.

Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that Council adopt the proposed Diversity Statement. While the term “diversity” was criticized by some, it was also supported by many of those who testified at the public hearings or responded to the Task Force survey. Most of those who spoke or wrote against diversity seemed to oppose the choice of terms, rather than the concepts being embraced by the statement. A Diversity Statement is a public commitment by the City Council to welcome and encourage full involvement in City government by all, without regard to race, gender, ethnic background, religious beliefs, socioeconomic status, cultural orientation, disability, political beliefs, age, national origin, and sexual orientation.

Task Force Recommendation B-1:
Expand Communications With Residents

Where possible, the City should promote the theme that Bowie is one city, one community, consisting of many areas and parts, none of which would be better off without the other. To foster a better understanding of City government and more involvement in City affairs, the City government should publicize City events, employment and volunteer opportunities and actions of the City government more. Suggested methods include the use of email and electronic bulletin boards to keep residents informed, an improved Welcome Packet for new residents and more information in City publications about City policies and decision-making processes. New residents should also be told who represents them on the City Council and how they can communicate with their elected officials and City Hall. Use homeowners associations, most of which are in newer areas, to help spread the word about events, opportunities and actions of City government.

Staff Recommendation: Staff supports adoption of this recommendation and has begun to implement some portions of it as described below:

One community
Route 50 divides the rather long and narrow geographic area of our City in half. This fact
should not imply that there is any kind of racial or political divide in the delivery of services and amenities to Bowie residents.

Expanded publicity and outreach
The City website is an excellent vehicle for providing information to all residents. Staff is working to expand the types of information and the documents that are available on the site.

Current information includes:
· Council meeting agenda – current week
· Tentative Agenda
· Minutes of Council Meetings
· Staff Reports with all attachments (Since 5/03)
· Staff Reports without attachments (Since 2000)
· Press Releases (Since 2003)
· Budget
· Job Announcements
· Annual Water Quality Report
· City Charter and City Code
· Bowie Spotlight – (City Newsletter)
· Links to community organizations, other government agencies
· This Month in Bowie (calendar of City events)
· City committee information, including vacancies

Future additions to City website:
· Council calendar
· Previous Council meeting agendas
· Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
· Requests for Proposals
· Annual Development Sites Outline
· Annual Business Inventory
· Stakeholders meeting information – schedules and handouts
· Interactive features – completing forms online, Councilmember lookup tool, sign up for Bidders lists

In addition to the City website, staff will be expanding communications in other ways. A tool to notify residents of issues of interest to them through the use of ListServes and electronic bulletin boards will soon be implemented. Local, non-political and non-religious community organizations are being sent a letter inviting them to have a link on the City’s website. Homeowner’s Associations will be included in this invitation. A series of articles in the Bowie Spotlight, beginning with the September issue, will feature different City committees, highlighting the kind of work that they do, their membership, and the opportunities for involvement.

The City’s Welcome Packet for new residents provides information about basic City services and recreational opportunities in and around Bowie. Staff is working to improve the attractiveness of the packet and expand the scope of the information provided. In addition, a new brochure has been developed for prospective residents who inquire about City services.

Task Force Recommendation B-2
Assimilate “Bowie’s Next Generation” Into The Community

The Diversity Task Force Report recommended several ways that the City could better assimilate youth into the community. These suggestions included ways to come together in celebration of their differences, not only in culture or race, but in all aspects of life, through initiatives such as organized school events, community-sponsored fairs and events, and block parties and street parties specifically designed for the youth. Other proposals included expanding forums for youth to discuss issues relating to diversity; thereby creating an environment that fosters open expression and understanding of individual differences.

Staff Recommendation: Staff supports the recommendation to work with youth on diversity issues. Expanding a child’s or a teen’s understanding of those who are different from them, can have a lifelong impact on how they interact with others. However, any initiatives involving the schools will require the commitment and resources of the school system and the support of individual school administrators. Programs such as the Decision Making and Diversity, Help Increase the Peace, Mentoring, Band Showcases, and the Community Prevention Network, are about bringing youth together to foster understanding and communication. Each can have a role in encouraging discussions about diversity.

Task Force Recommendation C-1
Adopt Long-Term Diversity Goals

In order to promote our City’s diversity and to encourage inclusiveness in our institutions, customs and traditions, and to implement the Task Force recommendations, the City should establish long-term goals. The Task Force recommends that the City Council, in addition to adopting the recommended “Diversity Statement”, accept the following as its long-term goals:

1. Perpetuate a shared City commitment to fostering a climate of mutual respect where all individuals and groups value “inclusiveness,” or those human qualities that are different from their own and outside the groups to which they belong.

2. Achieve a City workforce that reflects the diversity of the City of Bowie, and identify and eliminate obstacles and provide equal opportunities and access for people of all backgrounds in the areas of hiring, retention, development and promotion.

3. Improve communications, between the diverse groups and communities in Bowie and the City government and leaders, to offer broader input to City and community issues and encourage discussion of differing viewpoints to promote an understanding in a multicultural environment.

4. Promote an environment and philosophy that recognizes that a “neighbor” is a person who is aware of other cultures, lifestyles, and life orientations.

5. Establish strong communication networks between City leaders and diverse communities to promote positive public awareness and create solid relationships of trust.

6. Provide a continuous process of assessment and evaluation in order to ensure that the promotion of diversity continues to be a focus of the City.

7. Address the perceptions and realties in dealing with diversity issues.

Do not ignore diversity issues. Bowie government needs to speak out and act decisively to denounce racism and hate crimes if they occur, as it did with the City Gymnasium graffiti incident in 2001. City Council and City government can dispel rumors or erroneous perceptions with facts, publicity, and public events. Make sure everyone has the opportunity to have a seat at the decision-making table. More information will spawn more interaction with City Hall and more interest in Council decisions, which will give residents an increased feeling of empowerment and involvement.

Staff Recommendation: Staff concurs with the Task Force Recommendation to adopt long-term diversity goals. Staff suggests a revision to Long-term Goal #2 to say “Work toward a City workforce that better reflects the diversity of the City of Bowie, and identify and eliminate obstacles and provide equal opportunities and access for people of all backgrounds in the areas of hiring, retention, development and promotion.”

Task Force Recommendation C-2:
Create A Permanent City Committee or Expand the Duties and Focus of the Community Outreach Committee To Assist in Carrying Out The Long-term Diversity Goals Listed Above.

The Report recommends that this committee or subcommittee will make recommendations to the City and the City Council to:
· Conduct events to celebrate our diversity.
· Plan these events.
· Maintain diversity and demographic data on the City.
· Investigate and address diversity issues that may arise.
· Seek to improve inclusiveness when necessary.
· Hold regular town meetings to discuss inclusiveness and diversity issues.

and will make continuing recommendations to the City Council consistent with the goals of the committee or subcommittee.

Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that a subcommittee of the Community Outreach Committee be formed to assist in carrying out the Long-term Diversity Goals listed above. The Community Outreach Committee (formerly the Human Resources Committee) is charged with advising the City Council on issues relating to human needs and resources of the community, including mental health, drug abuse, poverty, human relations, seniors, youth, and services for the handicapped. The Committee is authorized to have 11 members, including one youth member. The current membership consists of 9 adults. The mission of this committee could easily be expanded to carry out the recommendations of the Diversity Task Force in terms of advising the Council on events, programs, and monitoring diversity issues in the City

There are several reasons to identify a community group to look at diversity issues. There is the need to draw attention to diversity issues, to provide a forum for residents to bring problems or concerns, to advise the Council on how to implement long-term diversity goals, and to integrate an awareness of diversity concerns into all aspects of City affairs. Staff believes that a subcommittee of the Community Outreach Committee can accomplish the first three of these needs as well as a separate committee. The benefit of a subcommittee rather than a separate committee lies in its ability to immediately incorporate diversity considerations into existing and planned projects that involve the community. Sensitivity to diversity issues should be a consideration in everything that the City does. It should especially be integrated into events and initiatives that are community oriented.

Furthermore, staff concurs with the intent of the recommended duties, but would clarify its role as an advisory body to the City Council by substituting the following language:
“ This committee or subcommittee will advise the City Council regarding …”(the items listed at the top of this page.)

Task Force Recommendation D:
Celebrate Diversity - Unite The Community Through Art, Entertainment, Education, And Other Means. Encourage Events That Engage People And Bring Them Together.

The Diversity Task Force provided the following suggestions for community events:
· International Fairs: City-sponsored events that can include arts and culture, food, music and cultural dancing;
· City Block Parties: City-sponsored events that bring local communities together to meet neighbors and celebrate diversity and culture;
· Regular park and recreation events that celebrate diversity; and
· City-sponsored celebrations honoring people and cultures such as Martin Luther King's Birthday and Cinco de Mayo, etc.

Staff Recommendation: The City hosts a variety of events throughout the year for the enjoyment of our community. Celebrating diversity has not been the primary focus of the events, but by offering different types of performances and foods at events like Bowiefest we are providing opportunities to sample different music and cultures. The City Arts Committee has proposed a new City event called “International Festival”. Given existing resources, staff recommends that rather than adding several more large special events, the City should host an International Festival in the next year. In addition, staff recommends that the new diversity body that is established examine how existing events can provide more diverse offerings.

Task D. Recommendation:
Strengthen the Sense of a Bowie Community

City events provide terrific opportunities to come together as a community. Events held in different venues around the City, such as the recent addition of the Saturday Afternoon Concerts in Old Town Bowie, would serve to draw residents to different parts of the City and perhaps acquaint them with different neighborhoods or businesses in the City. The Bowie Baysox baseball games also provide residents with another opportunity to come together. A bigger promotion of "Bowie Day at the Baysox" could also encourage more community spirit.

Staff Recommendation: Staff supports exploring using different venues for some City events; however logistical considerations, such as stages, parking, and public facilities, often dictate where events are held. Staff agrees that the Bowie Baysox games provide hometown, community entertainment and are supportive of their efforts for the “Bowie Block Party Night” at the Baysox on June 30th. In addition, staff is planning to do a series of newsletter articles that will provide residents with more information about the Bowie community—what neighborhoods make up our City, what services Bowie provides, and what are some of the benefits of living in Bowie.