Equity at Lane County:
Equity supports the promise that all people should have the opportunity to pursue their goals, contribute to our shared future and belong. It recognizes that different people face different barriers, and it requires removing those barriers to ensure that every individual has access to the public services we provide.
Lane County’s equity work is rooted in the principle that all people are entitled to the opportunity to participate in and access public programs, services, and resources, and that no person be given differential treatment-- preferential or detrimental-- based on their race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, language, marital status, ability, or age, in compliance with state and federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution.
How we are going about this work:
Collective Liberation: This work benefits us all
Lane County firmly commits to advancing equity, inclusive of racial equity. In an era of division and constrained resources, we champion a targeted universalism approach. This approach sets an ambitious goal that benefits everybody and increases success for all groups, and then uses different strategies and investments based on where groups of people are situated within society.
Our focus on achieving equity and the use of a targeted universalism approach fosters a united front toward equity across communities, transcending differences in race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, age, and other intersecting identities. By steering clear of the zero-sum narrative we unite in our pursuit of justice and equity, acknowledging that collective liberation benefits us all.
Belonging and Bridging Processes: Strengthening Democracy
Lane County aspires to be a county where everyone belongs.
a place where all employees feel valued, welcomed, and can contribute to their fullest.
a place where all people who live, work, and play can experience care, have a voice and equal access to services.
Our unwavering dedication lies in fostering belonging and in bridging divides across diverse backgrounds. Beyond representation, we actively cultivate dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among individuals with differing perspectives. We're committed to creating spaces for open and constructive conversations, where diverse voices converge to address complex challenges. We envision and actively work towards a culture of belonging without othering.
DEI Data Collection Governance: Measuring Progress for Transformation
To actualize these aspirations, we embark on establishing a robust Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) data collection governance model. This model will be the compass guiding our progress, uncovering disparities, and ensuring our strategies are rooted in data-driven effectiveness. Employing targeted universalism strategies, we will design, measure, and track our progress to ensure the effectiveness of our efforts. In the next three years, Lane County invites you to join us on this transformative journey toward equity, and collective liberation. Together, we will build bridges, and forge a future where everyone thrives.
2024-2027 Equity Strategic Plan (view document here)
Context: The Equity Strategic Plan builds on our ongoing commitment to advancing
equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. It aims to propel Lane County further toward more
equitable governance, transitioning from our current Racial Equity Plan to the 2024-2027 Equity
Strategic Plan.
It's important not to
perceive every goal, strategy, or tactic as an entirely new idea; rather, view it as a comprehensive
roadmap that focuses on bringing these various efforts together. Embracing a collective impact
approach, this plan acknowledges that some strategies and initiatives may not be solely driven by
the equity program and instead driven by other teams. Therefore, the perspectives and
contributions of these individuals and teams were centered in creating this plan.
Process and Timeline: The 2024-2027 Equity Strategic Plan was collaboratively developed by various Lane
County employees and groups. The plan is set for adoption in Fiscal Year 2024 (July) with a
goal to complete it by the end of Fiscal Year 2027. An annual review will be presented to our
executive leadership team to monitor progress.
Goals
- Align our county-wide equity efforts.
- Use disaggregated data to measure progress of equity efforts and for decision-making.
- Cultivate a culture in which all employees can fully thrive and succeed and address specific needs as identified by the employee survey and other data.
- Secure ongoing financing and effectively resource our equity work across the organization.
- Foster an inclusive and equitable framework for community engagement and civic participation.