This is kinda cool, good for them. I want the city to do this too!
Today, Dane County kicked off a process that will assess the current state of racial equity in Dane County internal operations, programs, and policies. Dane County is one of the only counties in the country right now that is working with an independent third party to conduct this type of racial equity analysis across its government operation. While the county has been working to address racial disparities on a number of fronts, it continues to face challenges for residents at every age and in every aspect of life, including disparities in economic well-being, family structure, education, child welfare, juvenile justice, health, housing, and the criminal justice system. This comprehensive analysis will touch every Dane County department to identify strategies for county government to close the gaps and increase success for all.
“The County Board, working closely with the County Executive, initiated this equity analysis as an effort to make sure we have our own house in order as we work hard to right the stark racial disparities facing the people of our county,” said Sharon Corrigan, Chair of the Dane County Board of Supervisors. “We realize that conducting an assessment of the full range of county operations is an ambitious task, but believe that every aspect of county government has a role to play in ensuring racial equity in how we serve our community.”
The objective of the racial equity analysis is to:
1) Provide an unbiased, independent evaluation of county government operations, programs, and policies through a racial equity lens in order to inform the work of the Dane County Racial Equity and Social Justice Initiative Staff Team and the Strategic Leadership Team on Racial Equity, and assist the County Board in carrying out its general oversight responsibilities for county government operations and investment;
2) Provide specific recommendations for immediate, high-impact changes the county could implement, as well as longer term, higher resource recommendations;
3) Provide information regarding data needs and next steps; and
4) Assist the County Executive in providing guidance on racial equity to all county departments.
The County Board has contracted with the Center for Social Inclusion (CSI) http://www.centerforsocialinclusion.org/ and Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) http://racialequityalliance.org/ to conduct this analysis. The Center for Social Inclusion (CSI) is a national policy strategy organization working to transform structural barriers to opportunity for communities of color, and ensure that we all share in the benefits and burdens of public policy. CSI will be working with Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), a national network of governments working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all.
“We are proud of the work each department accomplishes to serve the people of Dane County and look forward to doing even more to advance racial equity,” said County Executive Joe Parisi. “The county has asked all departments, elected offices, and staff to participate in this effort to take full advantage of this opportunity to assess and improve our own operations, policies, and programs.”
The analysis will take several months to complete and will culminate in a report and presentation at a public meeting in early September 2015. Assuming acceptance of the final report by the county, it will be made available to the public soon thereafter.
