This initiative is important because it addresses the historic harm posed on historically underrepresented or disproportionally affected communities that have been typically excluded from policy decisions and seeks to rectify it by increasing the City’s ability to equitably engage in efficient and effective ways that elevate voices not typically heard in local government work. With additional resources and expertise committed to improving our processes now, we can reduce future harm, promote equity, and make Durham a community that serves all, not just the few. 

Over the past several months, we have been focused on reassessing our community engagement initiative and developing a new direction that emphasizes training on equitable community engagement. This new focus is designed to ensure that all city staff have the skills and experience necessary to implement equitable practices in their interactions with the community. Key activities include:

1. Developing the New Direction: We have shifted our focus from the original initiative plan to developing a comprehensive training program for equitable community engagement. This decision was based on extensive reassessment and the need to better equip our staff.
2. Hiring and Onboarding the Engagement Consulting Manager: We successfully hired Nastacia Pereira as the new Engagement Consulting Manager. Her integration into the team has been crucial in shaping our new direction, and she has been actively involved in planning and development efforts.