JACKSON, Wyo. — The Jackson Town Council will meet for a regular meeting on Feb. 22.
Amongst other items on the agenda, the Council has the opportunity to pass a resolution creating the Equity Task Force and pass a second motion, appointing nine Equity Task Force board members.
Council directed staff to move forward with creating an Equity Task Force back in August of 2021.
The goal of the task force is “to create a more livable community and more equitable inclusive local government that better reflects our community’s demographics.” The task force will review policies and programs and inform decision-making.
Equity is the concept of trying to ensure equal outcomes for everyone.“There is a difference between creating equal access where everyone gets the same thing versus creating equitable access where an individual’s different needs and capacities are considered, planned for and barriers are removed,” Susan Scarlata, community engagement specialist for the town of Jackson said during the Aug. 30 meeting.
Staff recruited applications in December 2021 and received 37 applicants. Town staff narrowed the applicant pool to 18 applicants for the council to interview based on, “varied lived experience, community involvement, and professional experience working on local government and equity initiatives,” according to the staff report.
Council conducted interviews on Feb. 14. Task Force members will be paid $450 per month to participate. For a 9-member Task Force, this will total $48,600. This is not currently a budgeted expense and will require a budget amendment.
