HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-08-23_07_00_PM-HRRC_PacketAgenda
Human Rights and Relations Commission
City Of Edina, Minnesota
Edina City Hall Community Room
4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
7:00 PM
I.Call To Order
II.Roll Call
III.Approval Of Meeting Agenda
IV.Approval Of Meeting Minutes
A.HRRC July meeting minutes
V.Community Comment
During "Community Comment," the Board/Commission will invite residents to share relevant
issues or concerns. Individuals must limit their comments to three minutes. The Chair may limit
the number of speakers on the same issue in the interest of time and topic. Generally speaking,
items that are elsewhere on tonight's agenda may not be addressed during Community Comment.
Individuals should not expect the Chair or Board/Commission Members to respond to their
comments tonight. Instead, the Board/Commission might refer the matter to sta% for
consideration at a future meeting.
VI.Reports/Recommendations
A.2016 Work Plan Updates
B.Indigenous People's Day Resolution
C.Bias O+ense Response Plan
D.2017 Proposed Work Plan
VII.Correspondence And Petitions
VIII.Chair And Member Comments
IX.Sta+ Comments
X.Adjournment
The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the
public process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing ampli4cation, an
interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861
72 hours in advance of the meeting.
Date: August 23, 2016 Agenda Item #: IV.A.
To:Human Rights and Relations Commission Item Type:
Minutes
From:Kelly Dumais, City Management Fellow
Item Activity:
Subject:HRRC July meeting minutes Action
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve the meeting minutes from the July HRRC meeting.
INTRODUCTION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
July HRRC Meeting Minutes
MINUTES
Human Rights and Relations Commission
July 18, 2016 at 7:00 PM
City Hall, Community Room
I.Call To Order
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
II.Roll Call
Answering roll call were Chair Arseneault, Commissioners Beringer, Edwards,
Kennedy, Martin, Vecchio-Smith.
Absent Members: Commissioners Edelson, Rinn, and Student Commissioner
Ramesh
Staff Present: Liaisons Lamon and Dumais.
III.Approval Of Meeting Agenda
Motion by Commissioner Ellen Kennedy to approve the July HRRC
meeting agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Kristina Martin. Motion
Carried.
IV.Approval Of Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Meek and Student Commissioner Kearney joined the meeting at
7:02 pm.
Motion by Commissioner Ellen Kennedy to approve the June HRRC
meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Kristina Martin. Motion
Carried.
V.Community Comment
none
VI.Reports/Recommendations
A.2016 Work Plan Updates
Commissioner Vecchio-Smith reported an update on Community
Conversations. The two major themes that emerged from the report were
regarding discrimination in policing and the need for affordable housing.
Commissioner Meek suggested that the commission explore hosting an
institutional racism workshop for HRRC commissioners, city employees,
and city council. The HRRC will take it under advisement as a part of the
2017 work plan discussion.
Chair Arseneault updated the commission on the Bias Offense Response
Draft
Plan. The committee is planning to meet in the near future and hopes to bring
a recommendation to the HRRC at the August meeting.
B.2017 Work Plan Ideas
The Commission discussed updates to the 2017 work plan.
C.City Council Work Session Preparation
Chair Arseneault is going to present updates on the Day of Remembrance
event. Commissioner Martin will present on the Tom Oye Award.
Commissioners Meek and Edelson will present on "Sharing Values, Sharing
Communities," and the possible development of an annual event.
Commissioner Kennedy will present on the Human Rights City Designation.
Commissioner Vecchio-Smith will present on Community Conversations and
the development of more police partnerships through this effort.
Commissioner Beringer will present on the Bias Offense Response Plan, and
Student Commissioner Kearney will float the possibility of including
transgender rights and education as a part of the 2017 HRRC work plan.
D.Human Rights City Designation Resolution
Motion by Maggie Vecchio-Smith to approve the Edina Human Rights
City Designation Resolution Recommendation to City Council with the
amendment of the 5th paragraph to specify Edina, MN. Seconded by
Commissioner Cindy Edwards. Motion Carried.
E.2017 Meeting Date Changes
Motion by Commissioner Ellen Kennedy to move the November 2017
HRRC meeting to November 14th, 2017 and the December 2017
HRRC meeting to December 7th, 2017. Seconded by Commissioner
Catherine Beringer. Motion Carried.
VII.Correspondence And Petitions
VIII.Chair And Member Comments
Commissioner Kennedy brought materials for FBI security and identify theft
information to share.
Chair Arseneault reported that she received an informal resignation from
Commissioner Rinn from the Edina HRRC.
IX.Staff Comments
Liaison Lamon presented materials from the City of Bloomington's Omar Boudoir
Award as a possible model for materials for the Tom Oye Award.
X.Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Ellen Kennedy to Adjourn the July 18, 2016
Draft
HRRC meeting at 8:30 PM. Seconded by CommissionerMichelle Meek.
Motion Carried.
Draft
Date: August 23, 2016 Agenda Item #: VI.A.
To:Human Rights and Relations Commission Item Type:
Report and Recommendation
From:MJ Lamon, Project Coordinator
Item Activity:
Subject:2016 Work Plan Updates Discussion
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Committee and Working Groups will provide reports and/or updates on their 2016 work plan initiatives.
INTRODUCTION:
Sharing Values, Sharing Communities (Edelson/Meek)
Affordable Housing (Beringer)
Community Conversations (Vecchio-Smith/Martin)
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
HRRC 2016 Work Plan and Progress Report
Committee and Working Group Roster
Interfaith Panel Questions
Approved by City Council on December 15, 2015
39T39T
Board/Commission: Human Rights and Relations Commission
2016 Annual Work Plan Proposal
Initiative 1 ☐ New Initiative
☐ Continued Initiative
☒ On-Going Initiative
Target
Completion
Date
Budget
Required
Staff Support Required
(To be completed by Staff
Liaison)
Liaison Comments
Tom Oye Award April 2016 $100 1. 1.Register Attendance at
event
2. Track Nominations
3. 3. Update Website
Progress Report: Commission selected Lauren Morse-Wendt as the 2016 recipient in recognition of her collaborative leadership in developing support for
the 66 West project and for advancing a community conversation about affordable housing and homeless youth.
Initiative 2 ☐ New Initiative
☐ Continued Initiative
☒ On-Going Initiative
Target
Completion
Date
Budget
Required
Staff Support Required
(To be completed by Staff
Liaison)
Liaison Comments
Days of Remembrance April 2016 $1,000 1. Audio/Video – requires 2
CTS staff to come to
event and complete
video follow up
2. Marketing Pieces – CTS
request
3. Meeting Space – secure
City Hall, tables, chairs,
easels
4. Communication – Social
media, press release
5. Attend event
Most of the staff support
required is required from the
CTS department. The liaison
helps facilitate the requests.
With attending the event there
are many hours of staff support
for this event.
Progress Report: Annual DOR event held on April 10, 2016, focused on Women in the Holocaust and Genocides, featuring guest speaker St. Paul artist
and Holocaust survivor Lucy Smith, and talk by Dr. Ellen Kennedy on Ravensbruck, a women’s concentration camp. In addition, the committee
purposefully “branded” the event this year with the creation of a new poster design that will be used in all future DOR events.
Approved by City Council on December 15, 2015
Initiative 3 ☐ New Initiative
☒ Continued Initiative
☐ On-Going Initiative
Target
Completion
Date
Budget
Required
Staff Support Required
(To be completed by Staff
Liaison)
Liaison Comments
Human Rights City Designation December
2016
$200 1. Meeting Space – secure
rooms
2. Audio/Video – CTS staff to
assist with taping
3. Communication – social
media, press release
The HRRC is hoping to secure
Human Rights City Designation
in the year 2016.
Progress Report: Working group completed multiple presentations to Edina civic /community groups on what it means to be a human rights city, sought
best practices on addressing human rights issues from several Human Rights cities, and prepared a draft resolution for presentation to council for the city
of Edina to resolve to be a Human Rights City, with the goal to be proactive (rather than just reactive) regarding human rights issues.
Initiative 4 ☐ New Initiative
☒ Continued Initiative
☐ On-Going Initiative
Target
Completion
Date
Budget
Required
Staff Support Required
(To be completed by Staff
Liaison)
Liaison Comments
Community Conversations December
2016
None 1. Meeting Space
2. Report to CC
The Human Rights City
Designation hopes to use some
of the information gathered
from these meetings.
Progress Report: Committee has undertaken a review of the Community Conversations December 2015 Report to determine recommendations to
address concerns raised during the conversations; Committee’s report is in progress.
Initiative 5 ☐ New Initiative
☒ Continued Initiative
☐ On-Going Initiative
Target
Completion
Date
Budget
Required
Staff Support Required
(To be completed by Staff
Liaison)
Liaison Comments
Affordable Housing Expanding Opportunity
1. Continued education on affordable housing
2. Monitor status of Edina
3. Support current efforts
December
2016
None 1. Administrative
2. Connecting with the
committee as the topic
arises at the City
Most of this committee’s work
has been surrounding and
supporting the Edina Housing
Foundations Affordable
Housing Policy. They have also
been in support and watching
66 West project.
Progress Report: Committee continues to monitor status of affordable housing in Edina.
Approved by City Council on December 15, 2015
Initiative 6 ☒ New Initiative
☐ Continued Initiative
☐ On-Going Initiative
Target
Completion
Date
Budget
Required
Staff Support Required
(To be completed by Staff
Liaison)
Liaison Comments
Convention of the Elimination of all forms of
Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
• Resolution
• Education
November
2016
$500 1. Audio/Video – CTS staff to
be at event
2. Marketing Pieces – CTS
request
3. Meeting space – securing
space
4. Communications
Progress Report: Draft Resolution to endorse the national passage of CEDAW and to confirm the city’s commitment to the elimination of all forms of
discrimination against women presented to and adopted by City Council on March 2, 2016.
Initiative 7 ☒ New Initiative
☐ Continued Initiative
☐ On-Going Initiative
Target
Completion
Date
Budget
Required
Staff Support Required
(To be completed by Staff
Liaison)
Liaison Comments
Indigenous Peoples Day Designation September
2016
None 1. Admin support –
submitting reports to City
Council
Progress Report: Plan is to develop a strategy to engage and educate the community on the value of an Indigenous Peoples Day recognition (work has
not yet begun).
Initiative 8 ☒ New Initiative
☐ Continued Initiative
☐ On-Going Initiative
Target
Completion
Date
Budget
Required
Staff Support Required
(To be completed by Staff
Liaison)
Liaison Comments
Co-sponsor Community Conversation with Edina Public
Schools PCN (Parent Communication Network)
October
2016
$150 1. Marketing pieces for
event – CTS request
2. Communications
Progress Report: Put on hold pending the outcome of the Community Conversations committee’s work.
Initiative 9 ☐ New Initiative
☐ Continued Initiative
☐ On-Going Initiative
Target
Completion
Date
Budget
Required
Staff Support Required
(To be completed by Staff
Liaison)
Liaison Comments
Sharing Values, Sharing Community
• Community Event
February
2016
$200 1. Marketing pieces for
event – CTS request
2. Communications
Approved by City Council on December 15, 2015
Progress Report: Event entitled “Leading a Meaningful Life: a conversation with religious leaders about faith, joy, appreciation and gratitude” is planned
for October 27, 2016, in the Hughes Pavilion at Centennial Lakes, featuring Rabbi Michael Latz (Shir Tikvah), Father Kevin Finnegan (Our Lady of Grace),
Dr. Hamdy El-Sawaf (Imam at Masjid Al-Iman) and Steve Hagen (founder / teacher at Dharma Field Zen Center).
Ongoing Responsibilities
Edina Resource Center/Edina Community Council – HRRC Rep September to May, 3 year term
Website/Blog
Bias Offense Response and Prevention Plan: Review annually
HRRC Rep to Human Services Task Force
Other Work Plan Ideas Considered for Current Year or Future Years
Partnership with Health Commission on prescription drug abuse awareness.
Food Justice Initiative
Proposed Month for Joint Work Session (one time per
year, up to 60 minutes):
July 2016 (July 19, 2016)
Council Comments: Work plans proposed by the Boards and Commissions were reviewed at the December 1 work
session. The following changes/comments were made and are reflected on this work plan:
• No changes
• Concerned about staff time consumption (CTS and liaison) for initiatives.
EHRRC ROSTER: Committees, Working Groups, Representatives to External Committees
Responsibilities Chair Members Term Notes
Committee Tom Oye Award
Review nomination form & criteria to
determine need for revision; Provide
summary to commission; Update
letters to nominees and nominators;
Press Release / Ensure PSA will run
on Ch. 16; Ensure we have
presentation award; Present Award
Sarah Rinn
(2016)
Kristina Martin
Sid Ramesh Renew Annually
Review of nomination criteria
in summer; Preparations for
media/PR/announcements in
fall; Volunteer Award
Ceremony in spring (usually
April)
Committee Days of Remembrance
Create agenda & determine speakers;
Request holocaust survivors videos to
run on Ch. 16 throughout month of
April; Ensure event is marketed and
work with Communications
Department for poster update and
brochures; Distribution of posters;
Secure refreshments for event; Send
thank you notes to those involved
Heather Edelson
Kristina Martin
Michelle Meek
Caitlin Kearney
Renew Annually
Process usually starts in fall
and ends in April to coincide
with National Holocaust
Museum Days of
Remembrance
Working
Group
Human Rights City
Designation
Ellen Kennedy
(2016)
Cindy Edwards
Heather Edelson
Colleen Feige
Leslie Lagerstrom
Steve Winnick
Rachel Carlson
Arnie Bigbie
Terms end
December 2016
Community member
involvement
Committee Community
Conversations
Review working Group's Report to
Commission; determine course of
action (f any)
Maggie Vechhio-
Smith (2016)
Sarah Rinn
Kristina Martin Terms end
December 2016
Committee, Working Group, Event,
Rep to External Committee
Updated April 26, 2016
EHRRC ROSTER: Committees, Working Groups, Representatives to External Committees
Responsibilities Chair Members Term Notes
Committee, Working Group, Event,
Rep to External Committee
Committee Monitor Affordable
Housing
Monitor the status of affordable
housing projects and support current
affordable housing efforts; Continue
education on affordable housing
Co-Chairs:
Maggie Vecchio-
Smith (2016)
Catherine
Beringer (2016)
Terms end
December 2016
Committee
Convention of the
Elimination of all forms of
Discrimination Against
Women (CEDAW)
Drafting Resolution for Adoption by
City Council
Ellen Kennedy
(2016)Term ended Initiatve completed March
2016
Committee Indigenous Peoples Day
Designation
Drafting Resolution for Adoption by
City Council
Ellen Kennedy
(2016)Michelle Meek Terms end
December 2016
Target completion date
September 2016
Committee
Co-sponsor Community
Conversation with Edina
Pubic Schools PCN
(Parent Communication
Network)
Work with PCN to develop a topic of
mutual interest
Maggie Vechhio-
Smith (2016)
Term ends
December 2016 Initiatve on hold
Committee Sharing Values, Sharing
Community
Plan an event with leaders from
several faith communities
(Jewish/Muslim/Christian) to
advocate and embrace social justice
and understanding in our community
Heather Edelson
Kristina Martin
Michelle Meek
Terms end
December 2016
Updated April 26, 2016
EHRRC ROSTER: Committees, Working Groups, Representatives to External Committees
Responsibilities Chair Members Term Notes
Committee, Working Group, Event,
Rep to External Committee
HRRC Rep to
External
Committee
Edina Community Council
Council serves as Steering committee
for Edina Family Services
Collaborative; Attend meeting of the
social service agencies serving Edina,
the Edina school district, and other
South Hennepin metro communities.
Share information, participate in
budget process
N/A
Ellen Kennedy (3
year term: 2015-16;
2016-2017; 2017-
2018)
Renew every 3
years (before
start of school
year)
Meets (7:30-9:00 a.m.) every
other month during the
school year (September -
May)
Committee HRRC Website
Administration
Annual and periodic review of
website for content accuracy; Work
with Staff Liaison as needed on
changes or updates
Cindy Edwards
(2016)Sid Ramesh Renew Annually
Committee Bias Offense Response
Plan
Annually review Bias Offense
Response Plan; Work with City
Manager and Chief Nelson
Pat Arseneault
(2016)
Catherine Beringer
Cindy Edwards
Michelle Meek
Renew Annually
HRRC Rep to
External
Committee
Human Services
Taskforce
Review requests for funding
proposals from human service
providers who serve Edina
populations in need; Make
recommendation to Council on the
city's annual funding to providers
N/A No rep needed for
2016
Renew biennially
(at or before
September
Commission
meeting)
Taskforce comprised of reps
from Boards and
Commissions; Meets every
other year (next in 2017), 4
times in Oct/early Nov to
consider requests; Meets
with Council to make
recommendation
Updated April 26, 2016
Suggested Questions for Inter-Faith Panel
Rumi, the 13th century Persian poet and Sufi Mystic said that, “All religions are
beautiful. They all seek the divine truth.” And 19th century American
Transcendentalist poet, philosopher and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson agreed with
Rumi that all religions have value; they are more similar than different. Instead of
fearing one another, we can embrace our different religious interpretations as God's
hospitality for his own creation.” It is in this spirit that we’ve gathered together such
a wonderful panel this evening to speak with the citizens of our community about
how their faith guides them in living an authentic, meaningful life.
[INTRODUCE EACH PANELIST]
When you came in this evening we asked that you write down ‘one word’ on the
Community board that you think is crucial in leading a meaningful life. With that
said we’d like to start by asking each panelist what they wrote and why?
1. How has your faith shaped your view on living a meaningful life?
2. How has expanding your understanding of other religions enriched your own
faith?
3. In a world that’s increasingly inundated with news of suffering, war, injustice
and inequality, how do you find joy, hope or gratitude?
4. How have the rituals of your faith tradition helped you find meaning in your
lives?
5. Are there significant holidays/practices that help you strive to be a better
person? Please tell us about them and their meaning.
6. How would you guide someone who is facing a crisis of faith? Do you encourage
questioning the main tenets of your faith?
7. Was there a turning point in your life that led you to this path of being a faith
leader? Or, was it something you were always called to do?
8. Often time – our differences can keep us segregated from one another. Moving
forward, living more integrated lives seems to be important. Why is it important
Comment [SM1]: Heather: I threw this
together, but would love to pull from
insights from the panelists on their favorite quotes and/or religious guides.
I don’t have time now, but down the line
would love to pull some quotes from leaders past and present of each faith tradition.
that we try to seek to understand and embrace differences? What steps do you
think community members can take to lead more integrated lives?
9. The Constitution of the Iroquois Nation states that "In every deliberation, we
must consider the impact on the seventh generation... even if it requires having
skin as thick as the bark of a pine…Look and listen for the welfare of the whole
people and have always in view not only the present but also the coming
generations, even those whose faces are yet beneath the surface of the ground --
the unborn of the future Nation.” How does your faith inform your guidance on
environmental and social justice when you consider the next seven generations?
10. Our society has become more and ore dependent on social media dependent –
we seek validation from larger numbers, our boundaries on what we allow
others to see has expanded in the last 10 years, and who we see to be our
“friends” in many ways leave us exposed. How do you see social media to help
with joy, appreciation and gratitude and – in what ways does it also pose a
problem?
11. Appreciation and Gratitude in our busy seem to get lost. What are ways that you
and others you know – they are able to be present in appreciation and gratitude.
12. Our last question. What is a favorite quote you have that uplifts you on days
where you struggle to find good in yourself and the world around you?
We would like to thank you all for being here. I know I speak for this entire room
when I say that tonight we will leave feeling more joy, Appreciation and Gratitude
for you as faith leaders and for everyone of you in this room. Please feel free to stay
for a bit after and visit. We have coffee and tea. Shalom, Peace, ______*Say peace in
every language that we have on the panel!
Comment [SM2]: Heather: I’m struggling
with the wording here – would love your help… I feel like my wording is too
guided/leading
Date: August 23, 2016 Agenda Item #: VI.B.
To:Human Rights and Relations Commission Item Type:
Report and Recommendation
From:Kelly Dumais, City Management Fellow
Item Activity:
Subject:Indigenous People's Day Resolution Action, Discussion
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Review and approve the Indigenous People's Day Resolution in anticipation for City Council consideration.
INTRODUCTION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Indigenous People's Day Resolution
Minnesota Statues
City of Edina Indigenous Peoples Day Resolution, 2016
WHEREAS, the City of Edina, Minnesota recognizes the annexation of Dakota, Ojibwe, and
other Indigenous nations’ homelands for the building of our State; appreciates that Indigenous
nations have lived upon this land since time immemorial; and values the progress our State and
society have accomplished through the technology, thought, and culture of our Indigenous
nations;
WHEREAS, the people of the City of Edina understand that in order to help close the equity gap,
organizations, government entities and other public institutions should better reflect the
experiences of American Indian people in our country’s Indigenous roots, history, and
contributions;
WHEREAS, the idea of Indigenous Peoples Day was first proposed in 1977 by a delegation of
Native nations to the United Nations-sponsored International Conference on Discrimination
Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas;
WHEREAS, in 1990 representatives from 120 Indigenous nations at the First Continental
Conference on 500 Years of Indian Resistance unanimously passed a resolution to transform
Columbus Day into an occasion to strengthen the process of continental unity and struggle
towards liberation, and thereby use the occasion to reveal a more accurate historical record;
WHEREAS, the United States federal government and the State of Minnesota recognize
Columbus Day on the second Monday of October, in accordance with the federal holiday
established in 1937;
WHEREAS, the states of Alaska, California, South Dakota, and Tennessee, and the cities of
Berkeley, CA; Denver and Durango, CO; Traverse City, MI; Carrboro-Chapel Hill, NC;
Albuquerque, NM; Portland, OR; Pittsburgh, PA; Seattle, WA; and the Minnesota cities of Grand
Rapids, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Red Wing, MN have all designated that the second Monday
in October be known as Indigenous Peoples Day;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Edina shall also recognize Indigenous
Peoples Day on the second Monday in October.
In addition, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Edina develop and promote programs and
discussions to further its understanding of the First Peoples' history, treaties, language and
other cultural traditions and encourages other businesses, organizations, and other public
entities to do the same.
Minnesota Statutes
645.44 WORDS AND PHRASES DEFINED.
Subdivision 1.Scope.
The following words, terms, and phrases used in Minnesota Statutes or any legislative
act shall have the meanings given them in this section, unless another intention clearly
appears….
Subd. 5 Holiday.
"Holiday" includes New Year's Day, January 1; Martin Luther King's Birthday, the third
Monday in January; Washington's and Lincoln's Birthday, the third Monday in February;
Memorial Day, the last Monday in May; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, the first
Monday in September; Christopher Columbus Day, the second Monday in October; Veterans
Day, November 11; Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November; and Christmas
Day, December 25; provided, when New Year's Day, January 1; or Independence Day, July
4; or Veterans Day, November 11; or Christmas Day, December 25; falls on Sunday, the
following day shall be a holiday and, provided, when New Year's Day, January 1; or
Independence Day, July 4; or Veterans Day, November 11; or Christmas Day, December 25;
falls on Saturday, the preceding day shall be a holiday. No public business shall be transacted
on any holiday, except in cases of necessity and except in cases of public business transacted
by the legislature, nor shall any civil process be served thereon. However, for the executive
branch of the state of Minnesota, "holiday" also includes the Friday after Thanksgiving but
does not include Christopher Columbus Day. Other branches of state government and
political subdivisions shall have the option of determining whether Christopher Columbus
Day and the Friday after Thanksgiving shall be holidays. Where it is determined that
Columbus Day or the Friday after Thanksgiving is not a holiday, public business may be
conducted thereon.
Any agreement between a public employer and an employee organization citing
Veterans Day as the fourth Monday in October shall be amended to cite Veterans Day as
November 11.
Note: The City of Edina has exercised its option not to recognize Christopher
Columbus Day as a holiday.
Date: August 23, 2016 Agenda Item #: VI.C.
To:Human Rights and Relations Commission Item Type:
Report and Recommendation
From:Kelly Dumais, City Management Fellow
Item Activity:
Subject:Bias Offense Response Plan Action
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve the updated Bias Offense Response plan to be sent to Council for approval.
INTRODUCTION:
The Human Rights and Relations Bias Offense committee met to review and discuss amendments to the current
Bias Offense Response and Prevention Plan. The group has submitted a draft copy for the HRRC's review and
approval.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Draft Bias Offense Response Plan
Current Approved Bias Offense Response Plan
Bias Offense Response Plan
Approved by City Council November 17, 2015
Approved by City Council October 7, 2014
INTRODUCTION
The Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission (HRRC) drafted the Bias Offense Response
and Prevention Plan (the Plan) in 1994, proposed the Plan to the Edina City Council and the City
Council adopted the Plan on May 5, 1997. The Edina City Council directed the HRRC to review
the Plan at least once per year and provide recommended amendments as needed.
PURPOSES
• To establish a procedure for appropriate and timely local response to bias offenses
thus showing strong community support for the victim and zero community
tolerance for bias offenses that occur within the boundaries of the City of Edina;
• To raise awareness of how the city is responding to the bias offense incident in the
community;
• To establish a Community Resources Network that can be activated as needed.
The Edina HRRC provides or coordinates support to victims of bias offenses and provides
leadership in the community to prevent such offenses through education and collaborative
community action against prejudice and bigotry. However, it is not the role of the Edina HRRC
to investigate bias offenses.
BIAS OFFENSE DEFINED
A bias offense is defined by Minnesota Statute Section 611A.79, Subd. 1, a copy of which is
included in Appendix A.
PARTNERSHIP
The Edina HRRC will partner with citizens and organizations in the community in order to
provide timely and meaningful support to victims of bias offenses. Local community partners
are identified in Appendix B, Community Resources Network.
RESPONSE PLAN:
1) Subject to the limitations in the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Chapter 13, the
Edina Police Department will notify the City Manager and the HRRC Chair upon receipt from the Edina
Police Department or other law enforcement investigatory agency notice of a substantiated event or
incident which may constitute a bias offense under Minnesota Statutes.
2) If a complaint has been investigated by law enforcement and determined to be valid, then the Police
Chief, City Manager, and HRRC Chair will meet to determine the appropriate level of response. The
Edina City Manager will notify the Mayor and City Council as appropriate.
Bias Offense Response Plan
Approved by City Council November 17, 2015
Approved by City Council October 7, 2014
3) Community response options include contacting appropriate members of the Community Resources
Network to inform them of a bias offense and request their support and development of a response
plan.
4) If a complaint has been investigated and does not constitute a bias offense under Minnesota Statutes,
the police will contact victims with a voluntary Data Practices Release Form. If the victim(s) does not
return the release form, the HRRC Chair will make no contact. Upon receipt of a signed form from the
victim(s) the HRRC Chair will promptly contact the victim(s) to offer support and determine if any
further action or assistance is requested. The Chair will inform the HRRC at the next regularly
scheduled meeting.
5) The City Manager or designee will maintain a record of bias offenses and incidents.
APPENDIX A
2015 Minnesota Statues: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=611a.79
611A.79 CIVIL DAMAGES FOR BIAS OFFENSES.
Subdivision 1.Definition.
For purposes of this section, "bias offense" means conduct that would constitute a crime and was
committed because of the victim's or another's actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, disability as defined in section 363A.03, age, or national origin.
Subd. 2.Cause of action; damages and fees injunction.
A person who is damaged by a bias offense has a civil cause of action against the person who
committed the offense. The plaintiff is entitled to recover the greater of:
(1) $500; or
(2) actual general and special damages, including damages for emotional distress.
A plaintiff also may obtain punitive damages as provided in sections 549.191 and 549.20 or an
injunction or other appropriate relief.
Subd. 3.Relation to criminal proceeding; burden of proof.
A person may bring an action under this section regardless of the existence or outcome of criminal
proceedings involving the bias offense that is the basis for the action. The burden of proof in an action
under this section is preponderance of the evidence.
Subd. 4.Parental liability.
Section 540.18 applies to actions under this section, except that:
(1) the parent or guardian is liable for all types of damages awarded under this section in an amount
not exceeding $5,000; and
Bias Offense Response Plan
Approved by City Council November 17, 2015
Approved by City Council October 7, 2014
(2) the parent or guardian is not liable if the parent or guardian made reasonable efforts to exercise
control over the minor's behavior.
Subd. 5.Trial; limitation period.
(a) The right to trial by jury is preserved in an action brought under this section.
(b) An action under this section must be commenced not later than six years after the cause of
action arises.
Subd. 6.Other rights preserved.
APPENDIX B
Community Resources Network
ORGANIZATION
CONTACT
TELEPHONE
Edina Human Rights & Relations
Commission Staff Liaison 952-927-8861
Edina Police Department Chief of Police 952-826-1610
City of Edina City Manager 952-927-8861
Edina City Council Mayor 952-927-8861
Edina Public School District #273 Superintendent 952-848-4000
Richfield Public School District Superintendent 612-798-6000
Hopkins Public School District Superintendent 952-988-4000
Edina Chamber of Commerce Executive Director 952-806-9060
Bias Offense Response Plan
Approved by City Council November 17, 2015
Approved by City Council October 7, 2014
Hennepin County County Attorney 612-348-5550
Professional Mediation Organizations Call the Human Rights and Relations Staff
Liaison for resource list 952-927-8861
Minnesota Department of Human
Rights Commissioner 651-539-1100
Plan Updated History: 1994, 1997, 2003, 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016
Bias Offense Response and Prevention Plan
Approved by City Council November 17, 2015
Approved by City Council October 7, 2014
INTRODUCTION
The Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission (HRRC) first drafted the Bias Offense
Response and Prevention Plan (the Plan) in 1994. The HRRC proposed the Plan to the Edina City
Council in March 1997, and the City Council adopted the Plan with some slight revisions on May
5, 1997. The Edina City Council directed the HRRC to review the Plan at least once per year and
provide recommended amendments as needed. The Edina City Council updated the Plan in
2003, 2008, and most recently in 2011, and 2014.
Minority population increases continue among the City’s residents, workforce, and school
population. Approximately 20% of the Edina’s School District population is identified as ethnic
minority, according to school district information. With increasing diversity in the City and
school populations, attention is called to the Plan to ensure participants are prepared to
implement its provisions should triggering incidents occur.
PURPOSES
• To establish a procedure for appropriate and timely local response to bias offenses
thus showing strong community support for the victim and zero community
tolerance for bias offenses that occur within the boundaries of the City of Edina;
• To raise awareness of bias offense responses within the community;
• To establish a Community Resources Network that can be activated as needed.
The Edina HRRC provides or coordinates support to victims of bias offenses and provides
leadership in the community to prevent such offenses through education and collaborative
community action against prejudice and bigotry. However, it is not the role of the Edina HRRC
to investigate bias offenses.
BIAS OFFENSE DEFINED
A bias offense is defined by Minnesota Statute Section 611A.79, Subd. 1, a copy of which is
included in Appendix A.
PARTNERSHIP
The Edina HRRC will partner with citizens and organizations in the community in order to
provide timely and meaningful support to victims of bias offenses. Local community partners
are identified in Appendix B, Community Resources Network.
Key partners include:
• Edina Police Chief
• Edina City Manager
Bias Offense Response and Prevention Plan
Approved by City Council November 17, 2015
Approved by City Council October 7, 2014
• Edina Mayor and City Council, if appropriate
• Edina School Superintendent, if appropriate
• Local media, if appropriate
• Professional mediation organizations, if appropriate
RESPONSE AND PREVENTION PLAN PROCESS:
1) Subject to the limitations in the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Chapter 13, the
Edina Police Department will notify the City Manager and the HRRC Chair upon receipt from the Edina
Police Department or other law enforcement investigatory agency notice of a substantiated event or
incident which may constitute a bias offense under Minnesota Statutes. Together, the Edina Police
Chief, City Manager and HRRC Chair will determine the appropriate level of response, including any
necessary public statements.
2) The Edina City Manager will notify the Mayor and City Council as appropriate. Upon receipt of a signed
Data Practices Release Form from the victim(s), the HRRC Chair will promptly contact the victim(s) to
offer support and determine any further response from the City or community. If the Edina Police Chief
informs the HRRC Chair that the initial victim(s) request privacy or if the victim(s) does not return the
release form, the HRRC Chair will make no contact.
3) The HRRC Chair will call upon members of the Community Resources Network as needed, respecting
the privacy of the initial victim. Community response options include:
• Contact appropriate members of Community Resources Network to inform them of a bias
offense and request their support and participation in the response.
• Only where appropriate and after consultation with the initial victim(s) and the Edina City
Manager, the HRRC and/or Community Resources Network members may plan a community-
wide response.
4) HRRC Chair or designee will initiate initial and follow up contact with the victim(s) in person or by
phone.
5) After follow-up has occurred, the HRRC and Community Resources Network members involved shall
meet as necessary to review the response and take action or make changes.
6) The HRRC will send letters of appreciation to Community Resources Network members involved.
7) In the event the “Public Property”, damaged or defaced as a result of an action that may constitute a
bias offense under Minnesota law is not owned or leased or used by the City and is located within the
City of Edina (Other Public Property), the Chief Executive Officer or Board Chair of the Other Public
Property shall be contacted by the Edina City Manager and be given the opportunity (i) join in the
implementation of the Plan; or (ii) join in the cooperative implementation of the Plan with any similar
plan in place or created by the owner or operator of the Other Public Property. The City reserves the
Bias Offense Response and Prevention Plan
Approved by City Council November 17, 2015
Approved by City Council October 7, 2014
right to implement the Plan in the event that an owner or operator of the Other Public Property either
acting through its Chief Executive Office, Board Chair, or designee (i) declines to participate; or (ii) does
not respond to the City’s invitation to participate in the implementation of the Plan. However, if the
owner or operator of the Other Public Property requests the Edina City Manager to not implement the
Plan, the City Manager shall notify the Mayor, City Council, and the HRRC Chair of such request, and
shall seek Council guidance on implementation.
8) The HRRC Chair will provide a summary report of the response to the Edina City Council and Police
Chief.
9) At least annually, the HRRC will review the overall process and recommend necessary amendments to
the Edina City Council and Police Chief.
10) The HRRC may periodically sponsor public information sessions, education and training to promote
the understanding and prevention of offenses through collaborative community action.
APPENDIX A
2013 Minnesota Statues: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=611a.79
611A.79 CIVIL DAMAGES FOR BIAS OFFENSES.
Subdivision 1. Definition.
For purposes of this section, "bias offense" means conduct that would constitute a crime
and was committed because of the victim's or another's actual or perceived race, color,
religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability as defined in section 363A.03, age, or national origin.
Subd. 2. Cause of action; damages and fees injunction.
A person who is damaged by a bias offense has a civil cause of action against the person
who committed the offense. The plaintiff is entitled to recover the greater of:
(1) $500; or
(2) actual general and special damages, including damages for emotional distress.
A plaintiff also may obtain punitive damages as provided in sections 549.191 and 549.20 or
an injunction or other appropriate relief.
Subd. 3. Relation to criminal proceeding; burden of proof.
A person may bring an action under this section regardless of the existence or outcome of
criminal proceedings involving the bias offense that is the basis for the action. The burden
of proof in an action under this section is preponderance of the evidence.
Bias Offense Response and Prevention Plan
Approved by City Council November 17, 2015
Approved by City Council October 7, 2014
Subd. 4. Parental liability.
Section 540.18 applies to actions under this section, except that:
(1) the parent or guardian is liable for all types of damages awarded under this section in
an amount not exceeding $5,000; and
(2) the parent or guardian is not liable if the parent or guardian made reasonable efforts to
exercise control over the minor's behavior.
Subd. 5. Trial; limitation period.
(a) The right to trial by jury is preserved in an action brought under this section.
(b) An action under this section must be commenced not later than six years after the cause
of action arises.
Subd. 6. Other rights preserved.
The remedies under this section do not affect any rights or remedies of the plaintiff under
other law.
History:
1996 c 468 s 1
APPENDIX B
Community Resources Network
ORGANIZATION
CONTACT
TELEPHONE
Edina Human Rights & Relations
Commission Staff Liaison 952-927-8861
Edina Police Department Chief of Police 952-826-1610
City of Edina City Manager 952-927-8861
Edina City Council Mayor 952-927-8861
Bias Offense Response and Prevention Plan
Approved by City Council November 17, 2015
Approved by City Council October 7, 2014
Edina Public School District #273 Superintendent 952-848-4000
Richfield Public School District Superintendent 612-798-6000
Hopkins Public School District Superintendent 952-988-4000
Edina Chamber of Commerce Executive Director 952-806-9060
Hennepin County County Attorney 612-348-5550
Owner/operator of “public property”
if not the City of Edina
Call the Human Rights and Relations Staff
Liaison for assistance 952-927-8861
Professional Mediation Organizations Call the Human Rights and Relations Staff
Liaison for resource list 952-927-8861
Minnesota Department of Human
Rights Commissioner 651-539-1100
Date: August 23, 2016 Agenda Item #: VI.D.
To:Human Rights and Relations Commission Item Type:
Report and Recommendation
From:MJ Lamon, Project Coordinator
Item Activity:
Subject:2017 Proposed Work Plan Discussion
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
None.
INTRODUCTION:
Continue to discuss and develop 2017 work plan draft.
2017 Work plan due to City staff on September 23rd, 2016
Proposed projects:
AARP Age Friendly Cities (Edelson)
Update Senior Report (Edelson)
Affordable Housing (Beringer)
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Draft HRRC 2017 work plan
AARP Steps to Becoming Age Friendly
The Growing Imperative for Age Friendly Communities
Board/Commission: Choose an item.
2017 Annual Work Plan Proposal
*Complete each section with a white background
*Liaisons need to fill out budget and staff support required
*Return to MJ Lamon by September 23, 2016
Definitions:
New Initiative – not on previous work plan
Continued Initiative – carried over from a previous work plan with
a revised target completion date
Ongoing Responsibility – annually on the work plan and may or
may not have a target completion date
Initiative Council Charge
☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4
Target Completion
Date
Budget Required
(Staff Liaison)
Staff Support Required
(Staff Liaison)
☐ New Initiative ☐ Continued Initiative ☒ Ongoing Responsibility April 2017 New Printed
Materials - possible
cost
1. Register attendance at
event
2. Track nominations
3. Update website
Tom Oye Award
Liaison Comments: Click here to enter text.
City Manager Comments: Click here to enter text.
Progress Report: Click here to enter text.
Initiative Council Charge
☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4
Target Completion
Date
Budget Required
(Staff Liaison)
Staff Support Required
(Staff Liaison)
☐ New Initiative ☐ Continued Initiative ☒ Ongoing Responsibility August 2017 $0 1. Coordinate meetings
2. Track offenses Bias Offense Response Plan – review and update, if needed, annually
Liaison Comments: Click here to enter text.
City Manager Comments: Click here to enter text.
Progress Report: Click here to enter text.
Initiative Council Charge
☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4
Target Completion
Date
Budget Required
(Staff Liaison)
Staff Support Required
(Staff Liaison)
☐ New Initiative ☐ Continued Initiative ☒ Ongoing Responsibility April 2017 Click here to enter
text.
1. Work with CTS on marketing
materials Days of Remembrance Event
Liaison Comments: Click here to enter text.
City Manager Comments: Click here to enter text.
Progress Report: Click here to enter text.
Initiative Council Charge
☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4
Target Completion
Date
Budget Required
(Staff Liaison)
Staff Support Required
(Staff Liaison)
☐ New Initiative ☒ Continued Initiative ☐ Ongoing Responsibility June 2017 Click here to enter
text.
Click here to enter text.
Strategic Plan
● Human Rights City Designation and Community
Conversations initiatives
Liaison Comments: HRRC will be asking Council to approve a strategic plan which will be the road map moving into the future.
City Manager Comments: Click here to enter text.
Progress Report: Click here to enter text.
Initiative Council Charge
☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4
Target Completion
Date
Budget Required
(Staff Liaison)
Staff Support Required
(Staff Liaison)
☒ New Initiative ☐ Continued Initiative ☐ Ongoing Responsibility December 2017 Click here to enter
text.
Click here to enter text.
Transgender Rights
● Gender and facilities
● Inventory city forms
● Inventory city owned
● What are the issues that still exist?
Liaison Comments: Click here to enter text.
City Manager Comments: Click here to enter text.
Progress Report: Click here to enter text.
Initiative Council Charge
☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4
Target Completion
Date
Budget Required
(Staff Liaison)
Staff Support Required
(Staff Liaison)
☒ New Initiative ☐ Continued Initiative ☐ Ongoing Responsibility Click here to enter
text.
Click here to enter
text.
Click here to enter text.
Age-Friendly City
● Update senior center
● Transportation
● Housing
● Continuing work and education
● Mental Health
● Community health programs
● Partnership with CHC?
Liaison Comments: Click here to enter text.
City Manager Comments: Click here to enter text.
Progress Report: Click here to enter text.
Initiative Council Charge
☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4
Target Completion
Date
Budget Required
(Staff Liaison)
Staff Support Required
(Staff Liaison)
☒ New Initiative ☐ Continued Initiative ☐ Ongoing Responsibility Click here to enter
text.
Click here to enter
text.
Click here to enter text.
Racism and Discrimination
● MLK award?
Liaison Comments: Click here to enter text.
City Manager Comments: Click here to enter text.
Progress Report: Click here to enter text.
Initiative Council Charge
☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4
Target Completion
Date
Budget Required
(Staff Liaison)
Staff Support Required
(Staff Liaison)
☒ New Initiative ☐ Continued Initiative ☐ Ongoing Responsibility Likely ongoing
throughout 2017
Potential stipend for
consultants; release
time for officers and
the chief
Click here to enter text.
Police Department Partnership
● Mental Health - potential partnership with CHC
● Possibly use 21st Century Policing’s 6 Pillars &
recommendations
● Community Event with the PD
Liaison Comments: Click here to enter text.
City Manager Comments: Click here to enter text.
Progress Report: Click here to enter text.
Initiative Council Charge
☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4
Target Completion
Date
Budget Required
(Staff Liaison)
Staff Support Required
(Staff Liaison)
☒ New Initiative ☐ Continued Initiative ☐ Ongoing Responsibility June 2017 TBD (possible money
for fee/donation to
group that facilitates
workshop)
Need input from HRRC members to
determine the best resource to
present this workshop Institutional Racism Workshop attended by City staff/leadership,
City Council Members and the HRRC.
Liaison Comments: The 1-hour workshop of 15-20 people could be presented by Youth Undoing Institutional Racism (YUIR), which is part of the Twin Cities
Healing Justice Program. The goal is to provide attendees with details on the systems that perpetuate racism – from education to the criminal justice system
– so we can work to create meaningful change. Workshop participants would include HRRC members and City staff/leadership and City Council Members
Based on what we learn at the workshop, we can determine possible public initiatives. WE can talk about the HRRC’s experience with other groups who
could do this workshop,, but one option is the Twin Cities Healing Justice Program of American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
City Manager Comments: Click here to enter text.
Progress Report: Click here to enter text.
Initiative Council Charge
☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4
Target Completion
Date
Budget Required
(Staff Liaison)
Staff Support Required
(Staff Liaison)
☒ New Initiative ☒ Continued Initiative ☐ Ongoing Responsibility June 2017 TBD Need input from HRRC members
regarding success of 2016 event and
thoughts for 2017 event(s). Sharing Values, Sharing Communities
● 2017 Event(s) would be based on success of 2016 event in
October (Interfaith panel)
Liaison Comments: The committee would reconvene after the 2016 event to debrief and develop ideas to present for a 2017 event. The idea would be to
create a series of public discussions around important, uplifting topics that could be addressed by leaders of our community.
City Manager Comments: Click here to enter text.
Progress Report: Click here to enter text.
Parking Lot: (These items have been considered by the BC, but not proposed as part of this year’s work plan. If the BC decides they would like
to work on them in the current year, it would need to be approved by Council.)
Proposed Month for Joint Work Session (one time per year, up to 60 minutes):
Council Comments:
VOICES OF THE GOVERNING INSTITUTE
The Growing Imperative for AgeFriendly Communities
Places that take the needs of an aging population seriously now will fare best over the long haul.
BY ADAM DAVIS | JULY 6, 2016
Adam Davis
Founder and principal of DHM Research
Connect with Adam
We hear a lot these days about the need to make communities smart and sustainable. But there's
another aspect of our communities that is getting more and more attention, not only from
forward-looking public officials but also in university studies and international conferences:
preparing communities to be friendly for the unprecedented aging of their populations.
It's not hard to see why more communities are recognizing the need to be age-friendly. According
to data from the Census Bureau and AARP, one in three Americans is 50 or older now, and by 2030
one in five will be 65 or older. Long before that, however, the 76.4 million baby boomers will be
making their needs known as the generational gap widens: The 50-plus contingent will grow over
the next decade by 19 million, compared to only 6 million for the 18-49 population.
This cohort of aging Americans is characterized by longer life expectancies, more energetic
lifestyles and greater economic power than previous older generations enjoyed. As they look at
their communities, age-friendliness -- the state of policy-making and planning for everything from
health care and housing to economic development and transportation -- is going to become even
more important to them. "Many thought leaders now believe that the communities that fare best in
the 21st century will be those that both tackle the challenges and embrace the positive possibilities
that an aging population creates," as Grantmakers in Aging put it in a 2013 study.
One other pragmatic consideration is that compared to younger generations, older Americans are
much more likely to vote. So as community leaders look for ways to provide older Americans with
what they want and need, they can draw guidance from a recent national survey conducted by
DHM Research in partnership with the Institute on Aging at Portland State University, Oregon
Public Broadcasting and AARP-Oregon:
0 comments
• While nine in 10 Americans over age 75 feel it is important for their communities to work toward
becoming more age-friendly, eight in 10 percent of adults of all ages agree with that sentiment.
Among 10 choices, the top three that survey respondents identified for making a community age-
friendly were housing (25 percent), health services (24 percent), and employment and the economy
(21 percent).
• When asked specifically about the most important strategies for supporting seniors and people
with disabilities, topping the list for Americans of all ages, at 33 percent, was better alignment of
housing, transportation and social needs. The next most popular strategies: providing more
physical and mental health promotion and preventive services (25 percent) and better access to
help and information including personal financial planning resources (18 percent).
None of these issues are new, of course; what's new is the increasing amount of attention being
paid to them. Last year was an important year for older Americans, from the expansion of the U.S.
and global Networks of Age-Friendly Communities to the White House Conference on Aging.
Meanwhile, Medicare, Medicaid and the Older Americans Act celebrated their 50th anniversaries,
while the Social Security Act turned a venerable 80. These programs represent our existing
economic and social infrastructure for older Americans. The challenge, as with other forms of
infrastructure, is maintaining it in good repair while laying the groundwork at all levels of
government for future needs. The needs and interests of older Americans will shift demand for
government services and programs just as they will with private-sector products and services.
And it isn't just about older Americans. The development of age-friendly communities deserves the
support of all ages, for one very important reason: We're all growing older. As Portland State's
Margaret Neal and Alan DeLaTorre wrote in a report published in February, "What we do now to
make our communities good places to grow up and grow old will yield returns not only for today's
elders but also tomorrow's -- that is, for all of us."
Adam Davis | Contributor
adavis@dhmresearch.com | @DHMresearch
ABOUT VOICES
VOICES is curated by the Governing Institute, which seeks out practitioners and observers whose
perspective and insight add to the public conversation about state and local government. For more
information or to submit an article to be considered for publication, please contact editor John Martin.
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