Inclusion Diversity Equity and Access Advisory Committee

In April 2023, the Tualatin City Council approved creation of the Tualatin Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Advisory Committee (also known as the I.D.E.A. Advisory Committee). This committee will assist with achieving the City Council’s 2030 Vision to be an inclusive community that promotes equity, diversity, and access in creating a meaningful quality of life for everyone and to be a connected, informed, and civically engaged community that embraces our City’s diversity.

The Council is committed to ensuring that all community members have a voice and can be involved in the City’s governance. The I.D.E.A. Advisory Committee will be responsible for promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in the City of Tualatin.

Tualatin, known for its commitment to inclusivity, proudly announces the selection of 12 outstanding individuals to shape the newly formed Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (I.D.E.A.) Advisory Committee. From a competitive pool of 20 applicants, these diverse committee members were chosen after being interviewed by the Council Committee on Advisory Appointments (CCAA). With backgrounds spanning various communities and economic spheres, these voices will advise the City on building and strengthening relationships with the community and lowering barriers to public participation in city government. The I.D.E.A. Advisory Committee embodies the City's dedication to fostering an engaged community that celebrates diversity while focusing on enhancing relationships and lowering barriers to public participation in City government. 

What will this committee work on?

• Using your voice to make positive change in your community.
• Advocating for underserved populations.
• Providing advice to City Council, including recommended goals and methods to measure progress towards achieving greater inclusion, diversity, equity, access, and belonging within Tualatin
• Conducting research, including engaging with other community members, to identify opportunities to increase inclusion, diversity, equity, access, and belonging.
• Suggesting ways to empower people to connect with City elected and appointed officials and staff, and to make it easier for public participation in City government.
• For more information, see Chapter 11-11 of the Municipal Code

When will the I.D.E.A. Advisory Committee meet?

The committee will meet once per month. The committee's first meeting will be 6pm on Monday, Dec. 4, at the Tualatin Library Community Room. 2024 meeting dates and locations to be determined. 

Background:

In May 2022, the City Council created an ad hoc Equity Committee Planning Group, comprised of 15 individuals, who met six times between June and November 2022. This Planning Group helped build the structure of the permanent committee. In the Planning Group’s final report, they provide recommendations to the Council about the composition of the committee, the number of members, potential areas of focus, and other code language.

Committee Members: 

• Angelica Butler
• BJ Park (Co-Chair)
• Chris Paul (Co-Chair)
• Destini Barajas
• Erinn Stimson
• Gerry Preston
• Jasmine Wilder
• Kolini Fusitua
• Rebekah Morgan
• Valerie Holt
• Winnie Lo
• Christen Sacco (City Council Liaison)

Staff Liaisons 

• Betsy Rodriguez Ruef, Community Engagement Coordinator | 503-691-3671 | bruef@tualatin.gov
• Jerianne Thompson, Library Director / Equity & Inclusion Officer | 503-691-3063 | jthompson@tualatin.gov