Metro is creating an Advisory Committee to support the development of Metro’s agency-specific equity strategy and encourages interested individuals to apply.
"Not a day goes by when the news isn’t filled with debate about inequities," said Martha Bennett, Metro’s chief operating officer. "From parks, to schools, to roads, to transit, different communities identify barriers in the way of adequate access to public structures and systems. Metro wants to investigate these issues, develop real data about existing conditions and then make decisions about the things we are best able to help our region address."
Members of the committee will provide recommendations about how Metro can best help ensure everyone in the Portland region has access to safe and reliable transportation, clean air and water, economic prosperity and vibrant neighborhoods.
Metro will use recommendations from the committee to inform and implement actions that will remove barriers that limit the region’s potential.
"As our region continues to change and grow, we need help to ensure that everyone in our region, and every community in our region, has the opportunity succeed," Bennett said.
Advisory Committee members will be selected through an application process and appointed by Metro’s Chief Operating Officer.
The deadline for applications is 5 p.m., Thursday, May 9, 2013.
The Equity Strategy Advisory Committee will be comprised of up to 15 members from a variety of backgrounds and representing a cross-section of community interests. Metro is looking for members who have experience, expertise and diverse perspectives in one or more of the following:
- Have a commitment to equity, social or environmental justice, or diversity and the ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse perspectives and experiences.
- Community service, community organizing or advocacy.
- Policy development, research, education, business, philanthropy, local government or public service.
The Equity Advisory Committee will provide formal recommendations to Metro’s chief operating officer. These recommendations, developed in collaboration with Metro staff, will be delivered to Metro Council by the chief operating officer. The Advisory Committee will meet every other month and applicants are asked to serve at least through the issuance of a baseline report (anticipated 18 month commitment), with the option of serving additional terms.
In selecting the Equity Strategy Advisory Committee members, Metro seeks members with the following skills:
- A commitment to building partnerships among diverse stakeholders and across perspectives.
- Experience in one or more of the fields of equity, social and/or environmental justice, diversity and the demonstrated ability to communicate these perspectives across diverse issues.
- An understanding of outcomes-based monitoring and evaluation approaches, including an understanding of the strengths and limitations of current approaches to data collection, monitoring and evaluation.
- Experience in the field of organizational development and an understanding of how to implement systematic processes to effectively achieve organizational change.
Completed applications can be mailed c/o: Cassie Salinas, 600 NE Grand Avenue, Portland, OR 97232 or sent via email to: [email protected]. Include "Equity Strategy Advisory Committee" in the subject line.
For more information on the Equity Advisory Committee, contact Nuin-Tara Key at 503-797-1917 or [email protected]. Hearing impaired may call TDD 503-797-1804.