Government

Equity and Social Justice Commission (ESJC)

History

  • The Commission was founded by the late Joan Hernandez former City of Tukwila Councilmember.
  • In 1989, the Council passed Ordinance 1828, establishing an Equity and Diversity Commission and setting forth its purpose and scope of duties.
  • October 2018 saw the Commission’s name changed to the Equity and Social Justice Commission.
  • The Equity and Social Justice Commission developed a new mission statement in 2021.

 

Mission Statement

The Commission advises policymakers, advocating and promoting for initiatives that dismantle systemic racial, gender and economic inequities, to create and strengthen a sense of belonging for all community members.

 

Purpose

The objective of the Commission shall be:

  • To promote understanding that accepts, celebrates and appreciates diversity within the community.
  • To serve as a resource for the community by providing information and educational forums that will facilitate a better understanding and awareness of social justice and human rights.
  • To provide recommendations to the Mayor and City Council regarding opportunities to increase equity and social justice awareness and promote social justice programs.

 

Meetings

The Equity and Social Justice Commission meets the first Thursday of every month at 5:30pm.  The meetings are held at the City of Tukwila Justice Center, located at 15005 Tukwila International Boulevard, Tukwila, WA 98168.

 

For more information, please contact staff liaison Jo Anderson, Inclusion & Engagement Manager, at 206-658-7849 or Jo.Anderson@TukwilaWA.gov.