Renton is seeking volunteers to serve on the Equity Commission for the city.

The Equity Commission provides recommendations to city leadership on removing or preventing racial, economic and social barriers in city programs, services and policies. Commission members analyze whether the presented information may create or support inequity, including what communities may be impacted.

“As a collective body of nine Renton residents, the commission is the embodiment of applying an equity lens with the commitment of volunteers willing to share and represent their unique viewpoints and experiences to foster a culture of equity and inclusion in all of the city,” Renton deputy chief administrative officer Kristi Rowland said.

The commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the council chambers at Renton City Hall and virtually.

“The commission adopts an annual work plan and meets monthly to share their perspective, advice and concerns about what they learn from staff. They ask critical questions and challenge our thinking on any topic we bring forward,” Rowland said. “Over the last year, they weighed in on our hiring practices, police recruitment, our budgeting process, communications and outreach strategies, and our human services program models and even heard from some of the partners we work with on various initiatives. The impacts have resulted in adjustments to our routine operations as well as how we conduct outreach and engagement activities.”

Rowland said the commission is instrumental in the city to embed inclusivity and listening to the employees and stakeholders.

“When we are composing or refreshing policies, programs, and processes, the additional eyes and perspectives are a force multiplier. The commission offers us an intentional space for convening a group with fresh eyes that can offer candid, constructive, and objective perspectives, which is an incredibly valuable resource,” Rowland said. “Whether it’s validating that we’re doing the right thing or challenging our methodology, the conversation is grounded in a positive mission.”

The commission consists of nine members who are Renton residents or own a business in Renton. The city said the commission should reflect Renton’s diversity and include members showing a strong commitment to equity.

“An ideal candidate will have a deep love of Renton and will arrive at each discussion with constructive ideas and suggestions that are grounded in the wisdom of their own experiences. They will be there in service to the community and will be comfortable with long-term outcomes. They will also be comfortable being part of a group that is diverse in thought, even in opposing perspectives, and will respect the formal process that offers a space for each view to be voiced, as its premise,” Rowland said.

Interested applicants can apply online on the Renton city website. Members will be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council.

“There are other volunteer opportunities for those who want to be more active and hands-on in the community, with immediate engagement and activities,” Rowland said. “The Equity Commission is a formalized way we can make systemic and long-term impacts where needed and, just as important, validate where we are getting things right.”