Joint City-County JEDI Advisory Board

Resolution 8533 passed in August 2021 establishing the City’s commitment to a Just, Equitable, Diverse and Inclusive (JEDI) Missoula included support for the county-led effort to create a JEDI Advisory board. This board in combination with community convenings are key engagement tools that will advance JEDI efforts, engage and connect community with resources, and align our JEDI efforts with community partners' efforts. One of the transformative action strategies recommended in the Listening, Engaging, Action, Reflection, Network (LEARN) audit was “Include BIPOC voices and perspectives in policy decisions. Connect with and collaborate with BIPOCs prior to making impactful decisions” (p. 124). An advisory board not only applies this recommendation, but also removes the barrier of direct access to government officials for residents from numerous diverse populations, especially those historically underrepresented and most adversely affected by disparities, thereby engaging them more fully in the decision-making process. A voluntary working group began their efforts toward creation of this advisory board in Spring 2021 as part of the National League of Cities Cohort Road Map which aims to ensure all residents feel safe, valued, welcome, and experience a sense of belonging. The working group was first hosted by Jamar Galbreath, County Equity Coordinator, and that work was continued by Rozlyn Haley after Jamar’s departure. The City was represented in the working group by a member of the City’s JEDI Strategic Implementation Work Team. The proposal going before both the Missoula City Council and the Missoula County Board of Commissioners on January 11 and January 5, respectively, is to pass a resolution to establish a Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) joint City County Advisory Board.

Initially, the resolution provides for a three-member task force that will have a 12-month period to develop bylaws and a formal recruitment and selection process for prospective Board members. This task force will be comprised of members from the original voluntary working group who have all invested significant time and energy to bring the advisory board to fruition.