HomeMy WebLinkAbout022 2025-05-15_report Comp Plan Intro_Vision Edit1
Equity & Inclusion related changes to 2025 Comp Plan Narrative Intro.
1. Framing of Indigenous Peoples
Location: “OUR HOME” section (pp. 1–2)
Issue:
The framing leans heavily on anthropological descriptions and implies that the Chemakum no
longer exist (“extinct as an ethnological group and tribe”). This language is outdated and erases
the continued legacy and potential descendants of the Chemakum people. It also fails to center
present-day tribal sovereignty, governance, and treaty rights.
Recommendation:
This section should emphasize ongoing Indigenous presence, sovereignty, and
stewardship. Avoid language of extinction or passive history. Instead, affirm the present-tense
relationships that Native nations have with these lands and waters and recognize their
jurisdictional and cultural leadership.
Suggested Edit (Replace entire paragraph beginning with “The first inhabitants…” and
the boxed sidebar):
“The first peoples of this region, including the Chemakum, S’Klallam, Twana, Suquamish, Makah,
and others, have stewarded these lands since time immemorial. While colonization disrupted
lifeways and displaced communities, tribal nations persist today as sovereign governments with
affirmed treaty rights, cultural continuity, and enduring relationships to these lands and waters.
Jefferson County is located within the ancestral territories of many tribal nations, including the
Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Skokomish
Indian Tribe, Suquamish Tribe, Makah Tribe, Quinault Indian Nation, Quileute Tribe, and Hoh
Tribe. The County affirms the ongoing rights of these sovereign nations and acknowledges their
unceded relationships to the land, water, and all beings.”
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2. Racial and Economic Equity
Location: Vision Statement, after the paragraph that begins:
“The vibrant community fabric offers opportunity for all residents…”
Issue:
The plan never explicitly names race, displacement, or systemic injustice. This omission
sidelines people historically excluded or harmed by planning decisions. It also fails to meet
recent GMA requirements (e.g., RCW 36.70A.070(2)(e–h)) to address racially disparate impacts
and anti-displacement policies.
Recommendation:
Include a bold, values-based paragraph affirming the plan's commitment to racial equity,
anti-displacement, and inclusion of historically marginalized groups. Make it clear that this plan
rectifies harm, not simply being future-focused.
Suggested Edit (Insert new paragraph after “…a distinctive and collective Jefferson
County identity forging a future together.”):
“We commit to actively undoing the legacies of racial exclusion, forced displacement, and
environmental injustice by advancing equity in land use, housing, economic development, and
community engagement. Jefferson County recognizes that Black, Indigenous, immigrant,
disabled, and working-class communities have historically been excluded from decision-making
and land access. Our planning for the future will center these voices and ensure meaningful,
ongoing participation and benefit.”
3. Gender-Inclusive and Class-Inclusive Language
Location: Vision Statement, paragraph currently beginning:
“The vibrant community fabric offers opportunity for all residents…”
Issue:
This phrasing focuses narrowly on “working-class individuals and families” and “those who
struggle to age with dignity,” which can unintentionally pathologize people or reinforce class
hierarchies. It also reinforces a nuclear family norm and excludes gender-diverse individuals.
Recommendation:
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Use language that reflects intersectional class and gender inclusion while affirming agency
and contributions, not just needs. Frame residents in terms of gifts and strengths, not only
struggles.
Suggested Edit (Replace entire paragraph):
“The vibrant community fabric offers opportunities for all residents—across incomes, abilities,
genders, and family structures—to thrive, age with dignity, and contribute their gifts. We value
people not only for their economic output but also for their participation, creativity, culture, care,
and relationships that sustain our communities.”
4. Ableism and Health Language
Location: Vision Statement, paragraph currently beginning:
“Emphasis on community spaces and networks of non-motorized trails, bike lanes, and paths
encourages interactive communities of healthy individuals.”
Issue:
Referring to “healthy individuals” as the desired outcome unintentionally implies that wellness is
tied to productivity or able-bodiedness. This can alienate residents with disabilities or chronic
illnesses.
Recommendation:
Avoid equating physical activity with wellness and instead describe inclusive environments
that support well-being for people of all abilities and body types. Incorporate principles of
disability justice in design and planning.
Suggested Edit (Replace the final sentence of that paragraph):
“Community members of all ages and abilities have access to safe and inclusive environments,
healthcare, including preventative, mental health, and long-term care, and abundant, locally grown
food.”
5. Volunteerism and Government Capacity
Location: Vision Statement, paragraph beginning:
“Jefferson County citizens value the strengths and resiliencies found in volunteerism…”
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Issue:
While uplifting volunteerism is necessary, this section risks obscuring the County’s responsibility
to resource communities equitably. Volunteerism should not substitute for structurally funded
services.
Recommendation:
Add a balancing clause that acknowledges the need for institutional accountability alongside
grassroots action.
Suggested Edit (Revise final two sentences of that paragraph):
“While volunteer initiatives and private services provide essential energy and creativity, Jefferson
County also recognizes that sustainable change requires public investment, accountable
governance, and equitable distribution of resources to meet basic community needs.”
6. Missing Acknowledgments – Climate Justice and Indigenous Ecological
Knowledge
Location: Vision Statement, final paragraph—add immediately before “Framework Goals”
section begins.
Issue:
There is no mention of the climate crisis, climate migration, or how environmental health is tied
to frontline communities. Also missing is the recognition of Indigenous ecological knowledge
as a foundation for stewardship.
Recommendation:
Include a final statement tying together ecological justice, intergenerational responsibility,
and decolonial resilience.
Suggested Edit (Add new closing paragraph):
“Justice-centered responses to climate change, habitat loss, and ecological disruption must also
shape Jefferson County’s future. We affirm the knowledge and leadership of Indigenous
communities, frontline climate-impacted residents, and those historically pushed to the margins.
Our vision is for a regenerative and equitable future—where environmental health, social justice,
and economic resilience are inseparable.”
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May, 2025
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