ANN ARBOR, MI - Can a policy make a difference in addressing racial inequity in Washtenaw County?

That was the question many members of the public brought to Washtenaw County commissioners on Wednesday, Sept. 5, when the board unanimously passed a new equity policy.

"This is hard, hard work. And it is late," said Andy LaBarre, Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners chairman. "But the equity action team has done fantastic work. ... I think this is tangible progress. If it's a small step forward, it's still a step forward with the right goal."

The equity policy states Washtenaw County government's intention to focus on issues of equity when it comes to providing county services, establishing policies and procedures, hiring and retaining county employees, budgeting, training and community engagement.

The policy also calls for the creation of a Racial Equity Office led by a racial equity officer who will report to the county administrator.

A proposed county budget for 2019-22 calls for $250,000 a year to be spent on equity work, said Commissioner Felicia Brabec, who spearheaded efforts to revise the equity policy based on community input she and Anna Lemler, the county's racial equity analyst, gathered in recent months.

There was standing room only at the meeting, with about 60 people in attendance. Most addressing the commissioners said they supported the equity policy, but had questions about how county officials would be held accountable for implementing it and what action would result.

"Together, I do believe that we can change the way we work and live in our community," Brabec said. "I appreciate that people are skeptical. I get that. But I just want to tell you this: that personally, I will not give up fighting for this and working for this just because it's hard."

Members of the public asked the commissioners to prioritize affordable housing, quality early childhood education and mental health services as they begin to address disparities across Washtenaw County.

Ypsilanti resident Yodit Mesfin-Johnson asked the commissioners to consider the assets people of color contribute to Washtenaw County, rather than only seeing deficits that need to be addressed.

"Yes, folks are under-resourced. Yes, we have huge systems of oppression that operate in power and privilege here in this county every day," said Mesfin-Johnson, who is chief operating officer of NEW Solutions for Nonprofits in Ann Arbor. "But we also have an abundance of opportunity. ... Let's remain hopeful and let's act like we've missed something, not like something is lacking.

Roger Kuhlman, a retired accountant and more-than-40-year Ann Arbor resident, said the equity policy is not necessary because institutional racism does not exist in Washtenaw County.

He said people of color tend to have an easier time getting jobs and benefits in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County as a whole.

"There is no existing, wide institutional racism in this county. To say there is, is really hyperbolic and extreme. You just should be treating people equally. ... I don't want to see special privileges for people based on their skin color," Kuhlman said during public comment.

County Administrator Gregory Dill walked out of the boardroom while Kuhlman was speaking, saying he was "really disappointed" by his comments.

Sheriff Jerry Clayton was moved to speak after Kuhlman.

"For anybody to think that institutional racism does not exist in Washtenaw County, I just got to ask the question - I don't know where you are," Clayton said. "None of us are immune from this occurring. ... The ordinance is a start. We have to put the ordinance in place, then we have to put the muscle behind it to make it happen."