IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION encouraging the establishment of a functioning Jackson County LGBTQ+ Commission and presenting a proposed framework for its creation.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 22306, June 15, 2026
INTRODUCED BY Jalen Anderson, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, Jackson County is home to diverse and vibrant lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other LGBTQ+ residents whose contributions strengthen the civic, cultural, economic, and social fabric of our community; and,
WHEREAS, LGBTQ+ residents continue to face unique challenges related to housing, healthcare access, public safety, employment, education, and discrimination, making dedicated community engagement and policy review essential to ensuring equitable outcomes for all residents; and,
WHEREAS, in 2024 Jackson County announced the intention to establish a Jackson County LGBTQ+ Commission to serve as an advisory body focused on issues affecting LGBTQ+ residents; and,
WHEREAS, the proposed commission has yet to be established; and,
WHEREAS, the office of Legislator Jalen Anderson has prepared framework for the establishment of a Jackson County LGBTQ+ Commission, attached hereto, outlining membership, appointment procedures, duties, reporting requirements, and administrative structure; and,
WHEREAS, the proposed framework provides for a nine-member commission reflective of the geographic diversity of Jackson County, including district representation and at-large appointments, and is prepared for legislative consideration; and,
WHEREAS, the proposed framework has been provided for review and consideration, demonstrating that the County possesses the necessary foundation to move from concept to implementation; and,
WHEREAS, the Legislature finds that the creation of a Jackson County LGBTQ+ Commission is both timely and necessary to ensure meaningful engagement with LGBTQ+ residents and stakeholders throughout the County; and,
WHEREAS, the Legislature further finds that the County’s commitment to inclusion is best
demonstrated through action; and,
WHEREAS, the Legislature finds that continued delay in establishing the Commission serves neither the interests of Jackson County nor the LGBTQ+ residents it is intended to represent; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, that the Legislature hereby expresses its support for and intent to establish a Jackson County LGBTQ+ Commission; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature recognizes the work already completed to develop a framework for the Commission and acknowledges that a proposed structure is available for consideration and implementation; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature encourages the prompt advancement of legislation or action by the County Executive necessary to formally establish the Jackson County LGBTQ+ Commission and to ensure that the proposal is brought to fruition without unnecessary delay; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Jackson County Legislature reaffirms its commitment to fostering an inclusive County government that listens to, engages with, and serves ALL residents.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 22306 of June 15, 2026, was duly passed on ___________________________, 2026 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _________________ Nays ____________
Abstaining ___________ Absent ____________
______________________ ________________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature