Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim Closes Equity Office to Save $285,000
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim is implementing cost-cutting measures, starting with the closure of the city's Office 365. This move is expected to save $285,000, with staff members transferred to other departments. The mayor is seeking millions in savings to address affordability concerns raised by Coun. Lenny Zhou.
The Office 365, established in 2020, was tasked with promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion among city staff. However, the City of Vancouver now believes it can integrate these efforts into its operational departments more effectively. This change comes as Mayor Sim plans to introduce a motion to reduce the 2026 property tax increase to zero per cent, a move that would require about $100 million in cuts to the city's operating budget.
Opposition councillors have expressed concerns about potential impacts on community centres, staffing, services, and grants. They worry that the zero per cent property tax increase goal may lead to reduced funding for these areas.
The closure of the Office 365 is the first step in Mayor Ken Sim's cost-saving plan. The city aims to embed equity efforts within its departments and achieve a zero per cent property tax increase in 2026. However, the potential impact on services and staffing remains a topic of concern for opposition councillors.
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