Department of the Environment

2009 Gender Analysis Update

On February 25, 2009, the Department of the Environment provided a report on its progress to the Commission on the Status of Women. The following draws directly from the Minutes of that meeting:

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT UPDATE

David Assman, Acting Director of the Department of the Environment provided an update on the implementation of CEDAW at the Department of the Environment. Mr. Assman reported that, of his 68 employees, 47 are women and, of the 7 Commissioners, 4 are women. Currently 51 of the 68 employees use the option of having 9/80 days to allow flexibility in their schedules. Sometimes staff schedules have to be rebalanced to ensure that there is always enough staff in the office. Staff meetings are held in the middle of the day when all staff members are present in the office. The staff also has access to the Emergency Ride Home program, which encourages staff to use public transportation and, in the case of an emergency they can have someone drive them home. Having various schedule options increase employee productivity. Mr. Assman informed the Commission that more work can be done to study the different environmental impacts on men and women as they are affected differently. The Department on the Environment has reviewed the various purchases that the City makes and created a list of items commonly purchased that either non-toxic or are healthier choices. He concluded that though great strides have been made, there is always room for improvement and looks forward to continue to work with the Commission.

Senior Policy Analyst Ann Lehman acknowledged the progress the Department on the Environment has demonstrated and encouraged the Director Assman to share this success with other departments.