City Council Minutes 2020 10 06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes October 6, 2020 Page 6 of 9 ideas around what the community and City can do to address racial equity in Louisville and beyond. She reviewed some of the things the City is currently doing to address these issues including the creation of an internal working group to develop strategies to better integrate racial equity, diversity and inclusion (DEI) as a priority for the organization. The City's Strategic Plan was recently reviewed to incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion, which intersect with each of the City's values. DEI work was included in the City's Priority Initiatives for 2021-22. Internal efforts at the City will focus on developing expertise and partnerships, and increasing learning and development opportunities around DEI and racism for City employees. Deputy City Manager Davis reviewed possible next steps in this process and asked for feedback from Council. Council will begin its work planning process in December and may want to discuss DEI efforts in that process. Staff has included funding in the 2021-22 budget for training or services around DEI. Additionally, staff is considering the following: developing additional programming and host learning opportunities; utilizing the Engage Louisville platform to conduct a survey or generate ideas about how to support DEI in the community; engage with a partner to identify and train leaders in the community around racial equity; partner with other regional efforts or other networks to advance a broader regional racial equity effort. Public Comments - None Councilmember Brown stated he would like to see the City take some bold actions in this area, particularly look at what Council might do related to affordable housing policies and a possible committee to advise on these issues. Councilmember Fahey would like the City to help make sure all residents have computer access for online education. Councilmember Dickinson supported ways for all of the City's boards to be addressing DEI in their activities. Councilmember Leh agreed the City needs to continue to engage the community. The Council needs to identify tangible next steps and make it part of the fabric of the community. Councilmember Lipton stated the County does many of these things already and we shouldn't be trying to replicate what they are already doing. Whatever we do needs to be focused and strategic. He noted the one thing the Council has real control over is zoning and land use issues. The community needs to be open to change and encourage