City Council Minutes 2021 11 01 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes November 1, 2021 Page 5 of 9 Jojo Follmar, EDI Task Force member, stated they believe it is the beginning of a long process to make Louisville better. They shared that it will not be easy, but everyone on the task showed that it can be done. Nancy Commins, EDI Task Force member, hopes this can go beyond the Task Force. She expressed confidence in Council's desire to make Louisville a place where everyone belongs. She shared that she moved to Louisville in 1981 but after a while she started to wonder if she should be living in Louisville when her life's work had been dedicated to social justice and equity. She didn't know if she belonged here anymore, but the work with the Task Force was so impactful that she no longer feels like she doesn't belong here. Louisville can become a model for other towns. Y'Anique Duke, EDI Task Force member, thanked everyone and said she felt listened to and well documented in the report. Louisville and Boulder County are changing and the Task Force work is a reflection of that. She said it warmed her heart that she was able to participate and that Louisville is committed to change. Grace Gee, EDI Task Force member, read a statement from member Ron Reeves who was not able to attend. In his statement, Mr. Reeves thanked the City for putting together the EDI Task Force. He learned more about what is needed not only to make the City more welcoming, but what is needed to support diverse communities including housing improvements, pushing for an EDI position, and continuing the Task Force. Grace Gee, added her own comments by telling Council she has been a resident of Ward 1 for over a decade. She thanked Council for creating the Task Force and considered it a privilege to work alongside this group of people. She believes the recommendations point out the pain points that need to be addressed to ensure a welcoming, wider community. She hopes to see some of the recommendations are implemented fairly quickly. Lu Wu, EDI Task Force member, also thanked the City and the consultants. He expressed his appreciation for fellow team members, and noted it is important the input be incorporated into the City's policies; this is the beginning of a meaningful journey. Lyanne Terada, EDI Task Force member, expressed her thanks and appreciation to City and consultants. She stated the work has made her feel more welcome and a part of the City and she would like others to feel that. She feels she has been challenged to continue the good work. She is hopeful the whole city can embrace the work — it needs to be done collectively. Ms. Shamsid-been extended her gratitude to members who took a chance in joining the Task Force. The members had incredibly vast and deep knowledge and it was a beautiful experience. The Task Force's recommendations are the result of nine months of work, but she reiterated that the real works starts now. While there are long term items, there are also things that can be put into place now.