Committee on Equity and Inclusion

Agenda

1. Call to Order

   Vice Chair Piagentini called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m.

2. Roll Call

   Vice Chair Piagentini introduced the committee and non-committee members present. A quorum was established. *NOTE: All committee and non-committee members present attended in Chambers, except for Committee Member Shanklin, who attended virtually.

3. Special Discussion
4. 1. A Path Forward Update - Sadiqa Reynolds, Esq., Louisville Urban League
   Discussion Item

   Sadiqa Reynolds, Louisville Urban League, gave a presentation (attached hereto), and introduced Jo'cari Beattie. The following also spoke to this item: - Vice Chair Piagentini - Committee Member Kramer - Committee Member Chambers Armstrong - Committee Member Winkler - Council Member Purvis The following was discussed: - There were several questions regarding the Black Community Fund, the West End Opportunity Partnership/Tax Increment Funding (TIF) proposal, and the Louisville Urban League's involvement with both. - There were several questions regarding the Louisville Urban League's concept of gentrification and sustainability efforts. - The Louisville Urban League is currently working with an economist to locate and compare a peer city that has utilized a Tax Increment Funding (TIF) in the black community. - There was a discussion regarding concerns within the black community in regard to the West End Tax Increment Funding (TIF) proposal. - There were several questions regarding the Louisville Urban League's perspective on charter schools to further educational opportunities. - There was a discussion regarding Title I funding and "No Child Left Behind," as charter schools are ineligible for federal funding. - There was a discussion regarding the student education gap in the black community and shortfalls in technology and broadband. - There were several questions regarding the West End School. - There were several questions regarding whether supporting the West End School or similar schools was supporting/promoting racism. - There was a discussion regarding how the West End School, W. E. B. Dubois Academy, and the Grace M. James Academy of Excellence, were created as a response to racism. - There was a discussion regarding how removing monies from the public school system for charter schools could negatively impact black and brown students. - There were several questions regarding efforts to combat rising eviction rates within Louisville Metro and how the Metro Council could be a partner in the efforts of the Louisville Urban League. - There was a discussion regarding expanding affordable housing across every zip code within Louisville Metro. - There were several questions regarding the Louisville Urban League's perspective on early learning and childcare. - There was a discussion regarding childcare access and removing barriers. - There were several questions regarding how Louisville Metro may promote revitalization without displacement. - There were several questions regarding the West End Opportunity Partnership/Tax Increment Funding (TIF).

5. Adjournment

   Without objection, Vice Chair Piagentini adjourned the meeting at 5:03 p.m.

6. Note: Agendas are followed at the discretion of the Chair. While an item may be listed, it does not mean all items will be heard and/or acted upon by the Committee.
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8. Clerk(s)

   Sonya Harward, Clerk

9. Non-Committee Member(s)

   Council Member Donna Purvis (D-5) and Council Member Kevin Triplett (D-15)