Committee on Equity and Inclusion

Agenda

1. Call to Order

   Chair Person Arthur called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m.

2. Roll Call

   Chair Person Arthur 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. American Rescue Plan Equity - The Accelerator Team.
   Discussion Item

   Margaret Handmaker, The Louisville Accelerator Team, gave a presentation (attached hereto). The following also spoke to this item: - Chair Person Arthur - Committee Member George - Committee Member Chambers Armstrong - Council Member Hollander - Committee Member Kramer - Joi McAtee, Office of Equity The following was discussed: - There was a discussion regarding the processes utilized for agency and community input in disbursing the American Rescue Plan ("ARP") monies either by priority, need, or geographical data. - There was a discussion regarding whether the Transit Authority of River City ("TARC") received any ARP funding for transportation. - There were several questions regarding whether ARP funds were being spent equitably and reaching the goals set forward by the local agencies. - There were several questions regarding whether the original goals of the program still aligned after input from faith-based and business communities. - There were several questions regarding whether geographical diversity was impacted in under-served zip codes while other zip codes were not consider. - There was a discussion regarding how many proposals for service and/or assistance have been received by the Accelerator Team. - There were several questions regarding work group requirements and their meeting frequency. - There were several questions regarding whether the work groups had chair persons. - There were several questions regarding areas where improvements may be made to strengthen the project. - There were several questions regarding the disbursement of ARP funds to small businesses. - There was a discussion regarding the challenges in scheduling for work groups. - There was a discussion regarding the goal of the work groups, which is to assess the areas with the most need regardless of geographic and ethnic factors. - There were several questions regarding how to improve future processes and make the disbursements/needs more equitable. - There was a discussion regarding work groups being fully transparent in the process and all communications with the public. - There was a discussion regarding how to ensure that the geographic markers are used in future endeavors to assess the needs in the community. - There were several questions regarding whether the work groups were comprised of Metro Council members only. - There were subject matter experts that offered guidance in the initial work group meetings, however, they did not participate in the decision-making process or later meetings. - There were several questions regarding whether funds were allocated in an equitable manner and when an initial report/study would be available.

5. Adjournment

   Without objection, Chair Person Arthur adjourned the meeting at 5:05 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)

   Lisa Franklin Gray, Assistant Clerk Marissa Brown, Assistant Clerk

9. Support Staff

   Natalie Johnson, Jefferson County Attorney's Office

10. Non-Committee Member(s)

    Council Member Bill Hollander (D-9)