HomeMy WebLinkAboutDEI AB 09.03.24 Minutes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Advisory Board - Minutes
September 3, 2024
5:30 – 6:30pm 7th Floor, City Hall Lansing, MI
Call to Order: 5:33 pm Attendance: Byron Haskins (MAL), Emily Sorroche (Interim Chair), Florensio Hernandez (MAL), Hannah Jones-Nelson (2nd Ward), Terry Frazier (1st Ward) City Staff Attendees: Kimberly Coleman, Michael Hopson, Daniel DuChene Approval of Agenda:
The agenda received approval by Florensio Hernandez and seconded by Byron Haskins.
Approval of Minutes:
The minutes received approval by Florensio Hernandez and seconded by Hannah Jones-
Nelson.
I. Introductions of the new board members (Byron Haskins and Hannah Jones-Nelson)
II. DEI Officer’s Update: Racial Equity grants update was presented to Board
Members by Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer: all grants were reviewed by HRC
Equity Advisory Board, there was $250,000 allocated for this initiative, a total of 14
organizations applied. It was also mentioned that the city might want to consider
offering a Grant Writing program, which is highly needed. October 2 is the Resource
Fair for Homeowners and Renters Rights was shared with board members.
III. Standing Committee Updates: No one present for the Justice and Safety
Committee, no update. Economic Empowerment Committee reported on the BIPOC
Small Business Online Toolkit proposal that was submitted. The Community
Sustainability Committee update included discussion on the proposed townhall
event.
IV. Unfinished Business: The Human Rights Ordinance was the focus of the meeting
discussion. It was recommended that all board members review the Lansing’s
Human Rights Ordinance and submit recommendations, and the board discussed
developing a uniform process for reviewing all ordinances. The board was informed
that all the city ordinances has been reviewed for legality and the board’s task is to
review them using a DEI lens. The ordinance review process belongs to the DEI
Advisory Board. What lens are we using to review City of Lansing Human Rights
Ordinance? Rubic used to review ordinances was discussed by all board members.
Board members agreed that we would use the questions Michael Hopson shared
with us all to guide in the ordinance review process.
V. Ordinance Process, discussion on what the process looks like and how to change
an existing ordinance was discussed. The DEI Advisory Board members’
recommendations will be sent to HRCS (Michael Hopson, DEI Inclusion Officer, Kim
Coleman), then, shared with City Attorney, Mayor, and requires a majority City
2
Council Member approval to adopt any new recommendations or changes to an
ordinance being recommended by the members of this body.
Municode was suggested for Board Members to use if interested in learning more
about what types of ordinances exist: Code of Ordinances Online Hosting
(MunicodeNEXT) | Municode - Powered by CivicPlus
VI. New Officers/elections: Discussed waiting to have the election of the new board
until we have all vacant seats filled, Byron made the motion, seconded by Hannah.
The Board needs to come up with the election process/method.
VII. New Business: Hannah asked if we knew how many new applications for the DEI
Board have been submitted to date. Response was that it is the mayor’s job to fill
these vacancies, and we hope to have a few more new members soon.
VIII. Announcements: Emily Sorroche shared that Friday, September 27, 2024, and
Saturday is Michigan Indian Day at Adado Riverfront Park. Michael Hopson
announced the City of Lansing Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on Monday,
September 16 in the City Hall Lobby.
IX. Adjourned meeting at 6:38pm