In a recent government meeting, community leaders discussed the implementation of a new report card aimed at enhancing strategic planning for nonprofits and organizations, including the United Way and YMCA. The report card serves as a resource for neighborhood associations and outlines key recommendations for community improvement.
The task force emphasized that the recommendations are not mandates but rather best practices for the community to consider. Key areas of focus include expanding job opportunities, promoting wage equity, enhancing access to affordable housing, and addressing systemic racism in schools. Additionally, the report highlights the importance of improving healthcare access, voter registration efforts, digital inclusion, and public transportation.
A significant upcoming event, the JEDI Summit, is scheduled for September 26th. This summit aims to unite community partners through interactive sessions and keynote speeches, including one from Tyrone Staumauer, the global DEI officer for Hyatt. The goal is to foster collaboration among businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities to address community challenges collectively.
During the meeting, participants reflected on the data presented in the report, noting that while some findings were not new, they provided a clearer picture of existing inequities, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. The report's data, compiled by Dr. Steven Seals, has already sparked interest from various city entities seeking to address identified disparities.
The meeting concluded with a call for continued community engagement and collaboration to implement the report's recommendations effectively.