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Commission asks city for more travel funding after three-commissioner allotment for national reparations symposium

5961870 · October 17, 2025

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Summary

Commissioners said the city allocated travel funding for three commissioners to attend an upcoming symposium; members urged the mayor and deputy mayor to seek additional funds so more commissioners can participate and suggested partial sponsorships and fundraising.

Commissioners discussed travel funding Oct. 17 for the National Symposium on State and Local Reparations (the commission previously attended the Evanston conference). City staff informed the commission that the city had allocated funds to cover flights, hotel and incidentals for three commissioners; the panel asked city leadership to seek additional funds so more commissioners can attend.

Commissioners emphasized the symposium’s value for education and network-building, saying last year’s trip was “impactful, very eye opening, very empowering.” Several commissioners volunteered ideas for additional fundraising and sponsorship, including approaching churches and community organizations to sponsor individual delegates or covering lodging and registration while attendees cover flights.

Logistics discussed: commissioners asked staff to confirm the city’s per-person allotment, registration-waiver possibilities, and which costs the city will cover. Staff said registration for frontline advocates may be waived; lodging and travel remain the primary budget considerations. The panel discussed tentative travel dates for the conference (noted in the meeting as Dec. 2–5) and agreed to identify potential attendees and to begin fundraising and sponsorship asks while the city explores additional allocations.

Ending: Commissioners asked city staff to confirm the per-person allotment and to circulate details; several commissioners volunteered vehicles and logistical support if road trips are required.