HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-01-2023 Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation CommissionAd Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Regular Meeting
7 PM - Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington Street
AGENDA:
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. READING OF NATIVE AMERICAN LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
3. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FROM MAY 4, 2023
4. PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
COMMISSIONERS SHALL NOT ENGAGE IN DISCUSSION WITH THE PUBLIC
CONCERNING SAID ITEMS.
5. PRESENTATION FROM COUNCILORS BERGUS AND DUNN ON THE CITY
COUNCIL STRATEGIC PLAN
6. FOLLOW UP ON COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE ICCSD
7. NEXT STEPS ON PHASE ONE OF THE FACILITATOR PLAN
8. CORRESPONDENCE
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS/STAFF
THIS ITEM INCLUDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR BRIEF UPDATES FROM
STAFF AND COMMISSIONERS. COMMISSIONERS SHALL NOT ENGAGE IN
DISCUSSION ON UPDATES.
10.ADJOURNMENT
To encourage input from the public, the Commission intends to offer the opportunity to
participate in the meeting remotely. However, this meeting is in -person, and those wishing to
ensure their ability to participate should attend the meeting in person. If you instead wish to
participate remotely, you may attempt to do so by joining the below link. Please note that the
meeting link and ID for the first Thursday of each month is different than the link and ID for the
third Thursday of each month.
First Thursday Meetings httos://usO6web.zoom.us/webinar/reoister/WN cMlaaV6cTxGwOlWu2-
hFHcj
ID: 867 2424 8095
Third Thursday Meetings httos:HusO6web.zoom.us/webinar/reaister/WN Ic11811PSRo1uOxPIL-
1Ew
ID: 895 3695 0485
If you have no computer or smartphone, or a computer without a microphone, you can call in by
phone by dialing (312) 626-6799 and entering the meeting ID when prompted.
If you will need a disability -related accommodation to participate in this meeting call 319-356-5022 or email
humanrights@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your
accessibility needs.
Native American land Acknowledgement
Prepared for the City of Iowa City's Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Human
Rights Commission
PURPOSE
Iowa City owes its existence to the many Indigenous Peoples who were the original stewards of this land
and who were subjected to manipulation and violence by non-native settlers, invaders, and governments
in order to make this moment possible. Acknowledgement of this truth is central to our work toward
reconciliation across all barriers of difference and injustice. Starting with a Native American Land
Acknowledgement, this Commission will bear witness to the legacies of violent displacement, migration,
and settlement that have marginalized those who were the first inhabitants of this land. We must also
address the mistreatment and exclusion that Native Americans continue to face today. The Ad Hoc Truth
and Reconciliation Commission and the Human Rights Commission encourage the community and City of
Iowa City to join us in these efforts through the use of a Native American Land Acknowledgement.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
To be read at all public meetings and events:
"We meet today in the community of Iowa City, which now occupies the homelands of
Native American Nations to whom we owe our commitment and dedication. The area of
Iowa City was within the homelands of the Iowa, Meskwaki, and Sauk, and because
history is complex and time goes far back beyond memory, we also acknowledge the
ancient connections of many other Indigenous Peoples here. The history of broken
treaties and forced removal that dispossessed Indigenous Peoples of their homelands
was and is an act of colonization and genocide that we can not erase. We implore the
Iowa City community to commit to understanding and addressing these injustices as we
work toward equity, restoration, and reparations."
LEARN MORE
Native Governance Center Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
US Department of Arts and Culture: Honor Native Land Virtual Resources and Guide
Meskwaki Nation - History
Special thanks to the University of Iowa Native American Council for their work and guidance, as well as
members of the public, for their input.
May 5, 2023
Draft Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Minutes
Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall
Commissioners present: Chastity Dillard, Wangui Gathua, Marie Krebs, Lauren Merritt, Kevo
Rivera, Clif Johnson, Eric Harris (via Zoom), Sikowis Nobiss.
Staff present: Stefanie Bowers, Redmond Jones.
Meeting called to order: 7:08 pm.
Reading of Native American Land Acknowledgement: Dillard read the Land Acknowledgement.
Approval of Minutes from April 6, 2023: Rivera moved, and Merritt seconded.
Motion passed 8-0.
Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda: Mohamed Traore suggested the TRC adopt a
mindset that prioritized solutions and offered further reading material. Traore finished his
comments by urging the TRC to keep the youth in mind when considering outreach and decisions
that will disproportionately affect Iowa City youth.
Resignations: Traore expressed frustration with his inability to enact change as a member of the
TRC. Traore advocated for the TRC and community to invest in local children and lamented the
lack of available funding for the TRC. Traore thanked the TRC for its efforts. Dillard, Johnson,
Merritt, Gathua, Krebs, and Harris individually thanked and praised the pair for their
contributions to the commission and community. Rivera thanked the commission and reviewed
their history with the commission. Rivera encouraged the TRC to continue to work toward
bettering the community regardless of negative responses from the community.
Debrief and Next Steps: Merritt praised the community's passion the past Tuesday at the City
Council meeting. Johnson expressed excitement toward the community's eagerness to be
involved. Gathua also expressed excitement before reflecting on her experience as a member of
the TRC, emphasizing the need to focus on success. Manape LaMere praised the commission and
empathized with the resigning members. Eduardo Gonzalez emphasized the need for continued
work and stressed the need for resiliency. Dillard praised the presentation for its amplification of
contributor voices. Dillard suggested working to make meetings accessible, making time for
Strategic Planning, creating a healing process, and putting out a new release. Merritt suggested
updating the website to better disseminate information. Merritt also suggested creating a
structure for future meetings. Johnson suggested improving TRC-related advertising. Rivera
suggested making outreach communications more concise and transparent. The TRC discussed
possibilities for collecting community responses online. Rivera suggested fostering relationships
directly with community members. Gathua and Johnson agreed and made further suggestions
regarding where to facilitate meeting the community.
Jones outlined the communication process with contractors and the role of the TRC in this
communication.
Follow Up on Communications with ICCSD: There were no updates.
Commission Announcements: Johnson thanked the City Council and announced an upcoming
absence. Merritt announced her application to serve on the Community Police Review Board.
Gathua invited the community an upcoming Community Get Together picnic. Dillard thanked
Rivera for his commitment to the commission. Rivera announced AAPI Month and encouraged
solidarity between BIPOC communities. Dillard announced the upcoming Coralville Asian Festival.
Adjourned: 9:18 PM.
City Board and Commission meetings are recorded and can be viewed in their entirety by
visiting this link.
;
;
»
_
;
;
.
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
■
�
q
City of Iowa City
Strategic Plan
Fiscal Year 2023 - Fiscal Year 2028
Overview
1. Introduction & Environmental Scan
2. Our Strategic Values
3 Our Strateg'dmpact Areas&Action Steps
9 Resources
S. How we get itdone
Challenges & Opportunities
Increasing preemption of local control by State Legislature.
Stare property tax reform
Higher expectations yet diminishing trust in local government.
Persistent racial and income inequality challenges.
Workforce attraction needs It staff recruitment and capacity challenges.
Continued CORD impacts, general inflation and economic pressures.
O imate change and increasingly severe weather events.
Regional population growth and more demand for services.
Outdated facilities in need of remodel/replacement.
Significant influx of federal funding opportunities.
"The best way to predict your future is to create it."
Now w, 000 H,, will i ,ad M., ity
v........ n..e.a In...,a. n.r.na.gr
Values
FY23-FY28
Iowa City Strategic Plan
Values mrJuex repreaenebetM1alenxtM1reu ghwAicM1wewlllappma,h,,rwnrlr,aawella,a
d,,imd endmm wh,n,,rworki,,,mpi,t,d.O,rV l,,,,m,mb,di,di,every
element of thie g,,tegi, pi— (,no th, wark we do,, City Nod ..sl).
yocmuusn..q
e9.
Q@ei Mps & EngaBe�
VA-,
Wl-
How will we know if we've achieved our vision for
racial equity, social justice, and human rights?
How will we know if we've achieved our
vision for climate action?
How will we know if we've achieved our
vision for partnerships and engagement?
What are some examples of
how you can carry out
these values this
board/commission?
Impact Areas
& Action Steps
FY23-FY28 Strategic Plan
Note for Presenters:
TMm u a LOT Wok d into Muxv impact—a,d,do, xtopa ana—n dM-own aini.
Oependiug on, auffien ,wmidec
Focusing on ih, lmpaR a rea.... scion rsps mortoerir'e.t W y..... d lane.-Flce tlae vM1er
allde
TFe Sl Jes wi I p ons.ep h p.cI a,e8 h 8,-e b automa.11. II,1-dcen_I'lease
u,1,1 I(you wlrnio....... ns:.l to mmcm you, pm...t, n.
...ei .-101..os.I1F'.,_.,, mpm>...... OI n.. Fat«r.l«.m,.t mpn
�dt yo Il- a at...matt, ms11yom0, M1. s]c. oi[ F^Ip cr..r:
c.nn_Ri.ns lfiCs n.tapparent.
5/5/2023
13
14
15
5/5/2023
EC
17
IH
5/5/2023
19
20
21
Safety Fr Wellbeing Action Plan
Resources
FY23-FY28 Strategic Plan
Resources: The tools to get it done!
I. Facilities, Equipment
y.People
3. Financial
and 9Bohnology
Esiabllsh Ne Ci yar s al
Gm �Metax case,
xFge.
- +sal�Foa1F�
-lfi�
e ...P oyer...... _.
dlvrsiiy re a
e Venue'oilces
workspaces
Bulld a dversp b lent
& leverage outside iu nd lne
Pafare hl b rt.,—as
g pe
pipell- (staff &
Bca'd/Coair usons)
Maintain haalM 9raserves
_ raanee
and prudent debt sn,tcal
Renard t.,hrrlogY&
m noestion
v21w �og�, and�nduson
Alignment
Better Together 2030'All In' Vision
University of Iowa Strategic Plan
Envision East Central Iowa Plan
(ECICOG)
Department and Division Mast Plans
E.7 —
ALL IN '
VISION
slei¢cicvue
F
What's Not in the Strategic Plan?
• •
im9,ofmm
Unexpected
Timely
e e,v 1,y-, 0
LnnI eng,
Opporrtinit—
Questions?
www.icgov.org/StrategicPlan
a
M.j-Ondoin5
PI'O,IOCt3
rl
values
RACIAL EQUITY,
SOCIAL JUSTICE,
... HUMAN BIGHTS
CUMATEACTION
PAB�
ENGAGEMENT
Q
The following documents were handed
out during the meeting.
VALUES
Racial Equity, Social Justice & Human Rights
FUTURE VISION
Iowa City welcomes and celebrates cultural diversity
throughout the community, and accurate cultural
historical perspectives are acknowledged and
commemorated. Each community member
understands how systemic inequities have
disadvantaged and marginalized some populations and
are equipped with the skills to disrupt bias. Growth and
healing occur as the City proactively addresses racial
inequalities and social injustices. The City has removed
and addressed systemic barriers present in all facets of city government including policies, land use
decisions, programs, services, and employment. Partnerships with businesses, schools, and non-profit
organizations facilitate equitable access to opportunity across all sectors. City employees, boards and
commission members, and other advisory and decision -making entities reflect the diversity of the Iowa
City community. The presence of equity, inclusion, and belonging is identifiable in all City operations
and activities.
Climate Action
FUTURE VISION
Cities across the Midwest and nationally emulate Iowa
City's long-term innovative strategies which achieve net -
zero greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors and
prepare all populations for the effects of climate change
and the urban heat island effect. A bio-diverse
environment flourishes and each generation can look
forward to improved water, air, and soil quality. Every
resident in Iowa City understands the cost of climate
change and knows which community resources can help them mitigate and adapt to these impacts.
Residents of all socioeconomic statuses actively take climate action, including using sustainable
transportation, shopping local, and reducing and conserving energy. As a result, their health, safety,
economic wellbeing, and relationship with their neighbors are improved.
7
Partnerships and Engagement
FUTURE VISION
Community members believe engagement and
participation in local government decision -making is
worthwhile and sincere. Respectful dialogue and
transparent processes dominate public decision -
making. Creative and accessible communication and
engagement methods ensure every resident is routinely
reached by the City and encourage intergenerational
participation. Neighborhoods are revitalized as a source
of grassroots community -building, empowerment, and prosperity for all households. There is a high
degree of trust and free -flowing communication between stakeholders within the community. As a
result, public -private partnerships are plentiful and a natural component of every solution, and
resources are deployed judiciously towards efforts that benefit all.
n
Values
• Partnerships and Engagement
• Climate Action
e Racial equity, social justice, & human rights
Impact Areas & Strategies
Neighborhoods & Housing
• Update the City Comprehensive Plan and
Zoning Code to encourage compact
neighborhoods with diverse housing types and
land uses.
• Partner in projects that serve as models for
desired future development.
• Create inviting and active outdoor spaces with
unique and engaging recreation offerings.
• Address the unique needs of vulnerable
populations and low -to -moderate income
neighborhoods.
Mobility
• Expand the access and convenience of
environmentally friendly and regionally
connected public transit.
• Design and maintain complete streets that are
comfortable and safe for all users.
• Grow and prioritize bike and pedestrian
accommodations.
Economy
• Reinforce Iowa City as a premier community
to locate and grow a business.
• Ensure appropriate infrastructure is in place
for future business growth and development.
• Cultivate a strong entrepreneurial and small
businesses ecosystem with a focus on
creating new pathways to success for
systemically marginalized populations.
• Build Iowa City's image as the Greatest Small
City for the Arts.
• Strengthen the Iowa River's role as a
signature community amenity and tourism
generator.
Safety &Udell -being
• Implement and expand innovative public
safety models and facilities to improve
outcomes and relationships within the
community.
• Partner with non -profits to address the most
emergent and foundational community safety
and well-being needs.
• Build community by fostering social
connections and developing safe, accessible
public spaces for gathering.
Resources
Facilities, Equipment & Technology
Invest in the next generation of public
facilities and equipment to create immediate
operational efficiencies, boost workplace
safety, health, and morale, and improve
cross -department collaboration.
Promote high performance governance
leveraging technology, partnerships, and
innovation.
�11
• Establish the City of Iowa City as an
employer of choice in the region with a pay
plan, benefits package, and flexible work
options that attract and retain high -quality
and motivated public service employees.
• Carry out a multi -dimensional staff
engagement initiative to ensure every City
employee feels welcome, informed, involved,
and engaged at work.
• Build a diverse talent pipeline.
Financial
• Grow the tax base, consider alternative
revenue sources, and leverage outside
funding to maintain core services and pursue
community priorities while maintaining
equitable property tax rates.
• Exercise fiscal responsibility by maintaining
and growing assigned & emergency reserve
funds and prudent debt management.
City of Iowa City - Strategic Plan FY2023-2028 Summary from icgov.org/strategicplan