City Council - Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee — Burlington, VT
Date: 2026-01-21
Time: 17:30

Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Held in the O.N.E. Community Center, Third Floor
OR
via Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96324562039
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039

Or Use Phone number: 305-224-1968
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039




1. Call to Order

2. Adopt the Agenda

3. Adopt Minutes
 Subject 3.1. December 2025
 Meeting January 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 21,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 3. Adopt Minutes
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

4. Public Forum

5. TCV Updates

6. Town Meeting Day Education Updates

7. REIB/HR Collaboration

8. Adjournment
 Subject 8.1. Motion to adjourn
  Meeting January 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 21,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


  Category 8. Adjournment

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

9. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 9.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more
 information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records
 Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities
 who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged
 to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
 advance so that proper arrangements can be made. This meeting will also air
 on Town Meeting TV the Wednesday after the meeting, starting at 8:00 pm and
 repeating at 1:00 am and 7:00 am the following day. The City of Burlington will
 not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or
 religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age,
 sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status,
 disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information.
  Meeting January 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 21,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 9. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Department Council and Board


  Type

Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Held in the O.N.E. Community Center, Third Floor
OR
via Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96324562039
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039

Or Use Phone number: 305-224-1968
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039




1. Call to Order

2. Adopt the Agenda

3. Adopt Minutes
 Subject 3.1. December 2025
 Meeting January 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 21,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 3. Adopt Minutes
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

4. Public Forum

5. TCV Updates

6. Town Meeting Day Education Updates

7. REIB/HR Collaboration

8. Adjournment
 Subject 8.1. Motion to adjourn




 Page 1 of 7
  Meeting January 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 21,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


  Category 8. Adjournment

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

9. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 9.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more
 information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records
 Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities
 who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged
 to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
 advance so that proper arrangements can be made. This meeting will also air
 on Town Meeting TV the Wednesday after the meeting, starting at 8:00 pm and
 repeating at 1:00 am and 7:00 am the following day. The City of Burlington will
 not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or
 religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age,
 sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status,
 disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information.
  Meeting January 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 21,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 9. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Department Council and Board


  Type




 Page 2 of 7
 Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

 Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Held in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room, Ground Floor City Hall
OR
via Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96324562039
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039

Or Use Phone number: 305-224-1968
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039




1. Call to Order

2. Adopt the Agenda

3. Adopt Minutes
 Subject 3.1. November 2025
 Meeting December 16, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, December 16,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 3. Adopt Minutes
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

4. Public Forum

5. Confirming Committee Meeting Dates/Times
 Subject 5.1. January
 Meeting December 16, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, December 16,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. Confirming Committee Meeting Dates/Times

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)



 Page 3 of 7
  Type

  Recommended Action

  Subject 5.2. February
  Meeting December 16, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, December 16,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


  Category 5. Confirming Committee Meeting Dates/Times

  Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


  Type

  Recommended Action

6. Town Meeting Day 2026
  Subject 6.1. Charter Change Resolution
  Meeting December 16, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, December 16,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


  Category 6. Town Meeting Day 2026

  Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


  Type

  Recommended Action

7. 2020 Racial Justice Resolution
  Subject 7.1. 2020 Resolution
  Meeting December 16, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, December 16,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


  Category 7. 2020 Racial Justice Resolution

  Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


  Type

  Recommended Action

8. REIB Office Staff Updates

9. Adjournment
  Subject 9.1. Motion to adjourn
  Meeting December 16, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, December 16,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


  Category 9. Adjournment

  Department Council and Board




 Page 4 of 7
  Type

  Recommended Action

10. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 10.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon
 request. For more information on access, call Lori Olberg,
 Licensing, Voting and Records Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY
 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities who require assistance
 or special arrangements to participate are encouraged to contact
 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
 advance so that proper arrangements can be made. This meeting
 will also air on Town Meeting TV the Wednesday after the
 meeting, starting at 8:00 pm and repeating at 1:00 am and 7:00
 am the following day. The City of Burlington will not tolerate
 unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political
 or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth,
 ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital
 status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, crime
 victim status or genetic information.

  Meeting December 16, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday,
 December 16, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

  Category 10. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements

  Department Council and Board

  Type

 Minutes Taken by: Vicky Luciano
 REIB City Council Committee
 December 16th, 2025 5:30-7:00 pm
 Sharon Bushor Room


 Attendees:
 Kelli Perkins, Director REIB (in person)
 Christian Berry, Communications and Community Engagement Manager REIB (in person)
 Katie Greene, Community and Belonging Program Manager REIB (in person)
 Vicky Luciano, Administrative and Financial Coordinator REIB (in person)
 Councilor Melo Grant (virtual)
 Councilor Becca Brown McKnight (virtual)



 Page 5 of 7
Councilor Ranjit “Buddy” Singh (virtual)
Bruce Wilson (in person)
Christine Hughes (virtual)
Reverend Mark Hughes (virtual)
Mona Tolba (virtual)
Keren Sita (virtual)


1. Call to Order
 a. Councilor Grant called the meeting to order at 5:35 pm
2. Adopt the Agenda
 a. Councilor McKnight motioned to approve the agenda. Councilor Singh seconded.
 Motion passed unanimously.
3. Adopt Minutes
 a. Councilor McKnight motioned to adopt the minutes. Councilor Singh seconded. Motion
 passed unanimously approved.
4. Public Forum
 a. Councilor Singh opened the floor to the public. No one talked.
5. Confirming Committee Meeting Dates/Times
 a. January
 i. Councilor Grant informed everyone the next meeting conflicts with a City
 Council Meeting and suggested moving the next REIB City Council Committee
 Meeting to Wednesday, January 21st. Councilor Grant asked if this worked for
 the other Councilors and the REIB staff and everyone agreed.
 b. February
 i. Councilor McKnight informed everyone there is a conflict with the February 17th
 REIB City Council Committee Meeting. Councilor Grant suggested moving the
 meeting to Tuesday, February 10th and asked if this worked for the other
 Councilors and REIB staff, everyone agreed.
6. Town Meeting Day 2026
 a. Councilor Grant reminded everyone that the charter change would be on the ballot for
 Town Meeting Day 2026.
 b. Director Perkins informed everyone that Katie Greene has been working on the
 education portion of the Charter Change and Christian Berry is back and ready to work
 on this as well. Katie Greene shared information about the approach that will be taken
 for education regarding the Charter Change being on the ballot. Councilor Grant



 Page 6 of 7
 expressed interest in engaging the Trusted Community Voices to help with education on
 the Charter Change. Refer to the Video.
 i. Bruce Wilson added the public should always know what is going on with the
 REIB and is unsure a website will be the best way of sharing info.
7. 2020 Racial Justice Resolution
 a. Councilor Grant went over the 2020 Racial Justice Resolution resolves. Councilor Grant
 determined progress has been made and some resolves still need to be worked on.
 Director Perkins informed Councilor Grant the discussion on funding for the Richard
 Kemp Center at Board of Finance was put on pause, pending a meeting with the
 Mayor’s office and the CAO’s Office to understand how determinations were made
 about the fund for racial justice over the course of 5 years. Director Perkins updated
 everyone on the status of the CEDO microloans. Councilor Grant asked Director Perkins
 to invite someone to attend the January or February meeting to talk about the program.
 Councilor Grant let everyone know she will follow up with the Mayor’s office to talk
 about the RFPs. Councilor Grant noted that the city is adding diverse community safety
 response systems. It was determined that the city resolved the termination of the MOU
 between the Burlington School District and the Burlington Police Department. She
 determined issues arose when trying to analyze how to build a healthy and safe
 community and find what institutions were needed to reach that goal and this resolve
 needed to be revisited. Director Perkins and Katie Greene shared info about the
 trainings that are being created with the Human Resources Department. Councilor
 Grant determined the topic of reparations needs to be revisited. Councilor Grant
 determined the Police Commission has regressed and this resolution needs to be looked
 into. Refer to the video.
8. REIB Office Staff Updates
 a. No Updates
9. Motion to Adjourn
 a. Councilor Grant adjourned the meeting at 6:59 pm




 Page 7 of 7

Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Held in the O.N.E. Community Center, Third Floor
OR
via Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96324562039
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039

Or Use Phone number: 305-224-1968
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039




1. Call to Order

2. Adopt the Agenda

3. Adopt Minutes
 Subject 3.1. December 2025
 Meeting January 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 21,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 3. Adopt Minutes
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

4. Public Forum

5. TCV Updates

6. Town Meeting Day Education Updates

7. REIB/HR Collaboration

8. Adjournment
 Subject 8.1. Motion to adjourn
 Meeting January 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 21,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 8. Adjournment

 Department Council and Board


 Type

 Recommended Action

9. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
 Subject 9.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more
 information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records
 Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities
 who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged
 to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
 advance so that proper arrangements can be made. This meeting will also air
 on Town Meeting TV the Wednesday after the meeting, starting at 8:00 pm and
 repeating at 1:00 am and 7:00 am the following day. The City of Burlington will
 not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or
 religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age,
 sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status,
 disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information.
 Meeting January 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 21,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 9. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
 Department Council and Board


 Type




Minutes taken by Vicky Luciano



Attendees

Christian Berry, Communications and Community Engagement Manager REIB (in person)

Katie Greene, Community and Belonging Program Manager REIB (in person)

Vicky Luciano, Administrative and Financial Coordinator REIB (in person)

Alicia Van Dyk (in person)

Jules Wetchi (in person)

Councilor Melo Grant (in person)

Councilor Becca Brown McKnight (virtual)

Councilor Ranjit “Buddy” Singh (virtual)

Mona Tolba (virtual)

Maryan Maalin (virtual)
Michelle Bookless (virtual)

Mary Gannon (virtual)

Emma Wall (virtual)

Lizzy Clements (virtual)



 1. Call to Order
 a. Meeting called to order at 5:34 pm.
 2. Adopt the Agenda
 a. Councilor Singh moved to adopt the agenda. Councilor McKnight seconded. Motion passed
 unanimously.
 3. Adopt Minutes
 a. Councilor McKnight moved to adopt the minutes. Councilor Singh seconded. Motion passed
 unanimously.
 4. Public Forum
 a. Michelle Bookless shared a statement about how crucial the REIB is for the community and City
 governance. Bookless expressed concern for what would happen if the office is not chartered and added
 the work the REIB has done has been undermined consistently. Refer to the video.
 i. Councilor Grant thanked Michelle Bookless for her comments and expressed her concerns for
 the upcoming Town Meeting Day vote. Councilor Grant talked about the response people have
 had in regard to the office and the City’s budgetary issues. Refer to the video.
 1. Michelle Bookless said the REIB has been undermined and cut repeatedly and could do
 more if allowed. Refer to the video.
 a. Councilor Grant agreed it has been difficult. Refer to the video.
 b. Emma Wall gave a shout out to the community members that are living in fear with ICE and expressed
 that they are on her mind. She expressed the same concerns as Michelle and echoed her comments.
 Refer to the video.
 c. Councilor McKnight echoed what Michelle Bookless and Emma Wall said. She said this work applies to
 everyone and encouraged those who believe the Charter change is irrelevant to them to rethink that.
 Refer to the video.
 d. Lizzy Clements voiced her support for having the REIB in the Charter and expressed gratitude for those
 that spoke. She shared some reasons why the office important. Refer to the video.
 e. Marry Gannon expressed disappointment in the position the City has taken in regards to racial equity,
 inclusion, and belonging. Refer to the video.
 5. TCV Updates
 a. Mona Tolba introduced herself as one of the Trusted Community Voices (TCVs). She updated everyone
 on what is going on in the community. She said people in the community feel helps and scared because
 they keep hearing about people being snatched by ICE. She talked about the process that people need
 to go through when they are taken by ICE and expressed how unjust it is and how the community in VT
 is not talking about it or helping. Refer to the video.
 i. Councilor McKnight acknowledged and Mona’s comment, thanked Mona for sharing, and
 assured her that the City Councilors are talking about this issue. Councilor McKnight apologized
 that the community is going through this.
 ii. Councilor Singh expressed appreciation for Mona sharing this. He spoke about the school
 district’s policies and assured Mona this topic is at top of mind for City Councilors.
 iii. Christian Berry said these fears are coming up in every community that the TCVs represent. She
 expressed how important it is for the administration, City Council, or the City to share
 information with the community on initiatives or work that is being done behind the scenes so
 people know work is being done. Refer to the video.
 iv. Councilor Grant expressed appreciation for Mona’s bravery in sharing. She shared her concerns
 about the turn the Country is taking. Refer to the video.
 b. Jules Wetchi shared people in the community are stressed and suggested organizing trainings on how to
 manage stress and manage mental health issues that may arise. Jules Wetchi said communities were
 also asking when elections for the Mayor would be. He thanked Christian Berry for the support she has
 given the TCVs.
 i. Councilor Grant updated everyone of when elections for the Mayor and Councilors would be.
 Refer to the video.
 c. Maryan Maalin echoed what everyone had already said and added people are worried about getting
 arrested by ICE and don’t know what to do.
 d. Alicia Van Dyk shared about housing issues that are going around in the community. She said when new
 refugees come to Vermont they have no support, no food stamps, and no housing. She shared a story
 about a community member who was struggling with heat at their house and how the City helped. She
 urged everyone to check on people.
 i. Councilor Grant mentioned she wanted to talk to Alicia Van Dyk. Councilor Grant shared some
 beliefs on how to help the community. Refer to the video.
 e. Christian Berry talked about a few things the TCVs talked about in their last meeting. There is a new
 Congolese community president that was elected (Emmanuel) Some TCVs were talking about businesses
 refusing to hire or retain people with green cards because the employer doesn’t want to risk having ICE
 raid their place of business.
 i. Councilor Singh said it is important to have details about the interactions people are having with
 ICE off the record or anonymous to be able to better help people and spread information.
 f. Mona Tolba added people should be good to their neighbors and suggested leaders put out a call to the
 community to be nice to each other.
 i. Christian Berry said she believes this is a tangible goal but everyone will need to be involved.
 g. Mary Gannon asked what Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak’s messaging was on what people are facing in terms
 of ICE. She encouraged people to reach out to the NAACP branches.
 i. Councilor Grant said we should have statewide presence for NAACP. Asked for Mary to send an
 email to talk about this. Refer to the video.
 h. Councilor Grant ensured everyone that their concerns are being heard. Grant expressed the importance
 of having the TCVs at the meetings to touch base. Refer to the video.
 i. Christian Berry reminded the Councilors that the REIB meets with the TCVs monthly and those who can’t
 attend come to the REIB City Council Committee meeting.
 i. Councilor Grant asked to be added to the meeting alerts. Councilor Grant will reach out to
 Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak for the BIPOC Stakeholders.
6. Town Meeting Day Education Updates
 a. Grant expressed the importance of TCVs going to the NPA meetings.
7. REIB/HR Collaboration
 a. Councilor Grant pushed agenda item REIB/HR Collaboration to the next meeting and said HR Director
 Lynn Reagan and Director Perkins should be there.
8. Adjournment
 a. Councilor Grant reminded everyone the next REIB City Council Subcommittee meeting will be on
 February 10th.
 b. Councilor Singh thanked everyone who spoke and expressed appreciation for everything that was said.
 c. Councilor Grant adjourned the meeting at 7:13 pm