City Council - Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee — Burlington, VT
Date: 2025-09-16
Time: 17:30

Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

 Tuesday, September 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. Motion to Approve Agenda

3. Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes
 Subject 3.1. August 2025
 Meeting September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial,
 Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 3. Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

4. Public Forum

5. REIB Updates
 Subject 5.1. Staffing
 Meeting September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial,
 Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 5. REIB Updates
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type
 Subject 5.1. Director Search Update
 Meeting September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 5:30 PM,
 Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

  Subject 5.2. REIB Charter Update
  Meeting September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial,
 Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 5. REIB Updates
  Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


  Type

  Subject 5.3. BIPOC Stakeholder Meeting: Citywide Housing Initiatives
  Meeting September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial,
 Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 5. REIB Updates
  Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


  Type

6. TCV Updates

7. Community Forum

8. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn
  Subject 8.1. Motion to adjourn
  Meeting September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial,
 Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


  Category 8. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn

  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 September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 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

 Tuesday, September 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. Motion to Approve Agenda

3. Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes
 Subject 3.1. August 2025
 Meeting September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial,
 Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 3. Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

4. Public Forum

5. REIB Updates
 Subject 5.1. Staffing
 Meeting September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial,
 Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 5. REIB Updates
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type


 Page 1 of 11
 Subject 5.1. Director Search Update
 Meeting September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 5:30 PM,
 Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

  Subject 5.2. REIB Charter Update
  Meeting September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial,
 Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 5. REIB Updates
  Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


  Type

  Subject 5.3. BIPOC Stakeholder Meeting: Citywide Housing Initiatives
  Meeting September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial,
 Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 5. REIB Updates
  Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


  Type

6. TCV Updates

7. Community Forum

8. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn
  Subject 8.1. Motion to adjourn
  Meeting September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial,
 Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


  Category 8. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn

  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


 Page 2 of 11
 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 September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial,
 Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
Category 9. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
Department Council and Board


Type




 Page 3 of 11
 Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

 Tuesday, August 19, 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. Motion to Approve Agenda

3. Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes
 Subject 3.1. July 2025
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 3. Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

4. Public Forum

5. REIB Updates
 Subject 5.1. Staffing
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)



 Page 4 of 11
Type

Recommended Action

 Subject 5.1. Director Search Process
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

 Subject 5.1. REIB Charter Update
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

 Subject 5.1. BIPOC Stakeholder Meeting: Policing & Community Safety
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

 Subject 5.1. Community Engagement (Katie)
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

Subject 5.2. TCV Updates
Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Page 5 of 11
 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

 Subject 5.2. Back-to-School Backpack Initiative
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

 Subject 5.2. Community Updates
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

6. Community Forum
 Subject 6.1. Ingrid Jonas, Senior Advisor on Community Safety
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 6. Community Forum
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Subject 6.1. Situation Table
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 6. Community Forum

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action




 Page 6 of 11
  Subject 6.2. BPD Police Chief Process
  Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 6. Community Forum
  Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


  Type

7. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn
  Subject 7.1. Next REIB City Council Committee Meeting
  Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


  Category 7. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

 Subject 7.1. Tuesday, September 16, 2025
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 7. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

8. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 8.1. 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 August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 8. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Department Council and Board


  Type




 Page 7 of 11
Minutes taken by: Vicky Luciano

REIB City Council Committee

August 19, 2025 5:30-7:00 pm

Sharon Bushor Room

Attendees:

Christian Berry, Interim Director REIB (in person)

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

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

Richard Elliott (In Person)

Kelsa Summer Roidt (In Person)

Councilor Melo Grant: megrant@burlingtonvt.gov (Virtual)

Councilor Ranjit “Buddy” Singh: bsingh@burlingtonvt.gov (Virtual)

Mona Tolba: mtolba7@gmail.com (Virtual)

Hemant Ghising: hemanttamang2009@gmail.com (Virtual)

Jeff Smith: jsmithncfcu1@gmail.com (Virtual)

Lizzy Clements: clements.lizzy@gmail.com (Virtual)

Michelle Bookless: michelle.bookless@gmail.com (Virtual)

Tiffanie Katsuva: katsuvatiffanie@gmail.com (Virtual)

Loan Nguyen: lnguyen@burlingtonvt.gov (Virtual)

Alicia Van Dyk: avandyk@burlingtonvt.org (Virtual)




Meeting Started: 5:33 PM

Agenda:

 1. Motion to Approve Agenda
 a. Councilor Grant approved the agenda with the amendment that Councilor Singh and Grant would
 provide info on the Situation Table and the Chief hiring process since Ingrid Jonas could not attend and
 Councilor Singh seconded. Unanimous pass.
 2. Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes
 a. Councilor Grant approved the meeting minutes and Councilor Singh seconded. Unanimous pass.
 3. Public Forum
 a. No one spoke during Public Forum.
 4. REIB Updates
 a. Staffing:
 i. Director Search Process



 Page 8 of 11
 1. Director Berry informed everyone second round interviews have begun. They hope to
 have someone in place by the beginning of September.
 2. Councilor Grant asked how this is affecting the hiring of the other vacant roles in the
 department. Director Berry said the other 2 roles won’t be moving forward at this time.
 The Director will be hired first, then the Education Program Manager, and last the
 Health Equity Program Manager.
 3. Councilor Grant stated publicly her support for Director Berry as the Director of the
 department.
 ii. REIB Charter Update
 1. Councilor Grant informed everyone City Council has a vote to push the REIB Charter
 forward to the Charter Change Committee. Initial Documentation has been provided
 where it will be reviewed and possibly expanded upon.
 2. Director Berry informed everyone the Charter Change Committee meeting would be on
 September 15th at 1pm. Councilor McKnight is still working out the details of exact
 timing and location but will share it more broadly so people can attend and provide
 input. At the next REIB City Council Committee meeting, space can be held for a
 community forum discussion for those who can’t attend the Charter Change Committee
 meeting.
iii. BIPOC Stakeholder Meeting: Policing & Community Safety
 1. Director Berry informed everyone of what the purpose of the BIPOC Stakeholder
 meeting was and summarized what Interim Chief Burke and Ingrid Jonas, the special
 advisor on community safety, shared in the meeting. Director Berry shared hopes that
 the meetings will continue. Refer to the video.
 2. Councilor Grant shared thoughts on past incidents that hurt BPD’s relationships in parts
 of the community and their process. She expressed her hope for specific updates and
 specific examples of what can be done to improve community engagement. She shared
 that she is giving them grace as they stabilize with the search of a new chief.
 3. Councilor Singh encouraged people to watch the BIPOC Stakeholders meeting as it had
 good information on how use of force reports is handled. He encouraged people to
 engage with the officers in their community so officers feel they are included in the
 community.
 4. Councilor Grant talked about her disapproval of how the past incidents were handled.
 Refer to video.
 5. Richard Elliott asked for more details about the past incidents. Councilor Grant provided
 info on one of the incidents and her email address to offer more info. Refer to the video.
 Elliot also asked if there was a way to access documentation on BPD improvements,
 best practices, and how to handle situations like de-escalation. Councilor Grant directed
 him to the city website and gave some background. Director Berry informed everyone
 that Interim Chief Burke expressed interest in coming to the meeting to answer and
 address questions. Refer to the video.
 6. Mona Tolba expressed gratitude to Councilor Grant for speaking about BPD’s incidents.
 Tolba shared an incident her son had with the police and expressed disapproval with the
 way things were addressed and how they are addressing things now. Councilor Grant
 offered to meet with Tolba to discuss further and said their needs to be more police
 equity training. Refer to the video.
 7. Elliott said their needs to be something done at the community level as well on how to
 interact with police. Councilor Grant expressed that she believed it wouldn’t work and
 there needs to be both training and education on the community level. Refer to the
 video.


 Page 9 of 11
 iv. Community Engagement (Katie)
 a. Katie informed every one of the conversation series she and the REIB are
 working on. They have the IDEAL grant to do a conversation series focusing on
 the priorities of the mayor’s office (housing, climate change, and environmental
 justice). The series will be open and accessible. It will be a space where
 constituents and partners can share their perspectives, build trust, and learn
 from people who can help inform the work. The REIB is looking to do the
 conversations in September and October.
 i. Some surveys have gone out to community partners and community
 constituents to ask for feedback on what people want to talk about as it
 relates to those topics and she hopes to get feedback by the end of the
 week.
 b. Councilor Grant asked how much the grant was, Katie and Director Berry
 answered. Refer to video
 b. TCV Updates
 i. Back to School Backpack Initiative
 1. Director Berry provided some background on what she has been doing with the Trusted
 Community Voices and informed everyone that the Back-to-School Backpack initiative
 was started by Tiffanie Katsuva. Director Berry invited the TCVs to comment. Tiffanie
 Katsuva introduced herself and told everyone what communities she works with.
 2. Director Berry updated everyone on how the Back-to-School-Initiative went at AALV and
 informed everyone more backpacks and supplies will be ordered for the TCVs to
 distribute to their communities. Katie added what she thought about the event and told
 everyone what other things were included in the back-to-school event at AALV. Refer to
 the video.
 3. Councilor Grant asked if Dave Harnett had a chance to come to the event. Director Berry
 answered no. Councilor Grant gave some background info on Dave Harnett and thanked
 the REIB for the good work. Refer to the video.
 ii. Community Updates
 1. Richard Elliott told everyone about the upcoming Pride Festival on September 5th at
 12pm. Richard gave details about the parade and expressed interest in engaging with
 the city and other community partners for the festival. Elliott informed everyone he
 connected Director Berry with the executive director of the Pride Center. Elliott talked
 about working with the REIB on the Pride Center’s Thrive Ball event. Councilor Grant
 asked for the info to be shared and expressed her community’s possible interest in the
 Pride Center’s events and interest in supporting their efforts. Refer to the video.
 2. Councilor Grant reminded everyone of upcoming community events. On Saturday,
 August 23rd is First African Landing Day from 12pm-5pm at the Richard Kemp Center and
 Roosevelt Park. The following Saturday on August 30th will be A Dog Day. There will be
 events at the skate park. Refer to the video.
5. Community Forum
 a. Ingrid Jonas, Senior Advisor on Community Safety
 i. Situation Table
 1. Councilor Grant informed everyone of what the Situation Table is, updated everyone on
 its progress, and gave some background information. Elliott responded by sharing a
 story of a community member he works with and expressed gratitude that organizations
 and agencies are going to start interacting and talking with each other so people, like
 the community member, don’t fall through the cracks. Director Berry added that she
 could share info with Elliott about the Situation Table with Elliott. Refer to the video.


 Page 10 of 11
 b. BPD Police Chief Process
 i. Councilor Grant informed everyone that Interim Chief Burke will be staying on for 2 years to
 stabilize the department. In addition, a new deputy chief has been hired, and the city is hiring an
 agency to participate in the search for the new police chief. There will be robust feedback from
 the community on what they would like to see in a new police chief. Refer to the video.
 6. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn
 a. Next REIB City Council Committee Meeting
 i. Tuesday, September 16, 2025
 1. Councilor Grant brought the meeting to an end at 6:49.

Meeting Ended at: 6:49 PM




 Page 11 of 11

Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

 Tuesday, September 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. Motion to Approve Agenda

3. Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes
 Subject 3.1. August 2025
 Meeting September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial,
 Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 3. Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

4. Public Forum

5. REIB Updates
 Subject 5.1. Staffing
 Meeting September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial,
 Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 5. REIB Updates
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type
 Subject 5.1. Director Search Update
 Meeting September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 5:30 PM,
 Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

  Subject 5.2. REIB Charter Update
  Meeting September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial,
 Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 5. REIB Updates
  Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


  Type

  Subject 5.3. BIPOC Stakeholder Meeting: Citywide Housing Initiatives
  Meeting September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial,
 Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 5. REIB Updates
  Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


  Type

6. TCV Updates

7. Community Forum

8. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn
  Subject 8.1. Motion to adjourn
  Meeting September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial,
 Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


  Category 8. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn

  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 September 16, 2025 - Agenda v1 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 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


REIB City Council Committee
May 20, 2025 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Sharon Bushor Room
Attendees:
Christian Berry, Interim Director REIB (in person)
Katie Greene, Community & Belonging Program Manager REIB (in person)
Vicky Luciano, Administrative and Financial Coordinator REIB (in person)
Councilor Becca Brown McKnight (in person)
Ferene Paris (in person)
Councilor Melo Grant (Virtual)
Councilor Ranjit “Buddy” Singh (Virtual)
Councilor Evan Litwin (Virtual)
Councilor Ben Traverse (Virtual)
p.lopee@gmail.com (no name listed, virtual)
Emma Wall (Virtual)
Lizzy Clements (Virtual)
Michelle Bookless (Virtual)
Charlotte Safran (Virtual)
Christine Hughes (Virtual)
Elizabeth Cornell (Virtual)
Sherwood Smith (Virtual)
Grey Barreda (Virtual)
Jaada Longmore (Virtual)
Mona Tolba (Virtual)
Mary Gannon (Virtual)
Reverend Mark Hughes (Virtual)


Meeting Convened: 5:38 PM
Agenda:
 1. Call to Order
 a. Councilor Grant called the meeting to session at 5:38 PM
 2. Motion to Approve Agenda
 a. Councilor Singh motioned to approve the agenda. Councilor McKnight seconded. Motion passed
 unanimously.
 3. Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes
 a. Councilor Singh motioned to approve the meeting minutes. Councilor Mcknight seconded.
 Motion passed unanimously.
 4. Public Forum
 a. Members of the public voiced strong support for the REIB and Interim Director Berry and
 expressed concerns and disappointment for the delay in the naming of the permanent director
 for the REIB. A few members of the public expressed the need to acknowledge what is
 happening on a national level. A member of the public asked what is the criteria for being a part
 of the BIPOC Stakeholders meeting and expressed a need to center the topics affecting BIPOC.
 Refer to the video.
 i. Councilor Grant apologized for the delay and expressed they would not be able to make
 the announcement as it is Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak’s announcement to make. Councilor
 Grant said she would look into the criteria for the BIPOC Stakeholders meetings. She
 brought up the community forum as another space to bring some topics to have
 conversations. She expressed an interest in speaking to the members to talk about their
 concerns. Refer to video.
 ii. Councilor Mcknight expressed their appreciation of all the words, comments, opinions,
 thoughts, and frustration that was shared and empathized with all that was said. She
 expressed that she supports Interim Director Berry as the permanent director. She
 noted it would be harder for whoever does come in if it is not Interim Director Berry.
 Refer to video.
 iii. Concilor Singh echoed the frustrations the members of community expressed and
 apologized to Interim Director Berry and the REIB staff for being put through the
 process and expressed gratitude for Interim Director Berry and staff for working through
 the pressure and staying professional. Refer to video
 5. REIB Updates
 a. Staffing
 i. Director Search Update
 1. Interim Director Berry informed everyone the staffing process is in the same
 holding pattern. The 2 program managers for education and health equity can’t
 be hired until the permanent director has been named.
 2. Councilor Grant informed everyone that the decision for the new director has
 been named and an announcement will be coming from the mayor but she is not
 sure when the announcement will be made. Refer to video.
 b. REIB Charter Update
 i. Councilor McKnight informed everyone the Charter Change Committee met to fine tune
 the language for the Charter. She said in the previous meeting they narrowed in on 3
 issues to open up for public discussion, if the director should be appointed by the mayor,
 how long the appointment should be, and the list of power and responsibilities of the
 office. Refer to the Charter Change memo below. And the last issue is creating a citizen-
 led commission or advisory board. Refer to the video. Councilor Grant expressed her
 concerns about having a commission over an advisory board. Refer to the video.
 Councilor McKnight expressed she and the other Council members on the Charter
 Change Committee would be willing to talk about the issues. She mentioned the deadline
 to get the language fine-tuned would-be early December. Refer to the video. A member of
 the community asked a clarifying question about who needs to be appointed by the
 mayor. Interim Director Berry answered that all of the Department heads and some
 directors are appointed. Refer to the video. Councilor Singh expressed his thoughts on
 the composition of the board and urged people to give their opinions on the issues
 brought up by Councilor McKnight. Refer to the video.
 c. BIPOC Stakeholder Meeting: Citywide Housing Initiatives
 i. Councilor Grant informed everyone the next BIPOC Stakeholders meeting would be on
 Wednesday the 24th at 9:00 am. A member of the community presented a few questions
 for Councilor Grant to bring to Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak. Refer to the video.
6. TCV Updates
 a. No TCVs had any updates.
7. Community Forum
 a. Councilor Grant informed everyone that for the next Community Forum she would like to invite
 representatives from Food not Cops, Food Not Bombs, Street Cats, and the owners of King
 Street Laundry as they all do significant amounts of work with the unhoused population.
 Councilor Grant expressed she would welcome any emails with additional topics for community
 forum. A member of the public encouraged the City Councilors to have a conversation about
 what accountability looks like, thanked them for offering their perspectives and offering up what
 their roles could be and expressed a need for community support, especially white allies. Other
 member of the community expressed frustration and disappointment in Mayor Mulvaney-
 Stanak. Another community member reviewed the Declaration of Racism as a Public Health
 Emergency in 2020 and the Reparations Task Force. Refer to the video.
8. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn
 a. Councilor Grant adjourned the meeting at 7:30 pm
Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB)
Date: July 9, 2015

To: Burlington City Council

From: Christian Berry, Interim Director

Re: Recommended Action: Motion to Refer the REIB Proposed Charter Language to the Charter Change Committee



Introduction
This memo proposes the formal addition of the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB) to Burlington’s
City Charter and recommends City Council refer the proposed REIB Charter Language to the Charter Change Committee
for further action.


Establishing the REIB Office within the city’s charter signifies a commitment to advancing racial equity and
social justice throughout our city. This initiative aligns with our ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive community,
and it addresses systemic inequities that have historically affected the most underrepresented, underserved, and
marginalized members of our community.


History of Racial Equity and Social Justice Work in City Governance
The City of Burlington has taken significant strides towards racial equity and social justice since the early 2000s. In 2000,
the City Council adopted the Legacy Action Plan, outlining a vision for improving the city’s economic, environmental,
social, and cultural health for future generations. This plan initially overlooked the urgent need to assess and
address systemic barriers related to diversity and racial equity, which were incorporated into the plan in 2010.


In 2011, under the direction of the Social Equity Director, Wanda Hines, a Unity Retreat convened over 50 stakeholders
to identify structural barriers and emphasize the necessity of a coordinated, city-supported plan to advance racial
equity. This work laid the foundation for future initiatives. A resolution to create a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
committee was passed by the City Council in 2012 and by late 2013, the city enlisted the Vermont Partnership for
Fairness and Diversity to develop a strategic plan addressing racial and ethnic disparities. This plan was adopted in 2014
with the goal of embedding inclusion, equity, and justice into city operations.


In response to identified gaps in Burlington’s approach to addressing racial and social disparities, the Office of
Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB) was established in 2019. This formal launch created a centralized structure
to lead internal systems change efforts and public-facing equity initiatives throughout the city. Tyeastia Green was
appointed as the City’s first Director of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in 2020.


Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Initially, the City of Burlington’s efforts to address racial equity were often reactive rather than proactive, leading
to a fragmented approach to social justice. Establishing a dedicated Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
provided a centralized focus for racial equity and social justice-based efforts and initiatives, ensuring ongoing attention
to issues faced by the most underrepresented, underserved, and marginalized members of our community.


Since its establishment in 2019, the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB) has emerged as a key driver
of systemic equity efforts throughout city governance. The office’s work is now integrated into internal policies,
public engagement initiatives, budget planning, education and training, and service delivery. In response to community
needs and

organizational gaps, the REIB’s strategic and operational responsibilities have expanded. The REIB continues to
be relied upon to lead and support equity-based initiatives across departments and within city policies.


Currently, the need for a formal REIB Office is more urgent than ever. National conversations surrounding racial
inequality and ongoing attacks on human rights reveal the systemic injustices faced not only by racial and ethnic groups,
but also by various underrepresented, underserved, and marginalized groups, including those impacted by
socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, and other factors that result in disparate
treatment.


The focus on inclusion and belonging emphasizes the importance of creating a community where everyone feels safe,
valued, and supported, irrespective of their backgrounds or experiences. An official Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and
Belonging would ensure that racial equity and social justice considerations are integral to all city policies and programs,
rather than an afterthought.



Justification for Including the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging and REIB
Director position in Burlington’s City Charter
Institutionalizing the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging within Burlington’s City
Charter offers numerous benefits for future governance. By embedding the REIB Office in the Charter, the city
demonstrates an unwavering commitment to prioritizing racial equity and social justice in all aspects of governance and
community development. This institutionalization creates a mechanism for long-term accountability, ensuring that city
officials and employees remain responsible for promoting equity and belonging in both policy decisions and program
implementations.


Furthermore, a chartered REIB Office facilitates a centralized, coordinated approach to equity-based initiatives,
effectively breaking down silos between departments while ensuring comprehensive strategies that address systemic
inequities. It also allows for dedicated funding and resources, thereby enabling the sustainable development of
programs that cater to the needs of the most underrepresented, underserved, and marginalized members of our
community. This formal commitment fosters greater public trust and engagement, as community members will feel
more included in the decision-making processes knowing there is an office specifically dedicated to their concerns.


With the REIB Office enshrined in the City Charter, considerations of racial equity would be systematically integrated
into all city policies, programs, practices, and services, promoting a culture of inclusion throughout municipal
governance. The REIB can conduct regular assessments, collect data, and provide ongoing training regarding racial
equity, leading to better-informed decision-making by city officials. Moreover, its establishment encourages community
engagement and empowerment, creating a platform where voices from various backgrounds can be heard, leading to
more impactful initiatives.


Additionally, the REIB can set measurable goals and benchmarks for achieving racial equity, allowing the city to track
progress over time and make necessary adjustments to strategies. Ultimately, embedding the REIB Office within the City
Charter serves to facilitate a cultural shift towards inclusivity, supporting a broader societal change that values diversity
and belonging. In summary, institutionalizing the REIB Office would create a robust framework for addressing systemic
issues, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive Burlington for everyone.
Request:
Establishing the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging within Burlington’s City Charter is a vital step
towards fostering an inclusive and equitable community. This formal recognition will ensure that our commitment to
racial equity, inclusion, and belonging is embedded in the governance of our city, paving the way for systemic change
and accountability. Adding the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging to Burlington’s City Charter is a
crucial step toward reinforcing our commitment to equity and justice.



Proposed Motion: “To waive the first reading of the proposed Charter Change and forward the language to the
Charter Change Committee for further deliberation subject to review and approval of the City Attorney’s Office.”



Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB) Charter Language

The City of Burlington shall form an Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and establish a Director of Racial
Equity Inclusion and Belonging.


The REIB Director role shall be a permanent position in the City appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City
Council.

 1. The REIB Office shall be under supervision, direction and control of director subject to the orders and ordinances
 of city council
 2. The office of racial equity, inclusion, and belonging administrative officer shall have all of the powers, duties,
 and responsibilities as are provided in the racial equity, inclusion, and belonging director position description.

Subject to the orders and ordinances of the City Council, the Mayor and REIB director shall develop and implement a
comprehensive racial equity, inclusion, and belonging strategy for the City of Burlington.


In furtherance of this work, the REIB director shall, subject to the orders and ordinances of the City Council, have the
following rights, powers and duties, and implement such alongside all city departments:

 1. To work on behalf of the City to advance equity and social justice by championing diversity, inclusion, belonging,
 and anti-racism;
 2. To develop, coordinate, implement, and administer racial equity and inclusion strategies and projects for the
 City;
 3. To recommend to city departments, the mayor’s office, and City Council, policy and program changes to
 better advance racial equity and inclusion in the City;
 4. To enhance representation in city government through decision-making bodies, community engagement
 initiatives, and policy development process for folks who hold underserved communities;
 5. To coordinate and facilitate resident engagement in the City that encourages inclusive spaces for engagement
 with city government.