City Council - Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee

Regular Meeting

Burlington, VT · January 21, 2026

Minutes

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

Agenda

Packet

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