HRC Minutes 070120 - Laserfiche WebLink

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C. Ms. Stephanie Harrell commented on how she felt affordable housing is one of the areas there are inequities and lack of diversity in housing. Ms. Allison Mahaley commented on how The University of Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and students play a role in the issues with housing, like housing costs in Orange County. She explained how the lack of a policy to require students to stay on campus forces students to try to find housing in the community. She also commented on how the issues with housing could be better addressed, if the local governments of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough, county government, and UNC had better communication on the subject. D. Ms. Mahaley discussed how she felt the 2019 community read addressed housing crises across the nation. She also expressed her disappointment with the 2019 Community Read turnout. She explained how people ignore issues that do not directly affect them. She commented how this may be the case for many white residents in Orange County. Ms. Annette Moore encouraged HRC members to focus less on the amount of folks who engaged in the 2019 Community Read, but to highlight that from that, Orange County launched the Eviction Diversion Program. Ms. Moore highlighted that the program has received its first client. E. Ms. Mahaley suggested that the HRC vamp up more education and outreach to residents about the HRC and its origins. She expressed the importance of residents knowing what the HRC is and what the HRC does. F. Mr. Dion Graham inquired about the anticipated outcomes or actions of the listening session. Ms. Castillo explained that there are no clear anticipated outcomes or actions that she knows of. She explained it will be a platform for residents to be able to speak about anything for three (3) minutes, and resident comments' will be noted and recorded. G. Ms.Ana Garcia inquired if there was any promotion leading up to this event, because she was not aware of it. Ms. Moore explained how the details and information for the event could be found on Orange County's main website and on the BOCC's webpage. She noted how the County's Communication's department is planning and promoting the event. H. Mr.James Spivey inquired if HRC members register forthe event,should they register as residents or as HRC members. Ms. Castillo responded and answered, HRC members would register as residents. Mr. Spivey expressed his concerns and hopes that if the results from the listening session are not used as an opportunity to challenge racially unjust systems and institutions, then the event may be seen as just a check-off of a list. Ms. Castillo urged members to use the recording of the listening session as an opportunity of gathering feedback from the community. I. Ms. Tomeka Ward-Satterfield shared her initial thoughts of the idea of the listening session, and how she did not have a good impression. She expressed concern that the call for the listening session may appear like a public relations initiative, because of the popularity of organizations and companies now making racially conscious statements. She discussed how listening is important, but listening is the easiest thing someone could do and apply the least effort. She suggested that an elected leader(s) have an introspective dialogue with residents about resident concerns or be discussing structured action to address inequities. J. Ms. Moore explained to the HRC how the BOCC announced, in their resolution, a plan would be developed to address racial inequities. She said the BOCC approved funding for the racial equity index. She suggested the listening session may have been too soon, and before staff could put in the work. K. Mr. Graham said the listening session won't be conducive and he believes will be exhausting for a person of color. He suggested that data be gathered, and idea of action be presented to the community and get the community's feedback on that. 2