Minutes 04-22-2021 Virtual Work Session

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6 Erika Brandt presented for the Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB). She said the AHAB is interested in exploring new housing strategies. She said the AHAB is meeting virtually, only as needed, for high priority items. She said the AHAB reviewed funding applications in August 2020, and met in February of this year to review outside agency applications. Erika Brandt said prior to the pandemic there was a community meeting to learn more about what AHAB does. She said AHAB has a new member from Hillsborough, and bring her own perspective as a resident in affordable housing. She said 3 vacancies that will be filled in the new fiscal year. She said AHAB's goals are to expand outreach; developing a standardized presentation to use at community meetings; attending the NC Affordable Housing conference; and exploring other training opportunities for members. Chair Price thanked Brandt for her work in keeping people in their homes. Frances Castillo presented the work plan for the Human Relations Commission (HRC). She said the 30th annual Pauli Murray Awards were held this past year. She said the HRC conducted two fair housing hearings. She said the HRC is working with Commission for the Environment in order to see things through a social justice lens. She said the HRC expanded its community book read to include author discussions, as well as event with Democracy NC on how to vote safely during the pandemic. She said the HRC reviewed membership of other boards and commissions with an eye for diversity. She said the HRC also participated in the County's listening session about racialized policing, and did a follow up conversation this year on untangling the #defundthepolice debate. Frances Castillo said this year the HRC had a Pauli Murray Award ceremony, which was wonderful. She said this is fair housing month, and the HRC has put together a social media campaign to help people understand their housing rights. She said these materials are being translated to other languages. She said in May, the HRC will have another community conversation about how to build community, and what are people's roles in doing social justice work, as everyone is needed. Frances Castillo said the book read is being planned, and there is a desire to incorporate books families can read with children. She said the selection will be more holistic and multi-lingual, as the HRC wants the entire community to participate. Frances Castillo said there is a future collaboration coming up in September or October, surrounding Pauli Murray and engaging educators. Frances Castillo said the HRC's goals are to engage with community members who are not aware of the HRC's work. She said the HRC is reaching out to other boards, tapping into others' networks, reaching out to faith community, etc. Chair Price thanked Frances Castillo for the work of the HRC, and for bringing people together. Haywood Rhodes presented on behalf of the Orange County Parks and Recreation Council. He said the department pivoted during the pandemic, and provided recreational opportunities online. He said a concern that became apparent was that many residents do not have access to fast Internet. He said the department helped in these situations by sending recordings of the activities. Haywood Rhodes said facilities are of concern, and the parks are getting a lot of use. He said the department would like to find a way to partner with public schools, as they have a lot of capacity. He said the Central Recreation facility in downtown Hillsborough is the only place for basketball currently, and schools could be a great resource. He said there is a local tennis group that is trying to expand tennis offerings in the County.