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Q&A
Council member inquires about CORE funding and staffing
2:15:51
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149 sec
Council Member Nantasha Williams questions Director Jacques Jiha about the funding allocation for additional staff positions at the Commission on Racial Equity (CORE). Jiha explains the current budget allocations and mentions ongoing monitoring of needs.
- CORE received funding for 4 full-time staff and 2 part-time interns, less than their original request
- $2 million was added in November for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
- Jiha states they will continue to monitor needs and consider additional resources if available
Nantasha Williams
2:15:51
I just have a few questions on CORE and, the mayor's office of equity and racial justice.
2:15:57
So the prelim plan includes a baseline of $429,000 in fiscal twenty twenty six for the addition of four full time staff members and two part time interns at CORE.
2:16:08
The commission had originally requested three additional full time positions that were not funded.
2:16:13
These positions are necessary for to fulfill their mandates specifically around the bills that the council passed last year and the mayor, also signed.
2:16:25
So can you explain why only four positions were funded instead of CORE's entire request?
Jacques Jiha
2:16:32
In the November plan, we added $2,000,000, for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to conduct a study on truth, healing, reconciliation, and a study on reparation as well, continue to monitor potential needs with the chief equity officer.
2:16:50
The COP budget is like $2,400,000 in '25.
2:16:55
It goes up to 4.8 in '26, and it's about 4.6 in 2027.
2:17:03
So, again, we'll continue to monitor and work with the commissioner as we proceed.
2:17:11
If the need is there and the resources are available at the time, we will basically see what can be done.
2:17:24
You muted, I think.
Justin Brannan
2:17:26
Nan, you're on you're muted.
2:17:28
Yeah.
Nantasha Williams
2:17:31
These requirements, I don't know what is going on with these Zoom requirements, do not allow for me to unmute myself and to take my video off, so not my fault.
2:17:40
Blame whoever's running the Zoom.
2:17:43
Thank you.
2:17:43
I would just say and I know that you did give additional money for the commission, but it is the understanding of CORE that they actually need the staff to fulfill the mandates.
2:17:54
And I think that is probably a theme across the board on many different agencies is that they don't have the necessary staff to actually fulfill the requirements.
2:18:03
And so I do hope, that you consider readjusting, to their request for an additional five members of their team for fiscal twenty twenty six in the executive budget.
2:18:16
And just if I I can quickly turn because I know I'm probably out of time with all these tech difficulties.