Oct. 3 – Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Cleveland City Council
Covered by Documenters Rosie Palfy and Tina Scott
What happened: The committee advanced legislation that dedicates $30 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to finance housing development across the city. Council passed it at its regular meeting later that night. The city could use the funds to create roughly 900 affordable-housing units and 1,200 market-rate units, said Assistant Director of Community Development Michiel Wackers. Ward 15 Council Member Jenny Spencer said she supports the legislation, but she asked why the city would target more market-rate units than affordable housing. The city needs to make sure the labor force has the housing it wants, Wackers said.
A fund for the arts: The city will spend $3 million of ARPA dollars to establish a fund for public art programs. City Planning Director Joyce Huang called the fund an investment in neighborhoods. The legislation creates a Program Arts Committee. It will include five city residents, one council member and one representative of a local community arts organization. Council members wanted to make sure the city involves local artists.
Documenter Tina Scott wondered where folks can find presentations made to council committees. Some presentations are in the “attachments” section below each legislative summary on meeting agendas. The below screenshot is an example. Check out our video to learn how to find council meeting agendas.
