Yesterday, the alders were told about a poverty forum (for us?) that is going to take place on Monday. And, I was asked by city staff to find someone to talk about poverty and housing. A little rushed/late, wouldn’t you say? Here’s about all I know about it:
In response to the growing concerns over the impact that the downturn of the economy is having on a cross section of our community, Council Leadership and the Mayor are planning a Common Council forum on poverty issues and needs. This forum is scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 201, CCB. A second forum dealing with economic issues has also been scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. in Room 201, CCB. These forums will focus on the adverse effects the meltdown in the financial and real estate markets are having on our local economy in terms of jobs, economic development and the future of the city’s tax base.
Hopefully you will find these forums beneficial in gaining a better understanding of the unprecedented challenges that we are all facing. Unfortunately at a time when the needs haven’t been greater, resources available to combat poverty or strengthen our city’s economic climate are falling far short.
Therefore we must continue to move forward aggressively with bold, progressive solutions in partnership with others to offset this declining environment. These forums will not only provide Council members with a better insight into existing and emerging concerns, but also give members the opportunity to dialog with others to explore ideas for expanding upon city strategies that will favorably impact current conditions and the future of our city’s quality of life.
Recognizing the tremendous time demands placed on your busy schedules if you are unable to attend any information provided at the forums will be made available to you.
We welcome any ideas or suggestions for these forums, so please don’t hesitate to contact Lisa Veldran or myself.
Ald. Tim Bruer
Common Council President
I can’t tell if this was intended to be a non-vite or if it was just excruciatingly painfully poor planning. I don’t know if the public is supposed to speak or if we’re just going to be talked at by a series of talking heads. My guess is the amount of planning that has gone into this is indicative of how serious they intend to take the issues raised. Seriously, 6 days notice to get 20 alders to a meeting that they haven’t requested – How many alders do you think show up? It might be useful if they’ll tell us how and where people can purchase those low-income bus passes starting on April 1st? Or how that IZ replacement/Housing Diversity plan is coming along? (They still need to appoint people to the committee – isn’t their report due in a few months?)
