December 17, 2024 — Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

Transcript

Manually captioned by City of Boulder staff. All segments attributed to uploader — not individual speaker labels. [MM:SS] timestamps correspond to the YouTube recording.

[0:13] Okey Doke, and welcome everybody to the December 17, th 2024 Human Relations Commission meeting. I am going to share my screen oops. Hello! I have never done that one before. Sorry about that, guys. Okay. here is our meeting agenda, Carlos. The floor is yours.

[1:00] Gracias por aguira la ulti marune and de Lano. Okay, we're not okay. It's almost. Carlos, you muted yourself. Y esta es y damos inicio a nuestra reunion siendo la seis condoce de la dar de noche cacilla, it will move Lagenda.

[2:04] Does the Ltcht presentation is that the human trafficking lab? Okay, gotcha. Not to combat human trafficking. I was just trying to squeeze everything into little comms that we have. Okay. Thank you. Yes. Just making sure that's on. There. One thing that I would add would be to discuss the email we just got sent from the Environmental Advisory Board about switching to plan based. I didn't get that email, but we'll be curious to hear more about it. Cool. Carlos, did you get that? I I thought they sent it to all of us, but maybe maybe not remember seeing a few of us on there. Csil or recipe pero Si lo podemos en exr, and don de lo podemos en exr Cristian.

[3:08] I think that would just be a discussion informational item there. So we can tack that on after handbook update. Okay, where no gracias aron poresto y vamos a pasara approval las minutas the el mes pasado. And Thomas says, Si estamos tos de cuerdo necesitamos unamocion y Al guin que secunde. Motion to approve. The November 2024 min. A second.

[4:04] Perfector eleveno para aprobar gracias cristianentes de pasaro los commentarios de en lina quero que basadar lo que loquestantes a de los commentarios no. Yes, give me one second here. Okay, so it looks like we do have one member the public joining in tonight. So I will run through briefly a few slides here about public participation at city meetings. The city has engaged with community members to co-create a vision for productive, meaningful, and inclusive conversations.

[5:06] This vision supports physical and emotional safety for community members, staff and board and commission members. One second, the light is motion censored in this office. and board and commission members as well as democracy. For people of all ages, identities lived experiences and political perspectives. For more information about this vision and and the community engagement processes. Please visit the websites listed on your screen. The following are examples of rules of decorum found in the boulder, revised Code, and other guidelines that support this vision. These will be upheld. During this meeting

[6:01] all remarks and testimony shall be limited to matters related to city business. No participant shall make threats or use other forms of intimidation against any person. obscenity, racial epithets, and other speech and behavior that disrupts or otherwise impedes the ability to conduct the meeting are prohibited. participants are required to sign up to speak, using the name they are commonly known by, and individuals must display their whole name before being allowed to speak online. Currently, only audio testimony is permitted. So we do not have a sign up sheet. I would just ask if anybody is anybody attending is wanting to make public comment. If you can just navigate to the bottom of your the menu at the bottom of your screen. You should see the raise hand. I option, and you can select raise hand so we can promote you to a panelist. We'll give just a minute or so.

[7:25] Okay, not seeing any hands raised, Carlos. So I do not believe we have anybody wanting to make public comment tonight. Presidente punto que son demas de accion Pero crocke no tenemos ninguno. No, sir. Entoces vamos a la discusion informal es el punto says, vamos Al punto a there el combate

[8:09] Al trafico umano la que tenemos pendiente. Okay mas. Yeah, thank you, Carlos. So Speaker Christian and I received a response back from Kara about our questions as to whether they would rather present, or suggest presenting on the weekend or during the week, and virtually versus in person, and Kara mentioned a few caveats about presenting on the weekend. They try as much as possible not to schedule them on the weekend for their own staff sustainability, but they do make exceptions for audiences of over a hundred or so.

[9:12] and April would be the earliest that they could make a weekend workshop work moving on to the second. Well, I guess a couple other things about the weekend is that it will, to their perception of turnout, would depend on who the target audience is. So people with 9 to 5 jobs. Might not come on the weekends because they might be with their kids and might want a break from work. if that's our audience. We might want to target during the week and during business hours, and then

[10:07] other folks folks who work low income jobs might turn out on the weekends, and then during the 9 to 5 h, they may not be able to attend the training. So those were some considerations about the weekend. Carlos and Erin. Do you want to discuss the the timing of the workshop first, st or do you want me to move on to summarize Kara's points about the in-person versus remote engagement. Yeah, I think open to hearing that. And then we can discuss all of it together. Sounds good to me. Okay, is that okay with you, Carlos? If I just summarize the rest of their email.

[11:02] See sister, Vienna. Okay, thanks, alright. So in terms of in person versus remote engagement, not a whole lot of considerations. I think that we hadn't talked about talked about. Kara said. A lot of people prefer in person, and people tend. People can be more engaged for those in person, but then, also, that remote has some accessibility benefits, and it can also be challenging, on the other hand, for folks to stay engaged when the when the workshop is online, but that they're very skilled at online facilitation as well as in person.

[12:04] and then they do about 30% of their trainings virtually. And if we decided on a weekend training, and we wanted to do it virtually. That's something they could definitely accommodate before April, because another reason for the not committing to weekends is because many of the employees don't work. Don't live in Denver. So they they wanna avoid being stuck in the ski traffic. It seems like last. Either way, Kira said. There's like a 50 to 75 percent rate of people showing up who register. So just something to keep in mind that even if we get a great registration turnout that all those folks may not show up. So that's that's most of what Kara had to say, I think I was left

[13:10] with that communication. And I didn't. I don't know what Feker thought about it, but I was left thinking that it would be helpful for us to really hone in our audience for the presentation for the workshop, so that we could better determine factors like Well, is this a better fit for in person or virtual, or you know, during the day, night or weekend timing. Hmm, yeah. I don't know that I have too many high level thoughts. I think most of what you said said makes sense. Yeah, I think in person is usually

[14:03] I I just think we're gonna gain a lot more from that. Yeah. Weekends versus weekdays feels either one feels fine to me, and yeah good to good to have an idea what they said about that. This timing the like, how many people usually show up. I'm I'm trying to make sure. That, I got everything you said. Are there? Are there like specific asks? I. Wanna yeah, just make sure I'm responding well, to. I guess my my personal question is like, Who do we want to put this on? For? Which I think would better answer the question of like, what time and when. Right? That's the question. Yeah, do you have any thoughts 1st on that, Carlos? Puedo invitera gente de las comunidades gente de las comunidades.

[15:12] See. Yes, people in the community who, I'm thinking, as well. You know. I think this is one of those things that's nice. It sounds like we would like our community to be more educated. And so if we just pick people who are well connected in community and make it available. that seems fine to me. So make it a more broad audience of like kind of snowball snowball outreach of like telling people, we think are well connected, and then asking them to amplify. Maybe I don't know. Maybe maybe you've thought more about this than than we have. I'm curious what your high, level thoughts are.

[16:04] I think, before we met with the lab to combat human trafficking, I had had similar thoughts, but then one of the things that Kara brought up was that she's not aware of any work in the school district that is addressing human trafficking. So that has me more curious about the school district. But I am curious, Christian and Elizabeth, if, like contacting people within the school district, falls within our realm of sanctioned actions as commissioners, or is that an action? We need approval from City Council for.

[17:00] Elizabeth, I would look to you for some guidance on that one. There. I think. I mean, I I think if the Hrc. Wants to host it, then certainly we can help make contact with key leaders at the school district. for invitations, etc. If you want to have more of a conversation about. you know parents, educators, and and what that might look like their interest level? And if so, their recommendations, for you know, is it an evening? Is it a weekend? What time of year might. Is there kind of room on the calendar from their perspective? I would suggest. And again, Christian, I can, you know, make the intros, maybe checking with some of our own city staff who work really closely with families and and some of our nonprofit partners who work in the school as well. So that's that's pretty easily done.

[18:03] I think you're you're right to flag that there may be some just strategic communications and checking in on who's reaching out to officials with the school district. But certainly I would start with our own housing and human services staff that work frequently with those families and teachers. We also have a lot of other nonprofit agencies that that you know work with children that work with parents. You know some of the populations that at least are thought to be more at risk from human trafficking. So so we can definitely help and make some of those connections. But it sounds like, if that's 1 of the focal areas is, you know, students, perhaps older. You know, high school students, I don't know, or educators. Parents.

[19:02] just starting with our own Hhs colleagues would would be good. Any other thoughts Christian. No, that would make sense to kinda start from our internal or innermost orbit, and then kind of work out that way. Beginning with what? Who you're likely thinking of with the family resource schools? And then kind of like working outward. There. I wonder? If we took a both and approach of brainstorming Carlos and Aaron from your perspective of the community members? You're thinking of inviting like when I know Aaron, you said you think either time anytime would work. But, Carlos, I'm curious if if you think

[20:03] like one of the options was hosted during this time, like our our meeting time. If you think the weekend would work better, or if you think a midday time would work. I'm curious what from folks that you're thinking about inviting, what sounds good to you. Serie a muy dificil para muchas personas porque sias por la manana, which again, lo y de alceria entre semana por la tardi estades ya este puede assistira algunavento.

[21:02] Is he invitear? Las? I said. People the I stay went through Euritamos yo me esimo yesiona todos estas personas. That would be awesome, Carlos. Thank you. And I'm hearing that it sounds like even late afternoon evening would be best for the folks you're thinking about inviting. So I think maybe we could.

[22:02] We could. 1. 1 course of action would be. We could check with Kara to see of her availability. I know, she said. Maybe she was gonna put February and March, or something along those lines for our meeting times down so we could check to see if that's still the case. And then Christian and Elizabeth, I think if if Erin and Carlos agree, I would like to be put into contact with those Hhs employees and run that timing by them to see if that would be an accessible time for this other audience of kind of higher risk. Groups related to school age, children, and if you know serendipitously, if those 2 match up, then great and if not, then we could

[23:01] My! My thought is we could do one more general community training and then have some more discussions with people from the school district about, you know. Maybe it is just a an introduction that Hrc. Does to members of the school district, or, you know, we can decide from there. Maybe it's not another training, but just sort of continue the the school conversation separately from the more community training. Curious how that sounds to you, Carlos and Erin. Sounds good to me. Does that make sense. No, no podemos este gente de de las escuelas

[24:11] yoko que ay muchos este padres de familia en las comunidades que participarian. See en la escuel a pero tengo amigos que que tienen ensoci cos en las escuel las y. That sounds great, Carlos. Yeah, a both, and approach where you're also talking with folks, with school-aged kids and and reaching that parent demographic. That sounds great. Thank you.

[25:07] So it sounds like our action. Steps from this conversation are to reach out, back to Kara and confirm her availability for February and March, Hrc. Meeting time in person, and then also Elizabeth and Christian. If you can make some introductions for me and feker over email to folks in Hhs, that would be great. And then we can discuss maybe through you, Christian, in the interim between meetings, because, yeah, I'm not sure if we'll have, we might have some action steps like I could see if it if the meeting time. If the training time gets confirmed. Perhaps, Carlos. You could begin your outreach before our January meeting, but we'll just have to see, I guess.

[26:24] Just for clarity, because I'm taking notes as we're as we're talking here. Emily, what you are saying is. number one, check back with Tara on potential use it. Use of the February or March 2025 Hrc. Dates and times for an in person presentation number one. number 2 would be email introductions for the subcommittee working on this UN. Speaker with Hhs staff that we previously mentioned to assess

[27:08] sort of the feasibility of that timeframe an interest in the presentation, and then step 3 would just be any additional work that would need to happen between those 2 conversations. Happening in the actual night of the event is that I got that right out of here. Not in your head. Okay, beautiful. Thank you. No problem cool can absolutely make those things happen. Go for it. Carlos.

[28:01] Okay. Communitario. Okay. Oh, oh, in terms of that! I don't have any any update on that. I haven't heard from Nuria, and I was so swamped in school stuff that I hadn't even repent her. So no update on that since last meeting. And can you remind us, Erin? Nuria responded, that yes, the city is interested, and that they might already be pursuing some work with Cu.

[29:02] Yeah, with, to use difficult dialogues. I don't know if Christian or Elizabeth know any new updates on that. or pretty much just that. You want me to go ahead, or you want to go? So yes, we do have a little bit more information. So so we support the city supports. Noria supports making contact with with the the difficult dialogue folks at Cu sorry, struggling to remember the name, so I think some of the same questions we would offer. Staff would offer, applied to the conversation you just had about hosting a a workshop or training on human trafficking. So thinking about who who you would, who you would want to reach out, to, to have

[30:01] participate in some kind of dialogue again, not not focused on the question about a ceasefire. But more specifically, you know how engaging, how people might want to engage with each other in a different way around. really challenging topics like that? so if you wanted to have some conversation and kind of hear from each other about some desired outcomes, maybe. What types of. you know, community members who, from our population city you're thinking about might be appropriate or might want to engage in in an event like that. And then the next step could well be kind of that, Aaron Christian. Myself, if you, if you need other support, would be able to engage with the folks at cu to, just as you wanted to do. Talk about agenda and some more of those details and get their get their input about how they might design

[31:04] collectively with us in event. So that's the update, just basically a a green light for us to go ahead and and continue conversations with Cu. Cool. And so that's a green light for us, which means Nuria has not initiated those conversations with CEO. Correct. Okay, sweet? Well, I'd I'd be happy to do some follow up and reach out to difficult dialogues on our behalf, and then it sounds like all of us can put some thought towards like who we would want to have included in that conversation. That's kind of what you were saying, right, Elizabeth. yeah. Yeah, of of anyone who could potentially be interested like, Do do you all as commissioners have have thoughts about what what comes out of it. How does this? How does holding an event like that with cu help affect and help affect and impact our community?

[32:02] So just some thoughts. If you wanted to talk about that this evening for a few minutes, that might be helpful for Emily and Carlos, and then Erin, Christian and I are happy to support you with those conversations. If it lapses into talking about timing and logistics and and whatnot. Cool. Yeah. Any thoughts, Emily or Carlos. My 1st thought. This is probably obvious, but my 1st thought is that I think this would be likely a very self selecting group of people who would be interested in stepping into discomfort and holding holding space and holding the possibility of being with another person's humanity. When someone else has very different beliefs than them, and I, in my experience from going to other difficult dialogue events there. I mean, I think, that they're well equipped to

[33:17] to go over some skills of of what's required to kind of hold someone's humanity while they may fundamentally disagree on something very important. I guess I am. I do continue to be curious of how we would frame this discussion, just because now. you know, we have this, the still, the genocide going on in Gaza, but we also have the election results. So we and I know, even before, unfortunately, before October 7, th 2023, there were many issues that fall into this category. But you know, it'll be. It'll be interesting, like, I guess I want folks to feel like

[34:10] they're leaving with some tangible skills that they can enact, and that they've practiced those skills and that they are more connected with members of their community. That's of of our community. I should say not reinforcing their our silos. But I think that's most of what I would like to to say, and I think that's a pretty challenging task to put people out of their comfort zones and still leave connected. But that would be my goal. Yeah, I think that's a really good call. And yeah, super in support of that, I think that's that is ideal is that we can host an event that brings people together with diverse perspectives, that people maybe feel a little uncomfortable and feel challenged, but leave feeling feeling more connected feeling like they gained something from it.

[35:14] any thoughts from you. Carlos. Still muted. Hey? Well done, Us to you! Poco is there we can necesitober cumo tipo de conversaciones porque atomeci podriada conseguir unas. Those 3 personas could play them que puedan hira dar su punta vista guablear de testo pero necesitaria saber como vamos a border incidento de the Platikas.

[36:03] Hmm. yeah, maybe, Emily, it seems like you've attended these conversations with difficult dialogues before, so maybe you can speak a little bit more to how you've witnessed them like holding that. So. The one that I attended was last year, and there were 2 professors, one of them actually from my former communication department, and they presented some social scientific research and framed the conversation about how we can engage across difference. So they did. maybe a 10 or 15 min talk, and then they had a couple of different breakout exercises with the people around us, where we, I think we practiced or talked about a time where these skills might have been useful things of that nature. So I think, Carlos,

[37:15] I don't know how the program would incorporate folks who wanted to come in and speak. I think that would be a good thing, Erin, for you to bring up Carlos. I would like to know from you like more about what what types of things those people might be bringing, whether they be like experiences and or skills about talking across difference. And then, Erin, that would be a good thing to bring to difficult dialogues to say, Hey, we have some other people from the community who could also help facilitate this, or who also could speak and put their voices in the space so, Carlos, could you maybe, without identifying them by name. But like, could you tell us a little bit more about the folks who are coming to mind, and and kind of why they come to mind for you.

[38:24] Situaciones. See. it was his joker. Okay, que lesuna persona que que le gusta express y en polemica tambien. It was his geographical.

[39:09] So like maybe he would be a great person to participate. See. Okay, great, but not necessarily someone that you're thinking about to lead the event to facilitate the event. Okay? Okay? Well, that's I think that's awesome, that you already have people that you think would be great participants, great people that would show up. And I, yeah, as a as a recovering debater. Carlos would like to meet this person. But yeah, so sounds like Aaron. we, Carlos and I both think this is still an important thing to pursue, Carlos. Glad you have someone who are who's interested hopefully in coming.

[40:09] Erin, I would. Yeah, just impress that. It's a humanizing conversation. It's not about skirting issues or not not being open about our viewpoints, but it's about holding humanity through through difference. Yeah. And I'm trying to understand how exactly we would want to to frame the dialogue. And I'm sure the difficult dialogue people will have some insight into this, but it sounds like we're not necessarily like wanting to touch too much on the Middle East. But speak more holistically, like what happens in our community when there's tension? Or is it like the kind of thing where we want to speak to what happens when there's tension and to like, actually touch on some of the things there's tension about. I think that's a great thing to ask the experts at difficult dialogues.

[41:06] As I mentioned, I I do think there are multiple, different. deeply entrenched. You know, binary conflicts happening right now. Understanding that this was brought about by the genocide in Gaza, but and also that there are other. Totally. Realities people care about in our community. Yeah, that's a good point. Cool. That feels that feels clear enough that I can. Yeah, bring that to a dialogue with difficult dialogues and work with them to see what feels workable. Given the multitude of different things we have tension about and given the overall issue around the division that happens in our community with that. Yeah. Yeah, I I agree with that. Like, it's it's good to have the conversation with them. And

[42:06] high level in terms of framing, just noting that. Any successful kind of dialogue framing is about, what? What is it that we in our community can control about our community? And I don't mean control in a you know, authoritarian manner. But just what is it that we can influence or impact? And so. Really. It is stray, you know, kind of straying into territory around. You know, specific policies at an international level is is probably not the way to go right. But just how is it that people want to act toward each other? Where is that tension? How? What are some of those skills which you shared earlier. Emily, as an outcome that people might want and need in order to

[43:03] be able, yeah, be able to disagree in a way that feels productive and constructive and supportive. if not, get through disagreements, but at least be able to talk to each other and listen to each other in a way, as you said, that enables people to hold their humanity and see it great. So yeah, but yeah, I mean, just think not kind of going into the area of the policies. Yep. The impacts. Great and did Maria forward any contact information for the person at difficult dialogues. Otherwise I can probably find that. Christian did we have that from earlier communication we can talk offline, maybe about that. But yes. There was anything in that like email thread. Or if it was just like online through my online research that I found the staff members. I can look through what we have and then send over anything I'm able to send to Erin anything I'm able to locate in that emails, or whatever web page I was looking at.

[44:18] Alright! Cool. Thank you. Thank you. That's helpful. Thanks. No, I think that feels probably complete for that topic unless anybody else has anything. Well, cool. cool. What's next on the agenda? Lectualization?

[45:08] Yeah. And I'll also ask Christian and Elizabeth to fill in any any gaps that I missed. But we met last week or the week before with the city attorney, and we discussed a work plan a 3 month work plan. So we'll all be taking the lead on sections and then writing comments, and then I think it was maybe Christian or Elizabeth who will take the lead on drafting the the edits to the actual document, and then we will have a final, a draft to you all by the March meeting. Is that accurate?

[46:00] Yep, the goal would be to have a final that we can get to the group ideally a little bit before the March meeting, so Commissioners can look at it and then we can approve it at that meeting and have it ready for A new Commissioner who would be are coming on board in April. and we have a workable document that folks within the city and Emily outside of just doesn't have a boulder. colorado.gov email address a little hiccup there, but we work through that. And so we can. I'll collaborate on one document, which is terrific. I think that's probably about as have

[47:04] new and good on that topic. I don't think there's a whole lot going on. We're kinda gonna be in the in the thick of it in the next couple months. Here. Am este tipo de the conversation logos y todo esto estas este esta situaciones que es estan suicitando clastamoscias jos pasamos Al punto siete actually saciones where we have one, unless you left.

[48:02] We have one topic that Aaron wanted to add to the discussion items. And that was the email. Aaron from an Environmental Advisory board member. On defaulting to plant-based food. Yep. So I you know, Carlos, you said you saw that Emily, I guess you didn't. But basically we got an email from Hannah Davis, of the Environmental Advisory Board. That, said the Environmental Advisory Board is switching to a plant-based default for all of their meals. Plant-based default means they default to plant based. But there's still an option for meat and dairy if people express that preference, but just having a default, as that Environmental Advisory Board is doing that, and they think it sets a really good standard in terms of just being more sustainable within our city work. personally, I'm very open to the idea. I don't eat entirely plant-based, but I definitely enjoy plant-based, and I think it does set a good precedent, so I'm very open to it, and in favor of it, but would love to hear how others are responding to that.

[49:23] What do you think, Carlos? Si me gustan las verduras magustan tambi las este las plantas entosi puedo sobre este tipo de

[50:01] the the committees. It press Para nuestra Para Nuestras Dietas. Thank you, Carlos, especially for your openness, considering that you love meat and and eat it for your diet. I eat mostly plant-based, anyways, so I'm open to it. One question I have Erin for the Environmental Committee is what places they go to for Vegan food, and I don't know, Elizabeth and Christian what our budgets are for the catering. So those would be my my 2 questions. for them, and for you too.

[51:03] I imagine you have some idea of what this entails. Christian. I actually have about as much information as you all do. As you're sort of discussing this. I'm wondering if there might be some type, some more guidance from the alright environmental Advisory board on like, what? How to put this into practice? Because what I got from the communication was it's not going completely plant based, but the majority, or more than a majority, but not entirely plant-based. So I would be looking for some more information on, like the nuts and bolts of how to make it happen. But if it is something that the group would like to pursue.

[52:04] We can definitely get some more guidance and put it into action. And that briefly so. I think it would be very easy if if you all want to go that route. Typically, we work with our fantastic colleague Tiffany, in housing and human services, who helps set up most of the events that we have, including for boards, commissions, committees. or at least advises other staff, and we have a very broad kind of diverse range of dietary needs and preferences among our staff, and certainly among all of you all. If you came to the those of you and the 3 of you did come to the event that we had on December 4, you'll recognize there was a lot of options there, so

[53:02] she and we are pretty well versed in kind of where to go and how to how to make a make a good meal. that meets everybody's needs. So I don't think that's a problem at all. Just let us know what you prefer. And we can make that happen. No say Christians, sobre, sobre esto. You're on mute, Aaron! So what if for our next in person meeting in January we just asked to do a plant based meal for that one meal, and then we can all be like, does this work for us? And if it works for us, then we can commit to doing it going forward.

[54:05] Yeah. Would still have the preference to say, just like, if you fill out a registration form and it asks you. do you have any dietary preferences, you could still say that you. Yeah. Bright. Want meat fish. What have you? It's just that. That would be the exception. Not the other way around is how I'm understanding the. That's right. From the board. Okay, yeah. Yeah. So so we could just say, Let's plan for that. And then, when y'all are doing your communication to everybody, you can say, does anybody have any needs for a non plant based meal? Because that's our default, and then we can do that. And then we could communicate back to the Environmental Advisory Board. Sweet. We like the idea. We're going to give it a trial run in January, and if everybody seems on board, then we'll make it our default. Cool sounds, like all 3 of us are in agreement.

[55:06] cool. Del personal de la ciudad Ni tenemostres puntos eneste. Jump in Christian! Yes, sorry I am having. Are you all still seeing the Powerpoint? That's up. Okay? well, the 1st update is elevate boulder. Elizabeth, do you want me just to share what's on the screen? And you can add anything? Or do you have anything else that you would like to.

[56:05] Just a smidge of context. Maybe. So, I can just take this one. So elevate boulder is the city's guaranteed income or direct Cash Assistance Pilot Project, and it is not a project that the Hrc. Has been directly involved in. However, back when we were designing the project, and then, when it 1st launched in January 2024. So just earlier this year, we did have a request at the time from the Hrc. To come and just present about what those design features were who who was eligible and a little bit about. You know how people were selected, etc. So this is just a very quick follow up to that. We on December 12.th So just last week released the interim evaluation report that captures

[57:01] participant participants experiences at the 8 month mark from a survey that people could fill out if they if they wanted to, it was not required, and then some focus groups for participants that were held in in October 2024. So it's just good good information in still the early months of the project to see what changes the project has already made for participants. And there are several impacts. already that show great promise for hopefully what's to come, and that includes people are better able to meet their food, their families, food needs, so less food, insecurity. better ability to pay bills on time without incurring you know, late charges, late fees, etc. increased mental health and psychological wellness. And

[58:01] there were also notes in there about wellness. Also, a vast majority of participants indicated that that feel that they're going to be better able to meet their financial goals. As a result of the project. some of the elements of the project regarding longer term financial security. It's a little early to determine yet for participants to know exactly how that that aspect of their lives have been impacted. And so there will be another survey administered by our consultants at the 20th month of the program. So about a year from now, and we're hoping that at that time will be participants will report that they are experiencing other types of financial stability as well. so the information and the report link are on the elevate Boulder Webpage Project web page on the city website. And if you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

[59:19] Cool. Okay, again, I have the next couple here. So Beginning yesterday, the city began accepting applications. 4 vacancies on the boards and commissions we'll accept applications from yesterday until the end of January. There's a flyer that I will send out to you all, so you can share it with your networks. What is new this year is, there's gonna be an open house where

[60:01] current boards and Commission members can share about their experiences. That will be taking place on January 14, th from 4, 30 to 6 30, at the Municipal Building. There will be some more details on that, and I'm sure that will be tapped to see if any of you would like to participate. So look out for some. Follow up for me once. The staff who are coordinating that effort get in touch. So if you're open to doing that, we would love to have you more to come on that one. This round. I know Emily technically has a term ending in March.

[61:02] And then Jh. Is reaching the end of his 5 year term. So technically, we have 2 vacancies, although, Emily, I believe I don't want to put you on the spot, but I believe you have mentioned previously that you would be interested in continuing on and we we'll just need to figure out how to make that happen and go for it. Was it? Emily's? A was it? Emily's a 2 year term. What I saw on the website. What we have on the website, I think, ends in 2020. Or if I'm remembering correctly. I I wonder if that's a i wonder if that's a typo on the website? Because when me and Emily were applying I I believe the wording was. There was a 2 year term and a 5 year term, and I believe it's supposed to be that every year one person times out, and so I don't think it would make sense for Jh. And Emily time out of the same year. That's that's just how I'm interpreting it. But.

[62:07] Yep. Yeah. You were there, and I was not. So let me double check on that, and make sure that that's the case. Either way, we will be looking for one definitely, one member potentially a second. But tbd, on that to be determined. I will find some more information for us here. Cool thanks. Yeah, that would be helpful, Christian, because if I if it is, if my term is up, then I'm assuming I would need to reapply correct. Yeah. So I would just that would be really helpful if you could find that information. I will get that for you before I head out of town this week, so we have some clarity on that. Thank you. No problem, all right. Anything else on

[63:00] boards and commission recruitment. I'll send out the flyer to you all. So you have it cool. It's like just one thing. Anything that is not automatically translated Carlos. Already we can. We can help with that any information on the city's web page can just be toggled from English to Spanish. but at the moment I don't think we have the flyer in Spanish. I did reach out about that Christian unless you saw it. But we can, anyway, if if you know, have somebody in mind, and in any case we'll be, we'll be working on that. Yep, I'm looking at the flyer that got sent over right now. And it's just the English version, so we can make sure there's a Spanish copy cool

[64:00] right next up we do have. looks like Boulder Bridge House will still be doing the homeless memorial. The day of remembrance. This had been previously listed as December 19, th which would be this Thursday. When I went to double check on that on their website. It now says to be determined so I'm not a hundred percent sure what went on with the what's gone on with the scheduling. So I reached out to somebody over at the organization to see I can just get some clarity in case any of you all are interested in attending, or if you all know, please let us please share now, so others may know. and then just wanted to give you all a preview of

[65:01] the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, events that will be going on. The Human Relations Fund, specifically is funding 3 events bear with me just a sec. I got some descriptions earlier here that I can read out for you this motion sensor thing is very interesting in this in this office in particular. Okay. so on Sunday, January 19, th there will be 2 events one the location is still being worked out. But it's celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 30 years

[66:00] dream makers, mile markers and milestones. What's your dream? And this is going to be put on by the Second Baptist church of Boulder, and we'll include a keynote speaker, Cheyenne Webb, and local performances. To inspire and educate attendees on Martin Luther King, Jr's message of love and freedom for all, and then the other that is occurring on January 19, th is called freed by the hum of the drum, and it will be from 12 Pm. To 5 Pm. At which is at 1750, 30th Street Unit 22. In Boulder. This event will feature a performance by the Mocombo ensemble from the Bao Bao Foundation. showcasing Western African drum and dance. There will be a spoken word poetry performance reflecting on Dr. King's legacy and a closing dance party with off de Cuff, which is an all black funk band.

[67:07] And then on Monday, January 20, th Modis Theater is putting on an event called the Road to freedom a celebration of theater, music, and poetry in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This will include poetry by Boulder, based Poet Norma Johnson, celebrating the renaming of the portion of us. 36 that runs through Boulder in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. there will be modus monologues from black transgender, immigrant, and formerly incarcerated leaders and music by the reminders, highlighting, ongoing struggles at the intersection of race poverty and identity and modis theater will also recognize key advocates in the fight to continue Dr. King's legacy. So 3 super cool events going on that weekend

[68:02] I will share the information that I have with you all, and then anything else that I get. Make sure. I push out to the groups that you all can attend. Right. That is what I got there for community events. Los comicionados la Oficina de Derelaciones. Humanas don't disturb himos

[69:03] los res que estamos aquimas elisave di Cristian brother pero no muy no muy importantes. No major updates for me. Okay, thanks, Carlos. Thanks, Erin. My updates. I was able to go to Modis theaters. How are you really playback presentation on Sunday? And that was followed by a beautiful violin concert by Anthony Salvo, and that was both. Events were really powerful. The playback theater is something we've talked about in relation to the strategic comprehensive plan update for the Boulder county, and then they also do the performances for the public, so that

[70:12] it was processing kind of election and holiday related human experience. So that was really really meaningful. That was at the library on Sunday. And then I wanted to lift up a community resource that I feel like is it's you definitely utilized by a lot of people. But I think could use more just exposure. It's called accu detox. And it's a detox protocol developed in I can't remember, but developed in Harlem, New York. And it's specifically an addiction intervention using acupuncture points. But even for people not in active addiction or in recovery. It's very good for stress, reduction, and sleep anxiety, and they actually have

[71:13] I don't know, Krishna. If you can put in the notes for the meeting. They actually have free clinics, like almost every night of the week in Longmont, Lafayette, quite a few in boulder so that I was coming from that today. It's right down the street from where I live. And it's just it's such a amazing resource. Thank you, Elena? Yeah, I think I've seen you, at some events. Yeah, the next. And they also thank you, Elena, for mentioning. They also will train you up to give give the treatment to others if that's of interest to you. So just such an amazing resource. The person who runs it also does a lot of like

[72:09] I don't know what to call it, but support for folks in recovery. She runs a group called Natural Highs out of the space in on Spruce Street here. So yeah, just I feel so grateful to have that resource right next to me. And I do as I said, I do think a lot of people take advantage. But I think, both from a perspective of if you feel stressed out or or you need addiction support, really helpful community. And then also, if you're looking for nonprofits to donate to at the end of the year, also think very worthwhile local nonprofit. So that's my update.

[73:06] For la cudo Texas de Emilyndo. Es see he press. it's importante que que se pamos. As to the we'll make you la necesitamos. See mucho. It was espero seguir la to Mando. I'm glad that you all have also had access to that resource. It's really amazing.

[74:15] Nor ever. There's a follow up items. Christian Moset. Yep, so this would be follow up items. For after this meeting, and bear with me just a sec. What I have. Here is the subcommittee working on lab to combat the lab to combat human trafficking presentation. It's going to reach back out to Kara with the lab to

[75:10] ensure the dates, times, and availability for the February or March potential February or March event. As well. Elizabeth or I will make a connection email connection for that subcommittee with city staff who are connected with the school district. So you can begin conversation there. I am going to find the contact information for the Cu difficult dialogues staff or team and get that over to the subcommittee working on the community dialogue project so over to Aaron

[76:12] and the Handbook Update subcommittee will continue meeting and working on said Handbook Update. I feel like I'm missing 1. 0, the I believe we discussed potentially following up with the Environmental Advisory Board member who reached out. I did not catch if anybody volunteered to do that. Yeah, I will. I will send them an email it. I was gonna say, basically saying, we appreciate the work they're doing and we like the idea and that we're gonna do a trial run of it in January. Ideally, when more of our team is present. Who's input is valuable for us. And assuming that we all like it, then we will probably make it a go to thing.

[77:08] And yeah, that sounds good, everyone. And then Elizabeth and Christian sounds like sounds like we're all good to have that taken care of for January meeting. Cool. Yep, absolutely cool. Those are the follow up items I have. Am I missing anything to the folks on the screen commissioners? Elizabeth. Sounds like you got it. Cool. Goodness afternoon, Quero, que noy sus familias i

[78:14] gracias a todos arunion. Motion. Today's beating. I second the motion. Thank you so much, Carlos. Thank you. Everyone happy holidays. New Year. Sure, my man.