Madison’s Affirmative Action Commission discussed future city development plans Tuesday following the release of the city’s demographic change report in January.
The report included three recommendations for Madison’s Common Council suggesting the city address an increased need for senior housing and transportation, establish livability assessments for all Madison districts and revitalize career pathways for Madison’s younger residents.
The Affirmative Action Commission, which consists of 11 members appointed by Mayor Paul Soglin, approved the report and recommendations as well as began the process of creating an advisory subcommittee.
Norman Davis, Department of Civil Rights affirmative action division manager, described the future subcommittee as a “sounding board” for the commission by helping to develop public works contractor policy and take input from minorities and female workers in the field. The subcommittee would also discuss options regarding career revitalization in the public works field and should not face problems regarding its establishment, according to Assistant City Attorney Adriana Peguero.
The commission also focused on the lack of libraries in the less affluent East Washington Avenue area, with Ald. Joseph Clausius, District 17, calling it a “disservice.”
Commission Chair Theola Carter specifically cited the lack of minority librarians in existing libraries as a recurring problem.
“When you go to the library, you don’t see people of color, and people of color blanket the city,” Carter said.
Members of the commission agreed creating future libraries will be essential to community development.
“Libraries need to think of themselves as not just lenders, but community centers,” Department of Civil Rights Director Lucía Nuñez said.
