HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/20/2021 Item 10, Harlow
Wilbanks, Megan
From:Elle Harlow <
To:E-mail Council Website
Cc:Harmon, Heidi; Christianson, Carlyn; Pease, Andy; Stewart, Erica A; Marx, Jan
Subject:Public Comment for Tonight's Meeting - Funding for DE&I
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Hello Mayor Harmon and City Council Members,
My name is Elle Harlow and I have been a resident of San Luis Obispo for the past four years. When I saw that the Major
City Goals Budget plans to defund diversity, equity, and inclusion by 19%, while an entire 15% of the budget, or
$300,000, is proposed for Cheng Park and Mission Plaza railing improvements, I was extremely disappointed. It is
hopeful that addressing diversity, equity and inclusion is designated as one of the five top goals for the City of San Luis
Obispo, but without the necessary funds being designated to this issue, this goal is all talk and no action. In order to live
up to the promise of focusing on DE&I as a top priority, I urge you to allocate some of the funds for railing improvements
to DE&I instead, in order to not decrease the DE&I budget. Additionally, I was concerned to see that the Major City
Goals Budget includes two categories of funding for the SLO Police Department, when they have a separate budget as
well, and increasing funds for SLOPD works against the five major city goals. I urge you not use the Major City Goals
Budget to fund SLOPD in any way.
Thank you for your time,
Elle Harlow
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