Impassioned 11th-hour speech convinces Albany not to cut social equity commission
Briefly

The Albany City Council decided against disbanding its Racial Inclusivity and Social Equity (RISE) commission after a passionate plea from Mayor Robin D. Lopez, who highlighted the potential risks for marginalized communities under a second Trump administration. Despite criticisms of the commission's ineffectiveness and struggles to attract members, Lopez argued that dissolving it would undermine support for those impacted by national policies. This decision emphasizes local leaders' recognition of ongoing challenges in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at a time of rising national tensions.
In an 11th-hour decision on Tuesday night, the Albany City Council voted against ending its Racial Inclusivity and Social Equity commission.
Councilmembers and commissioners expressed frustration over the past two years at what they saw as a lack of concrete proposals coming out of it.
Read at The Mercury News
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