02-26-18 Informal - Laserfiche WebLink

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Michael Boyd, 1207 W. Thomas Street, was asked by Council President Scott why he would like to serve as one (1)of the Council appointees to the Redevelopment Commission.Mr. Boyd stated, There are a couple of things to add to that answer. First, personally, I have not been involved in much going on in the City. Prior to my son being born nine (9) years ago, I gave a lot of time toward community service. The other part is I watched my mother and father's journey with their home and I have witnessed some of the changes and development go on in the community. Some of the changes are affecting individual homeowners that have been there for years and they really don't have a say or understand the process of those changes. Council President Scott then opened the floor to questions from Councilmembers. Councilmember White asked, What is your philosophy on how and on what TIF Funds should be spent? Mr. Boyd replied, As it relates to funding and decisions, to be honest, I am really open. I don't want to come in with an agenda without having experience and knowledge. When I talk about things being personal,I think first of a voice of understanding and then go from there. As far as an allocation, I think that is about talking with the community and seeing what is going on prior to making an informed decision. Councilmember Broden asked,Can you share,from your perspective,some opportunities you may bring to this position? Mr.Boyd replied,Part of my history with workforce development involves my friend and I starting a grassroots not for profit. That was really under the concept of better pay equals better jobs. I worked for Madison Center where the pay wasn't great and we worked with a National Coalition to speak and advocate for individuals that didn't have money for benefits. I see myself as a worker type of person and my heart gravitates towards individuals that may not have the ability to freely think when they are working forty(40)to eighty(80)hours a week. I think I have a common bond as far as that because I work those hours during the work. Councilmember Williams-Preston stated, There has been a lot of conversation around equity and equitable development. The Council has a focus on neighborhoods and stuff going on in the main corridors. How can we be more equitable in the distribution of redevelopment? Mr. Boyd replied, The word equity really speaks to me. I work with a lot of kids so when we talk about poverty and money, I have to look ten (10) to twenty (20) years out because of the impact of that. I want to create an environment where my nine (9)year old would want to come back and live and work in.I am a firm believer in research. So,in order to make a decision you need research. While working with Notre Dame and working with kids and in my forty-one (41) years of experience,no one has come up with a quick fix to that issue. So I think of it in increments and we need to focus on the research. Council President Scott dismissed Mr. Boyd from the interview. 6