07-11-16 Community Investment - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Pawlowski offered to have a sit down with Councilmember Broden to go over her questions in more detail, but explained that the workforce ideas had originated in the Mayor's Office as a pilot program, and the Department of Community Investment has inherited the funding of the program. Some of the GVI is really done by Goodwill, but he has a heavy involvement in that as well since Community Investment is leading the GVI effort. Councilmember Broden asked who within the City staff interfaces with the Housing Authority, and if that is done through Neighborhood Engagement. Mr. Pawlowski stated that the Department of Community Investment does work with the Housing Authority, but he can't speak for them. Committee Chair Ferlic opened the floor up to the public. Valerie Mora, 4207 Norton Drive, stated that she is wondering where we are in this continuum in terms of reconfiguring our economy and bringing more high tech and higher paying jobs into our community. Ultimately, we want people to have jobs so they don't have to ask for funds to maintain their homes. Indiana as a state is touting jobs that aren't going to be here in the next ten (10) years as our hot jobs. South Bend should step up as a leader in bringing other jobs in. We need to improve our communication across the board. Charlotte Pfeifer, 1013 West Washington Street, asked if Mr. Pawlowski said that he was unable to give the statistics of the Workforce Development people, and she wanted to encourage the City to be conscious and deliberate in regard to communities of color. If you're not conscious and deliberate, it just won't happen. You'll be well- intentioned, but it won't happen. She stated she has not seen any Ethiopian restaurants downtown. If recruiting police officers and fire fighters of color is not - conscious and deliberate, it won't happen. If we don't replace our baby boomers with people that look like this community, we will have difficulties. Mr. Pawlowski responded that the workforce programs that exist now try to mirror what is needed in the local economy. The City is also partnering with schools. The City has partnered with Work One, and as an organization they are unable to release some of their private information to us. Committeemember Davis requested that minority contractors be looked at with regard to the contractors working with the City to repair homes. With no other business on the agenda, Committee Chair Ferlic adjourned the meeting at 5:44 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Gavin Ferlic, Chairperson 7