The committee heard a detailed presentation on a proposed pilot program designed to address nonviolent neighbor disputes, which is being developed in collaboration with the NAACP. This initiative aims to fill a gap in existing city services by providing mediation for conflicts that do not necessitate police intervention. The program’s logistics and scope are still being finalized, but it is expected to launch soon. The committee’s discussions emphasized the importance of utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data to refine this new service.

The proposed program aligns with broader city efforts to enhance victim services, which currently involve substantial investments across various departments, including contracts for food security, housing assistance, mental and emotional health services, and support for crime victims. The role of Victim Witness Specialists within the City Attorney’s Office was highlighted for their work in supporting victims throughout the criminal legal process. Discussions also touched on the potential establishment of a fund to address urgent needs for victims of crime.

A key aspect of the meeting was an in-depth examination of ongoing efforts to eliminate childhood lead poisoning, particularly in rental properties, which have been identified as high-risk environments. Rental properties account for a significant percentage of elevated blood lead levels among children in Minneapolis, with many located in historically underserved neighborhoods. The program’s preventive approach includes risk analysis based on historical lead poisoning data, prioritizing inspections for properties constructed before 1940 with limited maintenance records. Current efforts aim to create 100 lead-safe units with a budget of up to $10,000 per dwelling, emphasizing shared responsibility between property owners and city programs.

Property inspections have revealed that approximately 83% of evaluated properties present lead-based paint hazards. The committee discussed challenges related to staffing and funding, noting a vacant coordinator-supervisor position that is critical for enhancing the program’s efficiency. The importance of stakeholder engagement and coordination between different city departments was also underscored, highlighting the need for a collaborative approach to effectively address lead hazards.

The meeting also addressed workplace training recommendations from the Workplace Advisory Committee. Representatives emphasized the need for increased worker training on labor standards, particularly advocating for a “right to pay training” for all Minneapolis workers. This recommendation aims to educate workers about their rights and prevent violations such as wage theft, discrimination, and retaliation for using sick time. The committee expressed appreciation for the clarity and thoroughness of these recommendations, recognizing their potential to support workers during economic hardships.

Health equity initiatives were another focal point of the meeting, with presentations on the Health Equity Team’s work within the Public Health Department. The team outlined five guiding principles, including recognizing racism as a public health emergency and affirming health as a human right. A range of training programs, including health literacy and gender inclusivity training, were discussed, highlighting efforts to improve staff understanding and foster a more inclusive workplace and community. The Health Equity Learning Sessions were noted for creating a platform for dialogue on topics related to health equity, receiving positive feedback for addressing challenging subjects.