Featured photo: Councilwoman Dr. Ladel Lewis (2nd Ward) speaks to attendees of a press conference in the Dome at Flint City Hall before the special council meeting about her desire to work with the administration and community on the proposed ARPA budget.
Written by Tanya Terry/Photos by Tanya Terry
Flint City Council will resume discussion on the proposed ARPA budget Monday, Oct. 24.
In addition, Michigan United is holding public community forums before the council meeting to discuss the proposed ARPA budget.
Michigan United is a coalition of labor, business, social service and civil rights members all across Michigan, fighting for the rights of homeowners, renters, immigrant families and students. Michigan United is working for an equitable and sustainable world that reflects members’ economic and racial justice values, according to the organization’s website.
Michigan United
Flint City Council recently held a special meeting to discuss the proposed ARPA budget. Councilwoman Judy Priestly (4th Ward) and Councilwoman Dr. Ladel Lewis (2nd Ward) lead the ad hoc ARPA committee. They explained that Flint City Council has already approved funds of $34,374,696 million, leaving $60,325,304 million. The council’s budget proposal recommends $17,950,000 million to be set aside for community grants.
At the meeting, Councilman Eric Mays (1st Ward) accused several council members of immorally working behind the scenes with Mayor Sheldon Neeley to pass Neeley’s proposed ARPA budget. Shortly afterward, council members began to walk out of the meeting.
Councilwoman Allie Herkenroder (7th Ward) adjourned the meeting following the loss of a quorum.
Michigan United and Flint residents held a press conference in the Dome at Flint City Hall before the special council meeting.
“It is a reminder of what progress looks like when the administration, council and the community come together to move our city forward,” Councilwoman Lewis said at the meeting.
Kent Key, Ph.D., MPH-MSU College of Human Medicine, also spoke at the event. Key is a racial and ethnic health disparities researcher.
“I believe projects and initiatives that effectively address health disparities must be led and co-designed by a grassroots community,” Key stated.
He pointed out it is essential “community is in the driver’s seat to design what we need to design to reduce and ultimately reduce systemic inequities and disparities.”
Athena McKay is the executive director of Flint Innovative Solutions. She said Flint Innovative Solutions built mobile apps and resources. These resources, primarily accessible through the internet, include job applications, unemployment and religious services. The community has expressed an overwhelming need for and the desire for education and access to these resources, McKay said.
McKay stated we can create “an equitable pathway where every household has access to the resources needed to thrive, not just survive.”
Shane Jackson, a nutrition specialist, MSCJ, CHHC, pointed out Flint does not have grocery stores.
“We need proper food here to feed our people right, as far as our youth, to promote and push them into elite children of the future…” she stated.
Gina Luster, Flint Rising organizer, spoke in favor of a Water Affordability Program. She expressed her belief the one-time $300 water credit was not enough.
Claire McClinton of the Flint Democracy Defense League said a Water Affordability Program could be passed on to upcoming generations and attract young families to Flint.
Information about public community forums to discuss the proposed ARPA budget is below.
- 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 20): Michigan United and Flint Rising will host a public community forum to discuss the proposed ARPA budget. The Zoom registration link is https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvd-yprD0tG9LK85OmqjTOnCRHQqtci3nl The event will also be streamed on Michigan United’s Facebook Page.
- Michigan United plans to organize a press conference at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24, as well. The organization plans to announce the location of this event at a later time.
