Executive Summary
As a result of these efforts the process of transformational change around equity and inclusion has begun taking root and is demonstrating some encouraging results . Below are several highlights of the work that the Unity Council and City staff have collaboratively achieved .
General Recommendations Update
• The City Council established the Unity Council as a permanent task force , charged with directly engaging residents , organizations and institutions on matters regarding race , ethnicity and other forms of diversity in Arlington . The initial appointment of Unity Council members occurred on Aug . 24 , 2021 and the first meeting was held on Oct . 13 , 2021 .
• The City hired its first Chief Diversity Officer in July 2022 and charged the role with creating various programs designed to enhance diversity , equity and inclusion citywide .
• The City continues to expand its anti-poverty efforts through collaborations around job training , affordable housing , transportation , financial and homeownership education and access to business capital .
Housing Recommendations Update
• With respect to finding tools to develop affordable neighborhoods , the City Council agreed to implement a modification of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit application and process to increase incentives for the development of affordable housing .
• The Arlington Housing Finance Corporation is working with developers to ensure additional income targeting for affordable housing is achieved through development partnership negotiations that foster deeper affordability opportunities for the city ’ s most economically vulnerable households .
• The Arlington Financial Stability Committee was established to foster coordinated approaches between the City , social service providers and local financial institutions to deliver financial literacy and homeownership education to residents .
Education and Workforce Training Recommendations Update
• The Neighborhood Wi-Fi Program continues to expand across East Arlington . In FY22 , the City Council approved lease agreements with SiFi to support construction of the citywide broadband network .
• The Library and Parks and Recreation Departments external Wi-Fi services have been installed across nineteen facilities throughout the community .
• The Arlington Library continues to offer Career Chats for Teens ; Job Search Jumpstart Training Series ; MS Office Suite Training Series ; Resume Writing Workshops ; and Job and Education Fairs .
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