Economic Disparities Focus Group Date of focus group : December 15 , 2020 Facilitators : Shailaun Manning & Alicia Grey Demographics of the group
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Economic Disparities Focus Group Date of focus group : December 15 , 2020 Facilitators : Shailaun Manning & Alicia Grey Demographics of the group
• Gender : Male ( 4 ), Female ( 2 )
• Race / Ethnicity : White ( 4 ), Asian American ( 2 )
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Summary : The Unity Council Economic Disparities Focus Group revealed a consensus among participants that community education and resources to support business owners in being notified about available City of Arlington contracts and how to successfully navigate that process are most necessary . Throughout the conversation , individuals expressed education as “ a big part of how race and ethnic relations are good in Arlington ,” although “[ Arlington ] can always do better and that ’ s what [ Arlington ] need [ s ] to strive to do .” Chad Bates suggested “ we are stronger as a community [ and ] we ’ ve got to figure out some ways to educate people of color where they understand they are not locked out of the American dream .” When asked questions about Arlington ’ s increase in percentage of low income people over the last three decades , individuals identified lack of education and job training for good paying jobs , job eliminating technology and availability of low income housing as key components . John Whiteley ’ s belief is the Metroplex has a perception of Arlington suggesting those who have the means to move take their children to other cities where school districts are perceived as “ better ” than what Arlington offers . Most agreed Arlington ’ s generous low income housing has attracted “[ people ] who need that ,” while higher paying jobs would “ attract [ people ] who want to come live where they work ” rather than driving them to neighboring cities . In conclusion , general recommendations for Arlington ’ s improvement in the area of economic disparities include continued diversification and inclusion with regards to contracts and partnerships as well as increased visibility and / or a center for resources , education and mentorship for entrepreneurs to access . “[ Women and minority owned entrepreneurs ] want a sense of community , Bates suggests . They “ need resources [ and ] connections to people that can mentor them .“ Overall , the most echoed thoughts throughout the group were that increased education and training are key factors for changing economic disparity in Arlington .
Quote Highlights
• We are stronger as a community , we ’ ve got to figure out some ways to educate the people of color , where they understand they are not locked out of the American dream .
• We ’ ve got to have education and skilled workers .
• When you have affordable housing that ’ s what you ’ re going to attract folks who need that .
• The MWBEs need resources they need connections to people that can mentor them and I think that we ’ re working on that .
• It all comes down to education and offering those resources out for knowledge to people so that they know how to apply and what the steps are to go through and how to navigate that process . I think education and training can change economic disparity .
Unity Council Report 99