TAMPA, Fla. (WLFA) — Time is winding down for the Tampa Racial Reconciliation Committee.
Tuesday marked the last planned meeting to discuss the topics they wish to present to the Tampa City Council, and several members express concern over their lack of significant progress.
“We’ve been on a gerbil wheel for the last six and a half months,” said Daryl Hych, a board member.
The suggestions they aim to propose to the council encompass economic development, youth opportunities, overlooked history, support for returning citizens, and affordable housing.
In addressing the practical challenges of executing these initiatives, the committee also briefly acknowledged the passing of District 5 Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson.
“We have, right now, no one there representing interests of the African community,” said Connie Burton, a board member.
The committee will request two six-hour meetings with subject matter experts from the city to discuss the recommendations. Public input will be allowed.
Then the committee will draft its final recommendation to present to city council for the upcoming budget.
But some members feel the weight of these topics warrant more time for discussion.
“What we do in this committee is going to set precedent for, as Ms. Connie said, for the next governmental administration,” Hych said.
