The Davis City Council met on February 4, 2025, starting with a ceremonial presentation for Black History and Black Futures Month, followed by announcements and public comments. The main discussion focused on developing an economic development strategic plan, resulting in the formation of two subcommittees and direction to explore a living wage standard.
Director Katie Yancy presented staff recommendations for a plan focused on job retention and creation, proposing a living wage standard (replacing the current high-wage standard) and four targeted industry clusters: business & entrepreneurship, retail/hospitality/tourism, advanced manufacturing, and agriculture/water/environmental technologies. Staff outlined potential business retention, attraction, and "economic gardening" programs. The city manager emphasized the need for council direction on timeline, scope, and subcommittees.
Council members discussed:
Councilmember Partido, Councilmember Chapman. Thanks for moving. Is there any comment on the agenda? Okay. We'll move to a vote. All in favor? Aye. Nay, abstain. Uh, we have an agenda approved five-zero. And we'll start off with a ceremonial presentation recognizing February 2025 as Black History and Black Futures Month. Do we have Amy Higgins Boyd from the school district? Come on up. I'll just read a little bit and then we'll turn over the mic to you. Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in United States history. In 1986, Congress passed a public law designating February as Black History Month and direct to the president to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Today and every day is a time to honor the deep-rooted heritage of the black community, while also looking forward to the possibilities and advancements that lie ahead. As we reflect on the history of our nation, we honor the legacies of those who fought with courage and resilience for change. So as we accept the proclamation, let us remember that honoring the past is not enough. We must take intentional steps to shape a future of belonging. I read every word of this proclamation, which I did. And it shows its commitment toward practices and support of black culture and belonging. On behalf of all those I see myself in in Davis and beyond, thank you for your commitment toward every one of us who calls Davis their community, whether they work here or live here. Thank you. Thank you so much. And we're we're gonna take a short break just to do photos, and we'll reconvene at 645. Thank you very much. Good way to buy me time. All right. I do have a few announcements for you. Uh thank you very much. Um Mayor Violet City Council. So uh first thing on the list is our polar pedal. So polar pedal challenge uh is happening this month in February. So uh it's back with the for our elementary students. Uh goal of the program, of course, is to encourage active transportation. Uh riding bikes, scooters, walking uh during the month of February. So only in California, can we do that, right? Um so in February. So the City of Davis and the school site Active for Me coordinators will provide incentives and treats at school sites uh to encourage these uh behaviors. More information, of course, is at our cityofdavis.org/slash polar pedal webpage. Uh and just want to give a shout out to our safe routes to schools program for offering and coordinating this effort uh and uh of course looking forward to all the engagement from the students, the schools uh and the parents uh for helping make these uh these choices a reality. Uh upcoming uh on the 17th, of course, is recognition of President's Day. We'll have our city offices uh closed. Emergency services, of course, will be unaffected by that. Uh that's on Monday, February 17th. And then uh last but certainly not least is February 19th. Uh coming up is the old county day of mem remembrance of executive order nine zero six six. Uh the City of Davis is co-sponsoring an event with many community groups uh for the YOLA County Day of Remembrance uh on the 19th at 6 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Theater. Two free films will be shown.