Community Equity Advisory Committee Meeting Summary - March 25, 2026

Introductory paragraph: The Community Equity Advisory Committee met on March 25, 2026 to discuss subgroup updates, review a draft rubric for plan reviews, discuss recognition of businesses and individuals for equity contributions, and hear current events. The committee approved minutes from February 2026 and moved several items forward for further action.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the February 25, 2026 meeting were approved via roll call vote (all in favor, motion passed).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments or appearances were made.

Discussion Items

• Subgroup Updates (Item 4A):
  • DEI Calendar: The group discussed that the city equity team holds the calendar; the committee’s role is advisory, providing input and suggestions. They agreed to share the existing DEI calendar as a starting point for the city team, with future collaboration opportunities.
  • Hashochi Park: The committee reiterated their recommendation that the mayor engage with the community to understand their needs for the park. One member noted the space is currently being used and looks good.
  • GARE Resources: Discussion focused on the need to define criteria and tools for evaluating city plans. Members emphasized that the committee must first establish its foundation and criteria before engaging with department heads. They also discussed the possibility of offering GARE-based trainings to city employees, but acknowledged that the committee would not conduct trainings—only guide the city to available resources.
• Review of Draft Rubric for Plan Reviews (Item 4B):
  • A draft rubric was presented by a member (based on GARE and other tools) to assess plans for equity outcomes, data collection, community engagement, mitigation strategies, implementation, and accountability. The rubric is intended as a simplified tool for the committee to evaluate city plans.
  • Discussion raised concerns about the specific focus on "racial equity" in the rubric. Several members argued for broader language to cover all marginalized groups (gender, sexual orientation, disability, etc.). Others, referencing GARE’s theory of change, noted that centering race is critical because racism permeates other communities. After debate, consensus emerged to modify the rubric to say "strategies for advancing equity" (without specific mention of race) and to add an asterisk noting that a racial equity lens will be maintained collectively.
  • The committee agreed to have all members individually redline the rubric and bring comments to the next meeting, where the majority of time will be dedicated to finalizing it. They also decided to build in a checkpoint after six months to evaluate the tool.
  • The housing plan is coming soon; members expressed urgency to finalize the rubric.
• Recognition of Businesses and Individuals (Item 4C):
  • Sarah reported that the mayor offered two options: a letter from the mayor or recommendation for the annual mayoral awards (business, resident, employee). The committee had previously suggested recognizing Fitchburg Family Pharmacy for providing gender-affirming care to youth and pandemic response.
  • Discussion considered whether to recommend the pharmacy for an existing mayoral award or to propose a new equity-focused award. Some members favored a separate equity award to highlight contributions specifically related to equity and inclusion. Others warned against the committee organizing its own event, sticking to its advisory role. Final agreement: Sarah will ask the mayor whether she would add an equity award to the annual mayoral awards. The matter is tabled pending the mayor’s response.
• Standing Items and Current Events (Item 4D):
  • Janice shared upcoming events at the senior center aimed at inclusion: a celebrity bingo for seniors from apartment buildings (April) and the first Saturday opening featuring urban line dancing. Both activities seek to welcome older adults of color and those who cannot attend during weekdays.
  • Another member announced a "No Kings" rally at the Capitol on Saturday, March 28, starting from Breidingham Park.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to approve minutes: Passed unanimously.
• Rubric for plan reviews: Members will individually redline the draft rubric and bring comments to the next meeting. The next meeting will be primarily devoted to finalizing the rubric.
• Recognition: Sarah will present the committee’s inquiry to the mayor about adding an equity award to the mayoral awards. Pharmacy recognition on hold pending that response.
• Engagement with department heads: Sarah will develop a list of department heads to invite for a meet-and-greet at a future meeting, starting with an introductory session at the next meeting.
• Next meeting: Expected to focus on finalizing the rubric and hosting a department head introduction.