City of Joliet Diversity & Community Relations Committee Meeting - May 14, 2026

The Diversity & Community Relations Committee met on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 4:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Chairperson Suzanna Ibarra presided, with members Joe Clement and Juan Moreno present. The committee received updates on the 2026 Black Joy Parade and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, and set a follow-up meeting for May 28, 2026.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (TMP-9894): The minutes from the September 11, 2025 Diversity & Community Relations Committee meeting were approved unanimously by a motion from Councilman Juan Moreno, seconded by Joe Clement. All three members voted aye.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during either the "Citizens to Be Heard on Agenda Items" or the general "Public Comment" periods.

Discussion Items

• Black Joy Parade Update (TMP-9893): Special Events Manager Charlene Boyd presented an overview of the Black Joy Parade scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2026, beginning at 1:00 PM. The parade route will start at the intersection of Chicago Street and Benton Street, continue south to Jefferson Street, east to Scott Street, and return north to Cass Street. A community celebration will follow in City Square from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM, featuring a DJ, live entertainment, food trucks, and vendors. The event is organized collaboratively by the Joliet City Center Partnership, East and South Regional Alliance, the City of Joliet, and a newly formed committee of Black community leaders chaired by Boise Walker. Cultural Affairs & Special Events Director Ann Sylvester noted that the parade will be limited to 50 units this year, similar to the Mexican Independence Day parade, with plans to expand in future years. Councilwoman Ibarra asked whether outreach had been made to the original founders of the parade, such as Betty Gavins and the family of Dale Evans; Boyd responded that the event builds on the history of Black Pride Incorporated, co-founded by the late Dale Evans in 1987. Councilman Moreno asked for the names of the committee chaired by Boise Walker; Boyd listed Garland Mays, Boise Walker, and Veronica Robinson. Councilwoman Ibarra welcomed Boyd to the City of Joliet.
• CDBG Update Presentation (TMP-9892): CDBG Program Manager Brigette Roehr provided an overview of the Community Development Block Grant program. She explained the 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan approved by City Council in 2025, eligibility criteria (low-to-moderate income, urgent need, or slum/blight prevention), and four project categories: public service, public facilities/capital improvements, economic development, and administrative costs. The 2026 HUD allocation is $924,000, with a 15% cap on public service ($138,608). Roehr reported that the city received 33 applications for 2026 (up from 15 in 2025), requesting a total of $2.4 million. She outlined the weighted scoring system used to evaluate applications and noted that ARPA funds are expiring, increasing demand. Staff is requesting a $170,000 set-aside for an owner-occupied minor home repair program (similar to a 2025 set-aside that has not yet gone live) and a $45,000 set-aside for the senior snow removal program. Councilwoman Ibarra asked about eligibility for owner-occupied properties that also include rental units; Roehr indicated she believed such properties would qualify but would verify. Councilman Clement and Councilwoman Ibarra expressed interest in tightening eligibility for the senior snow removal program, which currently only requires age 62 and city residency. Clement noted that during a November storm, some recipients found alternative solutions, suggesting the program should target the most vulnerable based on income, health, or disability. The committee requested that Roehr and Community Development Director Dustin Anderson bring back a revised proposal. Councilman Clement welcomed Roehr and noted that outreach to more organizations had succeeded, as evidenced by the doubled application count. Roehr discussed efforts to help nonprofits collaborate and avoid duplication. Councilwoman Ibarra asked that presentations to City Council begin earlier in the year and be made more public. Regarding unused funds, Roehr explained that unspent public service funds roll over as capital improvements, and cancelled capital project funds can also be reallocated. Councilman Moreno asked about the economic development category; Roehr clarified it is not always funded but that applications in that category this year were strong and could be recommended if they score high.

Key Outcomes

• The committee agreed to hold a follow-up meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 4:30 PM to review CDBG application scores and staff recommendations.
• Staff will bring back a revised eligibility proposal for the senior snow removal program for committee discussion before the October application period.
• No formal votes were taken on the agenda items, as they were presented for information and discussion only.