Leesburg Diversity Commission Regular Meeting – April 23, 2026

Note: The meeting transcript opens with "April 22nd, 2026," which conflicts with the date provided in the prompt (2026-04-23). The summary below follows the recorded proceedings from the transcript.

The Leesburg Diversity Commission held its regular meeting to approve routine business, discuss upcoming events, set priorities for the coming year, vote on several expenditures, and plan proclamations. The meeting included substantial deliberation on pedestrian safety, a new business award sponsorship, and a logo design RFP.

Consent Calendar

• Electronic Participation: A motion was approved unanimously to allow commissioners Lisa (medical issue) and Melissa (workplace logistics) to participate electronically.
• Agenda & Minutes: The agenda for the meeting and the minutes from the March 11 meeting were approved by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• None. No members of the public were present.

Discussion Items

• Board & Commission Networking Event (April 30): Commissioners reviewed a presentation slide deck for the event, finalizing three accomplishments and four priorities. Priorities included: driver/pedestrian safety collaboration with the Residential Traffic Commission (RTC), LGBTQIA+ support (including establishing partnerships and the June 5 Pride flag raising), researching public health awareness for underserved communities, and co-hosting the third annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month ceremony in October. Synergies included pedestrian safety with RTC and minority‑owned businesses via a new Leesburg Business Award.
• Logo RFP: After consulting with procurement and the town attorney, the commission debated whether to issue a Request for Proposals for a new logo. Concerns were raised that a $500 budget might not attract professionals. Ultimately, the commission voted to proceed with an RFP at a not‑to‑exceed $500, with a fallback of creating their own logo via Canva if no suitable proposals are received. The RFP will be posted on the town’s bid board for 30 days.
• Pedestrian Safety & Driver Awareness: Commissioner Linda reported that the RTC liaison indicated little support for a driver awareness campaign but interest in pedestrian safety. Several commissioners expressed frustration, arguing that pedestrian safety cannot be separated from driver behavior. Commissioner Wine (police liaison) offered to add the Harrison Street crosswalk (near the government center) to the department’s dedicated traffic enforcement list after hearing about a near‑miss involving a commissioner and her daughter. The commission discussed forming a joint subcommittee with RTC to advance pedestrian safety, with the goal of eventually broadening to driver education.
• Latino Festival (May 2): Due to end‑of‑semester conflicts (final exams, graduations) only one commissioner could be present. The commission decided not to secure a table and forwent participation. An alternative of donating snacks to the police department’s table was considered but deemed too complicated without a representative on site.
• Pride Flag Raising (June 5): The event will be held on the town green from 5–7 p.m. with setup and breakdown. The commission will host a table with temporary tattoos, literature, and free water, Gatorade, and prepackaged snacks. A motion to spend up to $300 on these items passed unanimously.
• Upcoming Proclamations: The commission approved a proclamation for Disability Pride Month (July) and scheduled discussions for Women’s Equality Day (August 26, with outreach to the Loudoun League of Women Voters), Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15, contacting local Latino‑owned businesses such as Casa Vela and Los Tios), and Rosh Hashanah (September 22–24, with contact info for Congregation B’nai Shalom).
• Leesburg Business Award Sponsorship: The commission explored sponsoring a new award category at the annual Leesburg Business Awards (run by Economic Development). The cost is $150 for a plaque; the commission would name the award and criteria. Commissioners agreed to begin informal conversations with the Economic Development Commission at the networking event. The award would be for the next cycle.
• Historical Research Microgrant: A commissioner proposed using part of the budget to fund a microgrant for a historian/researcher to uncover stories of diverse historical figures in Leesburg, partnering with the Thomas Balch Library or Loudoun Museum to amplify the stories. The commission decided to explore the idea informally at the networking event and return with a proposal in May.
• Civic Engagement with Schools: An idea was raised to engage students in local government ahead of the midterm elections, perhaps by inviting students to commission meetings. This was tabled for formal discussion at the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Approved electronic participation for two commissioners (unanimous).
• Approved agenda and March minutes (unanimous).
• Approved motion to issue an RFP for a logo at not‑to‑exceed $500 (unanimous).
• Approved resolution to spend up to $300 on water, Gatorade, and prepackaged snacks for the Pride flag raising event (unanimous).
• Approved submission of a proclamation for Disability Pride Month (July) (unanimous).
• Decided to forgo participation in the Latino Festival (May 2) due to lack of available members.
• Directed staff to add the Harrison Street crosswalk to the police department’s traffic enforcement list.
• Deferred formal action on a joint subcommittee with RTC until after the networking event on April 30.
• Deferred further discussion on historical research microgrant, Leesburg Business Award sponsorship, and school civic engagement until the next meeting.