Leesburg Diversity Commission Meeting - October 15, 2026

The Leesburg Diversity Commission met on October 15, 2026, at 7:06 PM. (Note: The meeting transcript records the date as October 14, 2026, but the meeting is officially dated October 15, 2026.) The meeting covered routine approvals, detailed planning for the Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) ceremony, review of a proposed commission logo, initial discussion on a small business award, budget considerations, proclamation requests, and scheduling of future meetings. The meeting adjourned at 8:27 PM.

Commissioner Comments

• Commissioners discussed the possibility of using AI to generate meeting minutes, but staff noted that a human recorder is still required.
• A group photo of the commission was discussed and will be organized for the December meeting.
• The library director, Laura Christianson, will attend the November meeting to discuss microgrant research opportunities.

Police Department Update

• The police liaison reported no new updates from the police department.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Ceremony

• The ceremony is scheduled for the upcoming Friday (October 16, 2026) on the Town Green (inside Town Hall if rain). It will include resource tables, a musician, several survivor speakers, and an electronic candlelight vigil. Commissioner Rebecca identified herself as a survivor and agreed to speak first.
• The commission voted to purchase a case of mini water bottles for the event (motion by Ed, seconded by Vanessa, all in favor). Other supplies, such as purple tablecloths and bubbles, will be made available.

Commission Logo

• The commission reviewed initial logo drafts from the designer, Joe. Commissioners expressed a preference for a circular design with diverse colors, human-centered imagery (silhouettes of people holding hands), and the inclusion of a silhouette of the Leesburg Town Hall. The text should read "Town of Leesburg" on the top and "Diversity Commission" on the bottom. The current black-and-white designs were considered unrepresentative of diversity. The commission will provide specific feedback for revisions.

Small Business Award

• The commission discussed establishing a Diversity Commission Sponsored Small Business Award to be presented during Small Business Week in May. Guidelines will focus on businesses that promote diversity, equity, and accessibility. A commissioner volunteered to draft guidelines for the next meeting.

Budget and Future Planning

• The commission has approximately $3,500 remaining in its budget. Future uses discussed include a potential donation to a Leesburg-based food assistance organization (e.g., Loudoun Hunger Relief) and support for historical plaques in partnership with the library. The budget request for FY2028 is due next month.

Proclamations

• The commission approved motions to submit a proclamation for Native American Heritage Month (November 2026) and for Universal Human Rights Month (December 2026), both contingent on finding individuals or organizations to accept them.

Meeting Schedule

• The commission voted to hold the December 9, 2026, and January 13, 2027, meetings virtually. Both motions were seconded and passed. The November 4 meeting will be in person.

Staff Updates

• Staff informed four commissioners (Lisa, Ed, Vanessa, Melissa) whose terms end this year that they may reapply for reappointment. Applications should be submitted online, and the full council will vote on appointments in January.

Key Outcomes

• The agenda and minutes from the previous meeting were approved.
• Sri was allowed to participate electronically.
• A case of mini water bottles was approved for the DVAM ceremony.
• The commission provided feedback on the logo; the designer will be asked for revisions.
• Guidelines for the Diversity Commission Sponsored Small Business Award will be drafted for the next meeting.
• Proclamations for Native American Heritage Month and Universal Human Rights Month were approved, contingent on identifying acceptors.
• The December and January meetings will be held virtually.
• The next meeting will be on November 4, 2026, in person.