At the PCDC's June 17 meeting, Board President Ken D'Alfonso asserted that the equity commission is not a "knee-jerk reaction" to recent events surrounding police violence and systemic racism. The commission, D'Alfonso said, is a culmination of a year's worth of conversations and efforts to make city leadership as reflective of its constituents as possible.
“Let’s just not give this lip service," D'Alfonso said. "It’s an absolute strength.”
Per the language of the ordinance, “the City of Pflugerville acknowledges that the history of discrimination in the United States of America continues to affect the privilege and/or lack of opportunity for people in the City."
Equity, as defined in the ordinance, pertains to the economic, political or social access granted to all residents, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability or other forms of identity.
PCDC Executive Director Amy Madison said the same sentiments shared in this ordinance are ones the PCDC continues to strive toward, in terms of diversifying its workforce and serving residents accordingly. She added that while the PCDC can and will continue to do better in its diversification efforts, the organization has the foundation needed to work alongside the new commission and serve its mission.
Council Member Jim McDonald, serving as council liaison to the PCDC, said city leadership is excited about this opportunity, aimed at reflecting the city's shifting demographics. As Pflugerville's population evolves, McDonald said his hope is that this commission modifies and adjusts with it.
“We want to make sure that this commission represents all aspects of this amazing body of diversity we have in Pflugerville," McDonald said.
Pflugerville City Council is set to vote on formally establishing the inaugural Pflugerville Equity Commission on June 23.
