Commission members discussed funding to attend a national symposium on reparations and acknowledged city assistance to cover travel, lodging and incidentals for three commissioners, while asking city leadership to seek additional support so more commissioners can attend.

Commissioners thanked Mayor Nichols and Deputy Mayor Chris Torres for allocating travel money that, as reported at the meeting, covered flights, hotels and incidentals for three commissioners. Members urged the administration to continue looking for partial sponsorships — for example lodging and registration — so additional commissioners could attend if they cover their own flights. One commissioner noted that registrations for some attendees might be waived as “frontline advocates.”

Members suggested alternative fundraising approaches, including church sponsorships and using commission vans to drive groups where feasible. Commissioners also agreed to gather exact per-person estimates (lodging and travel) so staff can model additional requests. Staff said they would follow up with city finance/staff and look into whether leftover funds or external sponsorships could expand attendance.

Commissioners stressed the importance of the convening, calling last year’s Evanston and other exchanges “impactful” and urging continued opportunities for commissioners to network and learn best practices.