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USF BRIGHT conference proposal sent to steering committee after debate over research budget
Summary
The commission discussed a USF proposal for a research‑informed conference and pilot response model for human trafficking; members questioned the $181,000 total and $106,000 research line and voted to send the proposal to the steering committee for further vetting.
A proposal from the University of South Florida to fund a research‑based conference and to develop a county‑level response model for human trafficking was discussed at length and referred to the commission’s steering committee for further review.
Dr. Shelley Wages (presented as “Doctor Wages”), lead researcher for the proposal, told the commission the project combines qualitative research, a training and networking conference, and development of a prototype response model informed by law enforcement, court actors, survivors and nonprofit service providers. “We conducted initial work with Hillsborough County to pilot our platform and we would build on that here,” she said, describing a front‑end needs assessment and focus groups that would inform a conference and recommendations.
The proposal included a budget request of about $181,000; presenters said personnel and event costs were the largest lines and that research personnel and graduate assistants accounted for roughly $106,000 of the ask. Several commissioners and stakeholders questioned the scale and timing. One commissioner said the county had yet to hold a local conference and questioned whether the research line was necessary before testing a smaller event. Others noted the state‑level Florida Alliance Against Human Trafficking and an existing national investigators’ conference as overlapping resources.
Commission members also discussed survivor engagement and honoraria. Dr. Wages said the budget includes honoraria and travel for lived‑experience experts and said some survivor leaders would be contracted as personnel for facilitation and recruitment.
After extended discussion about scope, cost and timing — commissioners expressed concern that the proposed timeline was tight for an August–September conference — a motion to forward the proposal to the steering committee for additional vetting and potential refinement passed on a voice vote. Several members said steering committee review would allow staff, procurement and stakeholders to refine scope, examine possible cost reductions and, if appropriate, authorize contract action before the full commission’s next meeting.
Dr. Wages and her staff said they have existing partnerships and research experience in the county, and they acknowledged they would adjust the budget if the county asked for a more limited initial scope.
