Covington equity commission outlines 2026 work plan; council urges data, partnerships and budget requests

At a joint study session of the Covington City Council and the Equity, Cultural and Social Justice Commission, members reviewed the commission's proposed work plan for 2026 and discussed steps for community outreach, data gathering and modest budget requests.

Janelle Johansson, a member of the Equity, Cultural and Social Justice Commission, presented the work plan and said its purpose was "to go over this 2026 work plan for the council to provide some feedback on their priorities and the initiatives that we've put together." Johansson told council the commission has been meeting monthly on fourth Thursdays since regaining quorum and currently has seven of 13 positions filled as of the second quarter of 2025.

The commission's stated goals include promoting the commission's mission, celebrating cultural diversity in city events, facilitating community dialogue and serving as a liaison to the council. Specific proposals discussed included a pilot civic-education class called "Covington 101," integrating cultural holidays into city programming, activating city-owned properties for multicultural gatherings…