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Task force debates approach to selecting criteria and schedule for working groups; public raises equity concerns for North Lamar
Summary
The task force discussed two approaches for setting criteria — (1) letting each working group set criteria guided by cross‑cutting filters, or (2) agreeing to a single body‑wide criteria set — and planned working‑group schedules; a public commenter urged that the process include historical disinvestment data, especially for North Lamar.
The Bond Election Advisory Task Force discussed on July 28 how it will develop recommendations for the 2026 bond program, including working‑group schedules, public meetings and the process for selecting evaluation criteria.
Two approaches: Staff presented two options: (1) have each working group develop criteria tailored to its topic, then apply a set of cross‑cutting filters the full task force would adopt; or (2) the full task force develop a single set of evaluation criteria that all working groups must use. Several members favored option 1 with predefined cross‑cutting filters (for example: climate/sustainability, short‑ vs long‑term impact, operational/maintenance cost implications) so working groups could move quickly while still arriving at comparable outputs for the full body to reconcile.
Scheduling and materials: Task force members emphasized the need to receive the staff‑curated project list and the larger “needs” list before working groups begin public outreach. Staff said a more curated list (about $3.9 billion in projects, per staff remarks) and a full needs list will be delivered via memo to members by Thursday following the July 28 meeting. Members asked for the project lists in spreadsheet form for rapid review, and staff said supplemental materials, a summary of findings, appendices and datasets will be provided.
Public comment on equity and history: A member of the public, Zenobia Joseph, urged the task force to include historical disinvestment and civil‑rights context in its process. Joseph cited Title VI (Civil Rights Act of 1964) and past mobility bond promises for North Lamar, saying the city’s own documents show patterns of uneven investment and pedestrian safety problems in that corridor. She asked the task force to integrate geographic equity and historical outcomes into selection filters.
Votes and procedural actions: The task force approved the minutes of its June 23, 2025 meeting by voice vote; the motion was moved and seconded and one member abstained because they were not present for that prior meeting. The body adjourned at the end of its scheduled agenda after moving and seconding an adjournment motion.
Ending: Members agreed to begin working‑group meetings once project lists arrive and to return to the full task force with draft cross‑cutting filters and guidance at the next meeting.
