Residents and community groups urge full-time OIM data analyst; committee vote to increase role fails

Several public commenters and community groups urged the Finance Committee on Oct. 27 to increase funding for the Office of the Independent Monitor's data analyst position, arguing the analyst's work underpins police oversight and community trust.

Public testimony - Amelia Royko Maurer, representing the Community Response Team, told the committee that the OIM data analyst "wrote the bulk of the 3 reports" and credited the analyst with substantial quantitative analyses, community outreach and formal recommendations. She urged restoring the position to full time. - Nathan Reichelmauer described similar findings and emphasized that the analyst's work uncovered preliminary evidence of racial disparities in policing and informed policy recommendations. - Barby Jackson (MOSES) testified in support of funding increases for the OIM and said the organization's 22 congregations support full staffing to maintain oversight and fairness.

Committee action During consideration of the 2026 executive operating budget, Alder Matthews sponsored an amendment to raise the OIM data analyst from 0.6 to 0.8 FTE (with cost estimates provided in the amendment). Supporters said a larger FTE would improve retention, allow the analyst to complete planned projects and support transition after the independent monitor's resignation. Erin (interim monitor/HR staff) told the committee that the recruitment and hiring for the permanent monitor was under way and estimated a six-month timeframe for a permanent hire.

The amendment to increase the analyst to 0.8 FTE was defeated on a recorded committee vote.