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Better Together advisory board outlines events, outreach and governance priorities for 2026
Summary
Co‑chairs Claire Anderson and Catherine Bean told the Decatur City Commission the Better Together advisory board is advancing a speaker‑series event with Out of Hand Theatre, drafting a unifying artist brief with Decatur Arts Alliance, cleaning an asset map, and prioritizing governance and recruitment ahead of a December retreat.
Claire Anderson and Catherine Bean, co‑chairs of Decatur’s Better Together advisory board, briefed the City Commission on the board’s 2025 accomplishments and plans for 2026, emphasizing community engagement and improved board governance. Renee Jackson, the city’s equity and engagement director, introduced the presentation and the city’s new equity and engagement specialist, MJ Brown.
The speaker‑series work group is pursuing a July 2026 community conversation at Legacy Park with Out of Hand Theatre, using a short theatrical piece followed by small‑group dialogue and a shared meal to foster connection. The board is also working with the Decatur Arts Alliance on an artist brief to create a unifying visual symbol for the community; funding and final format (public art, merchandise, signage) remain under discussion.
On outreach, BTAB described a cleanup and modernization of its community asset map so local organizations can opt in and self‑update contact information. The board plans to test a digital platform and consider an annual convening of listed groups to promote equitable participation. BTAB is also building an editorial calendar to publish regular DEI‑related content and raise the board’s visibility.
Board governance and recruitment were presented as near‑term priorities: the enabling ordinance now sets board membership at 10–15 seats (preferably one youth member), but upcoming term expirations would leave the board with eight members unless new appointees are named. Co‑chairs said the board will use the December retreat to complete a gap analysis and refine onboarding to make volunteer service more accessible and productive.
Why it matters: BTAB plays an advisory role on equity, reparations, charter review and other planning efforts; the board’s outreach and governance improvements aim to broaden participation and provide staff and elected leaders with more structured input on community projects. The commission thanked the presenters and encouraged continued coordination with staff as plans develop.
The board’s retreat and any funded projects will return to the commission through normal staff‑review and permitting processes.
