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Community Action Board defers vote to rename 'low income representative' seat, seeks broader community input
Summary
After extended discussion about tokenization, clarity and recruitment, the Clark County Community Action Board voted to defer a decision on renaming the 'low income representative' seat so staff can gather additional feedback from community partners; motion to defer carried by voice/hand vote.
The Clark County Community Action Board debated proposed new titles for a tripartite board seat currently called 'low income representative' and decided on March 23 to defer the renaming decision to the next meeting to solicit broader community input.
Board members discussed several proposed alternatives— including "lived experience community representative," "lived experience adviser," "community advocate representative" and "low income advocate." Speakers raised two central concerns: avoiding tokenization of people with lived experience and ensuring that any new title would still attract eligible applicants who currently hold the seat or would be qualified to apply.
"I think we need to be careful here... the outcome is the most important, and that is that we get somebody that is currently or at least very recently experiencing low income," said Councilor Young (S16), urging a name that would not discourage eligible applicants from applying.
Some members favored wording that signals lived experience; others warned the phrase could be perceived as too broad or confusing. Several members suggested staff gather input from the communities the position is meant to represent rather than deciding the change in a small group.
Brondalyn (S7) moved to defer the rename discussion to the next meeting so staff could reach out to community partners; the motion was seconded and approved by voice/hand vote. The item was tabled for the next scheduled meeting when staff will report back with community feedback.
The board did not change bylaws at the meeting and took no immediate appointment action; staff noted that any bylaw changes or name changes would require follow-up steps.
