Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Engagement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Oakdale proclaims Fair Housing and Autism Acceptance months, and formalizes Just Serve partnership
Summary
Oakdale’s council proclaimed April 2026 as Fair Housing Month and Autism Acceptance Month, and accepted a Just Serve city certificate to expand volunteerism; council also highlighted upcoming community events and advisory board work.
Oakdale — At its March 24 meeting the Oakdale City Council issued proclamations recognizing April 2026 as Fair Housing Month and Autism Acceptance Month, and welcomed Just Serve representatives to present the city with a Just Serve certificate intended to boost community volunteerism.
Mayor Kevin Zel introduced the partnership with the volunteer platform Just Serve, noting city staff had been working on ways “we can grow volunteerism and connection in our community.” Patrick Tibido, a local Just Serve representative, said Oakdale already records “hundreds of hours” of volunteer work and that the goal is to expand that to “thousands and more.” Jennifer Theer, a regional Just Serve specialist, said the program is participating this year in America 250 service efforts and urged volunteers to log activity on Just Serve’s website.
The council proclaimed April as Fair Housing Month, citing the Fair Housing Act enacted April 11, 1968, and affirmed Oakdale’s commitment to eliminating housing discrimination and supporting efforts—such as mapping discriminatory covenants—to advance equitable housing opportunities.
The council also proclaimed April as Autism Acceptance Month. Mayor Zel, who said he works in disability services, noted he and others attended Disability Services Day at the State Capitol earlier in the day, calling it “an amazing opportunity for people of all abilities to come together and advocate.”
Council members also reviewed advisory board updates and community events: the Environmental Management Commission previewed the EcoFair (with a new clothing‑swap addition) and a tree giveaway tied to Arbor Day; the Tree Board finalized its 2026 work plan and noted openings after the recent resignation of its chair. Council members announced event dates and registration windows, including a Pete Grassi tree giveaway with online registration opening April 1 at 8 a.m., park engagement sessions in early April, a city garage sale on April 11 and the EcoFair in late April.
Why it matters: The proclamations and the Just Serve partnership are intended to signal city priorities—housing equity, disability inclusion, and volunteer mobilization—and to publicize near‑term community engagement opportunities.
Next steps: Just Serve left outreach materials with the city; staff will post event and registration details on the city website and continue implementation of the EcoFair and tree‑giveaway logistics.
