Rules Committee rejects resolution to bar any part of a jail from historically redlined neighborhoods

The City Council Rules Committee disapproved a resolution that would have declared the body opposed to siting any portion of a jail in neighborhoods the speaker characterized as historically redlined. The committee voted 0–5 against bill 2026-0356 on May 18, 2026.

The measure drew public comment urging approval. "If you truly understood what redlining did to this community ... you would have voted yes," public commenter Bobby O' Conor told the committee, saying the resolution would cost nothing and signal solidarity with residents. Latavia Harris, who also spoke during public comment, told the committee she opposed placing a jail in redlined districts, saying it would be "catastrophic" for those neighborhoods and noted long-standing community legacies at stake.

Visiting Council Member Jimmy Paluso, who sponsored the earlier iteration of the item, said the resolution would make a clear, public statement that "no piece of this jail should be built in these communities." Paluso described the measure as an attempt to put the council on record opposing siting in historically marginalized areas; he said the language matters to people who fear displacement.

Committee members noted earlier debate in the neighborhoods committee and differing views among council liaisons. The record includes a note that Council Member Lannon, the liaison for that project, did not support the resolution. After discussion the Rules Committee recorded a vote of zero in favor and five opposed, formally disapproving 2026-0356.

Because the vote was a committee-level disapproval, proponents may pursue other committee or full‑council avenues if they choose to reintroduce similar language. The committee’s action means the resolution will not advance from Rules in its current form.