Green Bay committee approves resolution affirming support for an "economic and social bill of rights" and sends it to full council

The City of Green Bay Protection & Policy Committee voted 3–1 on July 13 to send a resolution proclaiming the city’s commitment to an "economic and social bill of rights" to the full common council for consideration.

Alder Shelton (District 4), the resolution’s petitioner, told the committee the measure was intended as a guiding set of commitments for the city rather than a legally binding mandate. "I think this is more than just a symbolic statement," Shelton said, noting the proposal grew from conversations with constituents about issues ranging from flooding to housing and pedestrian safety.

Supporters who spoke during the public comment period urged adoption. Tara Knight of South Broadway said the measure would reaffirm shared values and asked the committee to "support true American values and principles" in Green Bay. Resident Tanya Westmoreland told the committee the resolution "binds us together as the people" and asked that the council pass it on.

One committee member expressed reservations about the practical reach of the resolution, noting it names policy areas—such as minimum wage and some environmental matters—where municipal authority is limited. "We have a lot of things on there we can't necessarily affect at local government level," a member said, urging that the resolution be framed as advocacy and not an overreach of city power.

The measure passed on a voice vote tally recorded in the meeting as three ayes and one nay. Committee members and the chair noted the resolution’s language recognizes the city cannot unilaterally guarantee all the listed rights but pledges to make reasonable efforts within its jurisdiction.

Next step: the resolution will be placed on the common council agenda for its July 21 meeting.