Social Equity and Racial Justice Commission
Minutes
April 6, 2023, 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
1. Call to order: 5:10
Attendance: Yamaguchi, Geraghty, Chacon, Santiago, Decker (left the meeting at 5:45) Seltzer (staff liaison)
Absent: Gillis, Simon, Williams, DuQuenne (council liaison)
2. Approval of Minutes of March 2, 2023
M/S Chacon/Decker, motion passed unanimously.
3. Public Input: None
4. Welcome and Introductions
Yamaguchi welcomed the newest SERJ member, Barbara Geraghty, and invited members and guests to introduce themselves.
5. Planning Commission
Doug Knauer, member of the Planning Commission and senior planner Derek Severson spoke about the work of the Planning Commission (PC).
Knauer explained the PC is a quasi-judicial entity and must conduct its work similar to a court proceeding. The procedure is very specific, and the PC must apply the Ashland Municipal Code (AMC) to each project brought to the PC. The PC is constrained from the ability to influence a project, because it can only address the project as presented. The Planning staff reviews the project first, and then, if necessary, brings the project to the PC for review. The PC doesn’t write the AMC land use code and can’t change it.
For example, the PC might review a project and determine the location of the driveway (among other things) meets existing code requirements, but the PC cannot require that the project provide affordable housing. The PC may not like a project, but if it is allowable within the AMC, the PC cannot stop the project from moving forward.
Can the PC directly influence affordable housing? Knauer noted the short answer is NO. If the PC identified existing code that negatively impacts affordable housing or allows for gentrification and creates displacement it could recommend a code adjustment to the City Council for adoption. Severson noted the land use portion of the AMC is based on the Oregon model land use code. The code can be adjusted to be more Ashland specific.
What are the housing obstacles that directly impact marginalized people? What are the impediments at the State level that negatively impact marginalized groups?
Knauer noted that the questions are very broad and must be taken in pieces. Severson explained that the State has developed guidelines that must be used at a local level to identify gentrification and associated displacement. The guidelines are specific and very complex. It requires cities to implement a public engagement analysis to engage local stakeholders that represent marginalized people such as Rogue Action Center and other groups; to conduct a geo-spatial analysis using GIS to identify areas where cities could legislate changes; identify the census tracks that are affected and if there are marginalized peoples in those groups and more. It is a very technical process required by the State with a check list of anti-displacement measures that are included as part of the process. Cities must implement this process with any State required project.
Severson also noted that another impediment at the State level is that the Oregon land use system is set, in large part, to protect property rights. Homebuilders and real estate lobbyists are well represented in the lobby efforts in Salem. The local land use process is governed by the State in that the PC has 120 days to render a decision on a project. If a decision is not made, the project is simply approved as submitted. If a marginalized person came to the PC with concerns about a project that cannot be researched and resolved within the constraints of the 120-day rule, the concern could not be addressed, and the project would automatically be approved as is.
The State is dictating more and more the zoning stipulations within the cities. Knauer believes this is problematic and that local zoning solutions tend to be better. Zoning that is good for Ashland is different that zoning that is good for Bend or Portland. The State recently made it easier to build “middle housing” (duplexes, townhomes etc.) which is a good thing but can also be problematic and negatively impact Ashland. For example, if a builder could buy a piece of property in a less expensive part of town and build duplexes and townhomes. It could increase the property values in that area which could end up raising rents and displacing marginalized people.
Ashland at one time had a requirement for development to provide a percentage of affordable housing. That requirement violated State law and was removed. Ashland can only require affordable housing for projects that occur on land that is annexed. Ashland can no longer mandate parking with developments.
What are some ways SERJ can contribute/help? Knauer encouraged SERJ to be aware of planning actions that could have a negative impact on marginalized people and to bring it to the attention of the PC. The PC may not be able to change the project, but it is important that we are aware of potential impacts.
Yamaguchi thanked Knauer and Severson for their time.
6. SERJ participation in Juneteenth.
Seltzer reported on behalf of DuQuenne that the City of Ashland donated to the BASE Juneteenth event, but the donation does not give SERJ a booth. SERJ committed to participating in Juneteenth in January. How do SERJ members want to participate?
Seltzer suggested offering to help with the event set up and take down.
Yamaguchi will call BASE and ask if they need volunteers to help with the event. Chacon will not be available on Juneteenth. Santiago cannot commit at this time, Geraghty will commit to helping with Juneteenth as will Yamaguchi.
This topic will be carried forward to the May SERJ meeting.
7. Discussion on how to proceed with the YMCA
Geraghty offered to develop an outreach strategy to connect with the YMCA. She will bring it to SERJ for input at the May meeting.
8. Update from Members
• Yamaguchi reported that the Ashland for Everyone project is progressing. She is working with Joe Lessard, the Ashland Chamber of Commerce and SORCE at SOU. She has identified numerous businesses owned or operated by LGBTQ+ people. The Chamber will develop online marketing and media outreach calling attention to these businesses. In addition, they are developing a monthly calendar of receptions/open house to be hosted by these businesses.
• Yamnaguchi noted that SERJ now has eight of its nine allotted members and thanked Barbara for joining.
• Yamaguchi and Santiago are hosting an event at Gambrel Gallery celebrating Asian Heritage Month on May 6 at 4:40 p.m. The event will be noticed as a social meeting for SERJ allowing the committee members to mingle without the constraints of a regular meeting. Seltzer reminded the group that they cannot discuss any business that relates to the work of SERJ.
•
8. Update from Council and Staff liaisons.
• Seltzer reported on behalf of Simon that she met with CAEDI in Medford and was pleased with their support for an antisemitism proclamation for Medford. She later learned that the Mayor of Medford had already planned a proclamation in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day. She will engage with CADEI again at a future date to revisit the antisemitism proclamation effort.
• DuQuenne will meet with the Ashland Middle School Principal, a member of the Ashland School Board, and the Ashland School District Superintendent as a follow up to the SERJ May meeting.
• At the March 21 City Council meeting, Mayor Graham read a proclamation in honor of Cesar Chavez. Cesar Chavez flags were raised a full week in honor of Cesar Chavez Day, March 31.
9.Wrap up and items for future agendas.
• SERJ is scheduled to give an update report to the City Council on June 20.
Meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
