Community Relations Commission meeting summary | Rockford | The Common News

Summary

Community Relations Commission meeting summary

RockfordMar 13, 20263 min read

At a glance

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The commission focused on revising its ordinance and action plan to sharpen its advisory role, add youth participation, and push more outreach on affordable housing and other resident concerns.

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Community Relations Commission

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What this means

The commission discussed changes that could make its work clearer and more useful to residents, including adding a 18-to-24-year-old member, creating youth mentorship efforts, and reporting to the City Council more often. Members also said they want to spend less time collecting information and more time helping with issues like affordable housing, delayed housing permits, and connecting residents to city resources. They planned new public outreach, including listening sessions, a plain-language explanation of the commission’s role, and a reintroduction campaign to help residents know how to reach them.

Key decisions

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Approved the January 17, 2026 journal of proceedings by unanimous voice vote.
Approved the February 12, 2026 journal of proceedings by unanimous voice vote.
Welcomed new Commissioners Zsa Zsa Johnson and Shimere Shanklin.
Discussed ordinance revisions to add a 18-to-24-year-old member, create youth mentorship programs, and move to quarterly reports.
Continued updating the action plan with a focus on affordable housing, workforce development, and youth engagement.
Planned a public outreach 'reintroduction' effort using a one-pager, business cards, social media, flyers, and videos.

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Meeting information

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Community Relations Commission

Mar 13, 2026, 12:30 AMCity Hall, Second Floorcompleted

Agenda

CALL TO ORDER
Roll Call
Acceptance of Journal
Journal of Proceedings for the Community Relations Commission meeting held on January 17, 2026
Journal of Proceedings for the Community Relations Commission meeting held on February 12, 2026
Communications
Welcome New Commissioners Zsa Zsa Johnson and Shimere Shanklin
Mayor's "Open Door" meeting hours with Commissioners are set for March 27, 2026 from 10:30 AM - 12 PM
PUBLIC SPEAKERS
Steve Delap, a representative from Eliminate Racism 815, thanked the committee for its insightful work. He stated that he supported a recommendation made at City Council that the Commission hear public comments regarding the Flock cameras. He invited the Commissioners to a two-day presentation by David Couper, a former Police Chief of Madison Wisconsin, at the Rockford Public Library Nordlof Center on March 25th and 26th.
Steven McMaster questioned the Mayor’s and City Council’s passing a contentious measure on Flock AI surveillance cameras without referring it to the Community Relations Commission for public feedback. He supported the referral.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Community Relations Commission Ordinance Revision - Draft Language Discussion
Action Plan Review
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
ADJOURNMENT
THE CITY OF ROCKFORD INTENDS TO COMPLY WITH THE INTENT AND SPIRIT OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. IF A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER, PERSONAL P.A. SYSTEM, OR OTHER SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS ARE NEEDED, PLEASE CALL THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AT (779) 348-7391 AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE, SO WE CAN BE PREPARED TO ASSIST YOU.
The Commission discussed proposed revisions to the Community Relations Commission ordinance to include requiring a member aged 18 to 24, establishing youth mentorship programs, and shifting to quarterly reports to ensure the City Council is regularly informed. The commission also aims to more clearly define its advisory role to resolve confusion regarding its authority during city debates.
The Commission is updating its Action Plan with a focus on affordable housing, workforce development, and new youth engagement strategies. To support these goals, the Commission plans to invite speakers, gather input from its newest members, and formalize an introduction to the City Council via the Mayor to ensure their advisory role is effective.
Chairman Brown asked for a Motion to Adjourn. Commissioner Norma moved to Adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Kaull. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote. (Commissioners Scott Garwick and William Martin were absent). The meeting adjourned at 6:38 PM.
Chairman Eric Brown called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.
PAGE BREAK

Documents from this meeting

Agendahttps://rockfordil.legistar1.com/rockfordil/meetings/2026/3/981_A_Community_Relations_Commission_26-03-12_Meeting_Agenda.pdf
Minuteshttps://rockfordil.legistar1.com/rockfordil/meetings/2026/3/981_M_Community_Relations_Commission_26-03-12_Meeting_Minutes.pdf

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