On June 24, the Missoula City Council held its first “ad hoc committee for public safety and systemic racism.” It introduced the LEARN Missoula research team. Its mandate: uncover systemic racism. Three LEARN team members are University of Montana employees. UM President Bodnar applauded its formation.
On Aug. 31, the council budgeted $100,000 for LEARN Missoula, saying more is required “to affect the change that needs to happen.”
This item appeared on the Nov. 18 Committee of the Whole agenda:
“Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign a contract for LEARN Missoula for $75,000 to conduct a thorough research project and provide a place-based action plan that is created and centered upon Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).” Planning Director Pehan revealed the team’s mandate:
LEARN Missoula’s vision is to use BIPOC-generated knowledge to envision and design solutions and action strategies for transforming Missoula into a place and space of equality, equity and inclusion where whiteness is de-centered at a structural level, particularly in local government.
On Nov. 23, the council approved $75,000 for the LEARN team. Before more taxes are directed to this project, the city must clarify what “de-centering whiteness in local government” means.
