TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Daniel Barreiro, Chief Community Services Officer
DATE: December 5, 2013
SUBJECT: title
Resolution Establishing the Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board
body
PURPOSE:
Staff is recommending the establishment of the Indian American Community Advisory Board (IACOAB) to serve as a bridge between the Indian American Community and all other communities in the City of Aurora. The advisory board will function similarly as the other advisory boards with an emphasis on civics and business outreach since very few supporting Indian American organizations exist at the present time.
BACKGROUND:
Earlier this year, members of the Indian American Community approached Alderman Rick Mervine to explore ways to get involved in the community. Shortly thereafter a meeting was held in the Mayor's Office with Alderman Mervine, Rick Guzman and members of the core leadership group of the Indian American Community. It was at this meeting that the idea of establishing an advisory group was formally presented to you. On October 29, 2013, I attended a meeting with a representative of the Indian American Community that was convened by Rick Guzman. Alderman Rick Mervine was also in attendance. The purpose of the meeting was to continue the discussion of the formation of an Indian American advisory board. Representatives of the Indian American Community are interested in learning about opportunities to become more engaged in the community as well as providing a vehicle to learn about civics at the local level. Providing assistance to the American Indian Business Community is also an important priority.
The City of Aurora continues to become more diverse. The Asian community in Aurora has grown from a population of 4,442 to 13,470 according to the 2000 and 2010 Census' respectfully. The Asian population consists of many different ethnic groups. The largest of these ethnic groups is the Indian American population with a population of 6,543 or 48% of the Asian population.
Earlier this year, the Indian American community participated in Roots Aurora by entering a dance troop. The dance troop was well received and attracted many people who would not otherwise have attended an event at RiverEdge Park. This is an example of how the IACOAB can contribute to enrich the community.
DISCUSSION:
The attached by-laws have been reviewed by prospective board members and the draft is being used to tweak the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory and the African American Advisory Board by-laws.
Representatives of the Indian American community are eager to get started and appointments are expected to be made at the beginning of the year.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The impact on the city will be minimal and will be outweighed by the positive benefits to be achieved by the establishment of the IACOAB:
· Some staff time will be required to assist the board with navigating city resources such as use of meeting space and scheduling of city staff for informational presentations as needed.
· The 2014 Budget will support IACAOB activities with an allocation of $5,000 in account 215-1320-450.53-35.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of resolution establishing the Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board.
cc: Alderman Hart-Burns, Chairman
Alderman Johnson
Alderman Mesiacos
Alderman Mervine, Alternate