Peoria Racial Justice Commission Releases First Community Report
Inaugural document sets baseline conditions for future improvements
March 27, 2023 (Peoria, IL) The Peoria City/County Joint Commission on Racial Justice and Equity (RJE) will present its first annual report to the community at Peoria City Hall on Wednesday, March 29. This report is the collective work of more than 160 community members who were tasked with developing data sources, gathering community input, collaborating with community partners, and suggesting action plans going forward. It is the first major output of the Commission and is intended to establish a baseline for racial inequities in the City and County of Peoria.
The media is invited to attend, and printed copies of the report will be available.
Presenting the information will be RJE Commission co-chairs Mary Peterson and Tim Bertschy, with the support of Peoria Mayor Rita Ali and Peoria County Board Chairman James Dillon. RJE Steering Committee members will also be in attendance.
Date: Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Where: City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 400, 417 Fulton Street,Peoria, IL
The Joint Commission on Racial Justice and Equity was launched in 2021 with the vision to “end racism in City and County government and to achieve racial equity and justice across our community.” Its first report to the community will outline the size and scope of the problem of racial inequity in Peoria — and discuss some broad areas of focus going forward.
This report is an important first step in a multi-year, data-driven effort to make Peoria a more livable and equitable community for all its residents. The Commission will now move to create strategic plans and partnerships that address racial justice and equity issues.
The report is available to download online at peoriacounty.gov. To express interest in joining the Commission, click here. For additional information or media inquiries, call Tim Bertschy at (309) 657-2401.