Reparations commission outlines research, housing and education focus and plans final recommendations

The Greenbelt Reparations Commission told City Council that it has spent FY 2025 on outreach, interviews, town halls, and research and that it will compile a final report with recommendations focused primarily on housing and education.

Why it matters: The commission's recommendations could shape local actions addressing disparities and suggest city-level policy or programs. Commission members said they want to produce recommendations that are legally durable and informed by comprehensive research, including indigenous perspectives.

Commission report: Conrad (surname not provided) and other commissioners said the group was formed in December 2022, began meeting in February 2023, and has conducted interviews, forums, surveys, academic partnerships and contracted research assistance. Commissioners reported work with the African American Redress Network, a University of Maryland capstone research team, and legal advice from a Howard University clinic to test approaches against legal challenges. The commission said it will focus recommendations on housing and education outcomes and is seeking an indigenous reviewer to remedy a gap in expertise.

Next steps: The commission aims to complete a final report with recommendations in FY 2026. Commissioners said they are continuing interviews and public meetings and will attempt to secure remaining research to fill gaps. The item was informational; no formal council action occurred during the work session.