Alderman raises equity concerns about cannabis grants, proposes 'Race Riot Repair Commission' to review barriers

Alderman Gregory used the Jan. 6 meeting's unfinished-business period to press city staff and colleagues to remove language in cannabis-grant contracts that he said disqualifies applicants with felony records, discouraging participation from the communities the grants were intended to help.

"To have that language in there ... it does scare others off when they see those agreements," Alderman Gregory said, urging the council to "take that language out" and to treat cannabis-grant recipients equitably with other contractors and grantees. He described burdens applicants face, including requests for bank statements and vendor vetting, and said some grantees have taken loans up to $100,000 to pursue work.

Gregory said he has drafted an ordinance to create what he called the "19 o 8 Race Riot Repair Commission," modeled after other municipal commissions, to examine systems that create barriers and recommend fixes so previously disenfranchised residents can access city funding and contracting.

Mayor Buscher said he would check with the economic development director and have staff follow up with Alderman Gregory about the cannabis-grant language. The mayor also reminded the council that the city must follow federal and state grant regulations when applicable; he said administration staff would review the matter.

Alderwoman Notriano expressed support for a council-controlled commission and raised a specific constituent case: a homeowner who received reimbursement for exterior repairs but was later presented with a five-year clawback agreement; she urged revisiting that case to remove the stipulation.

The discussion did not produce a formal amendment or vote; city staff committed to follow up with relevant directors.