Shelburne equity committee explores liaison model to embed equity across town committees

The Town of Shelburne Equity and Diversity Committee on July 13, 2026, discussed a proposal to embed equity work across town committees by placing liaison(s) with a goal of normalizing equity perspectives in ongoing committee work. Facilitator Michele Crowder introduced the topic during chair updates and the committee reviewed specific committees where liaisons might sit.

Committee members listed target committees and meeting times: Community & Economic Development (Aug. 26 at noon on Wednesdays), Finance (Aug. 6 at 3:30 p.m., in-person Thursdays), Planning and Zoning (meets twice monthly, July 9 and 23 at 7 p.m. on Thursdays), Development Review Board (1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 7 p.m., in person), and Housing (1st Monday of the month at 6 p.m.). Members expressed preliminary interest in serving as liaisons: Jennie Hoenigsberg said she was interested in learning more about Finance; Michele Crowder said she was considering Housing or serving as a secondary contact for Planning; Phu Ly signaled interest in Planning and Zoning and requested a second person to assist; Josh Flore noted his town role gives him frequent contact with many groups and that he could help support liaison activity.

The committee discussed how to approach other bodies: participants raised the idea of drafting short scripts or guidance to send to committees about the Equity and Diversity Committee’s intended role "to listen and learn" and to offer an equity lens on shared problems, rather than prescriptive direction. The item also flagged upcoming Town Plan work and asked how the committee could support that process.

The committee did not record any formal motion to adopt a liaison policy during this meeting; the discussion primarily identified potential placements and interests and established next-step considerations for outreach and coordination. The chair also noted that continuing the conversation with specific committees would be a priority in coming meetings.