Fitchburg, WI Community Equity Advisory Committee 2-25-26

The Fitchburg Community Equity Advisory Committee convened on February 25, 2026, focusing on advancing equity and inclusion within the city. Key discussions included updates from subgroups working on a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) calendar, community programming ideas for the Hoska Hochi community center, and the development of a racial equity tool to guide city planning and staff training. The committee emphasized its advisory role, aiming to support and uplift city initiatives rather than manage them directly. Additionally, the committee reviewed the timelines of several city plans, including the comprehensive plan, housing plan, healthy neighborhood strategic plan, communications plan, and urban forestry management plan, with intentions to apply equity-focused criteria to these efforts. A significant agenda item was the proposal to recognize local businesses demonstrating leadership in racial equity and social justice, with Fitchburg Family Pharmacy highlighted for its continued provision of gender-affirming care for youth amid statewide service reductions. The committee agreed to broaden this recognition program to include various businesses contributing positively to equity and justice in the community. The meeting concluded with plans to engage further with internal DEI staff and continue advancing equity initiatives through collaboration and community input.