Two years ago, Michael Flores was isolated on the City Council, voted down 8-1 over and over again on his motions to allow extra time for public speakers. Other members even changed the rules after frequent clashes.
Things sure have changed.
With support from Reggie Williams, one of his most severe past detractors, Flores exercised influence to begin the long-delayed wrapup of final ARPA doles from the record-setting $52 million in 2021. They passed proposals on May 6 to boost support for Women of Colors to $275,000, up from $200,000, and for the Mexican American Council to $330,000, up from $270,000.
Mayor Brenda Moore and Mayor Pro-Tem Annie Boensch, along with City Manager Tim Morales, for the first time fell short of keeping the process on a more deliberate, cautious track. Morales earlier has promised an ARPA update either May 20 or June 4 with the Guidehouse consultants, and Moore and Boensch called for a delay until then because other agencies seeking funds deserve a fair chance. But Flores, Williams, Monique Lamar Silvia, Michael Balls, Bill Ostash and Priscilla Garcia were ready to act immediately.
Williams and Ostash both said the five-figure increases, $75,000 and $60,000, respectively, are small to resolve challenges faced by Women of Colors in relocating to a new headquarters at 3057 Davenport, and the MAC Center in renovating the historic 150-year-old former Catholic bishop’s residence at 1537 South Washington.
Other ARPA monies have gone for general fund budget balancing, for City Hall improvements, for Ojibway Island and Hoyt Park, for home repair grants, for the Medical Diamond project, and for various other purposes.
American Rescue Plan decisions with the current City Council have taken place in the closing minutes of meetings, not listed on the advance agenda. The May 6 session was the same. To view the actions that Flores initiated, click here.
