By Kolby LaMarche

As the Town Meeting Day election approaches, the City’s Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB) is actively engaging residents through presentations at Neighborhood Planning Assemblies (NPAs) to build support for a proposed charter change that would permanently establish the office in city law.

The initiative aims to protect the REIB from potential defunding or elimination by future administrations by embedding it in the Burlington City Charter, which outlines the permanent structure of municipal government. 

Proponents argue that the change would ensure consistent equity work amid shifts in political leadership.

Established in 2019 under then-Mayor Miro Weinberger to address structural racism and identity-based disparities, the REIB has operated as a city department for several years. Its mission focuses on advancing racial justice, diversity, and inclusion across city operations, according to their founding documents.

Key activities include supporting departments in developing equitable programs and services, providing anti-bias training for staff and commissions, creating community engagement opportunities, and coordinating equity strategies. However, very few of these events have occurred over the years, with much of the office’s energy reserved for Juneteenth. 

The office has also implemented initiatives such as a language access policy to improve services for non-English speakers, an equity index map to identify disparities in city neighborhoods, and distribution of grants totaling over $250,000 to support community projects with, now depleted, COVID-era monies. 

However, the office has faced challenges, including high leadership turnover and budget constraints. 

Since its inception, REIB has seen multiple directors: Tyeastia Green served from 2020 to 2022, departing amid public disagreements with city leadership over addressing systemic racism; Kimberly Carson held the role from late 2022 to early 2024 before moving to another position; and interim leaders, including Christian Berry, managed operations during transitions. Current Director Dr. Kelli Perkins, appointed in September 2025 following a national search, oversees a team of four full-time staff and seasonal support. 

The office’s budget represents approximately 0.7% of the city’s General Fund, with salaries and expenses totaling around $478,000 annually, and has never exceeded 1% even at peak funding.

Critics have pointed to limited tangible outcomes relative to resources allocated, with some community members and former leaders citing a “revolving door” of directors and instances of alleged mismanagement, such as issues with fundraising for the 2023 Juneteenth event that prompted an investigation (though no fraud was found). 

Funding cuts in 2024 under Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, amid a $13 million city budget deficit, reduced staffing and shifted some resources to the general fund, frustrating some in Burlington’s Progressive circles. 

Supporters, including city officials, maintain that REIB’s work enhances community resilience, incorporates diverse perspectives in governance, and builds trust, though measurable citywide changes in areas like economic disparities or representation remain ongoing.

The proposed charter amendment, unanimously approved by the City Council on November 17, 2025, would add a new section to the charter formalizing the office. 

REIB representatives, including Director Perkins and Communications Manager Berry, have so far presented the proposal to two NPAs: Ward 3 on February 4 and Ward 6 on February 5. The sessions outlined the office’s role, budget details, and the rationale for charter protection. 

Additional NPA presentations are expected in the coming weeks as part of the outreach effort. No opposition group has been formed and no opposition presentations are planned. 

City officials have described the charter change as a step toward institutionalizing equity work, while acknowledging ongoing debates about its scope and effectiveness. Voters will decide the measure alongside other ballot items, including a proposed property tax increase for public safety.

If approved by voters, the change would still require state legislative and gubernatorial approval to take effect.

The ballot question, in its entirety, reads: 

“Shall the Charter of the City of Burlington, Acts of 1949, No. 298, as amended, be further amended to formally establish an Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging by adding a new Chapter 2, Article 8, Section 144 to read as follows: The Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging shall be established to advance diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism; coordinate equity strategies across city departments; recommend policy changes; enhance representation for underserved communities in decision-making; and facilitate inclusive resident engagement. A Director of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging shall be appointed by the Mayor, confirmed by the City Council, and serve as a permanent senior leadership position reporting directly to the Mayor.”