The article headlined “Oak Park is divided by class,” in the July 2 issue of WJ left us scratching our heads. The piece reports on the Racial Equity Assessment Report by UIC’s Great Cities Institute, which was commissioned by the Village at a cost of $150,000. A number of the cited findings are already known to many. We would prefer that the village undertake such research with its existing staff and dedicated volunteer commissions, and use those funds for other pressing needs, of which there are many.
For such a hefty price tag, we were hoping for some significant new insights from the report. Judge for yourself: The big takeaway (as reported by WJ) is that “there are significant economic divides, including by household income, between homeowners and renters, and in quality of life or social vulnerability.” Were our village leaders truly unaware of this? And if so, shouldn’t the village use that $150,000 to address these challenges to our residents directly, instead of paying high-priced consultants?
The report’s other finding is that “individuals in Oak Park regularly experience racism and discrimination.” This is legitimately troubling (although, sadly, not surprising) and needs to be addressed sincerely and aggressively, but we contend could have been learned at a far lower cost than $150,000. Town hall meeting? Questionnaire emailed to all households? Online survey posted to the many Oak Park Facebook groups? Targeted focus groups? All of these methodologies, though not without some cost, could be employed by the village’s DEI chief, who presumably advises the village board on ways to mitigate racism and discrimination.
At the conclusion of the WJ piece, we learn that yet another consultant group has been retained by the village to conduct a “Racial Policy Audit.” What’s the price tag for this project? Should not such an audit be conducted by the new DEI chief, in concert with the Community Relations Commission that, according to village staff, has been granted greater funding for community work?
In our view, this $150,000 could and should have been spent on so many more worthy endeavors. Just off the top of our heads: Rooting out unfair housing practices? Assisting the unhoused who currently live at the Metra station? Replacing lead pipes? Granting funds to social justice organizations such as Housing Forward, Beyond Hunger, and the Infant Welfare Society children’s health clinic? Even everyday matters such as collecting leaves in the fall or alley refurbishment?
Do better, village of Oak Park. Spending our hard-earned tax dollars to pay for conclusions that any minimally aware villager could have provided is insulting to all Oak Parkers and very poor stewardship of village funds.
Alison Nelson and Bruce Martin are Oak Park residents and homeowners.