Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Board of Commissioners - District 6
SUBJECT:o
Title
Commission District(s): District 1 and District 6, District 7
To Appropriate $5,000 from the Reserve for Appropriation to GALEO to Support Efforts to Increase Civic Participation of the Latinx Community Programs and Developing Prominent Latino Leaders.
Body
Information Contact: Commissioner Edward C. “Ted” Terry
Phone Number: 404-371-4909
PURPOSE:
GALEO is a non-profit organization based in founded in 2003. They serve as a frontline resource for the Latinx community throughout the metro-area and focus many of their efforts in the BuHi corridor. Their core belief is inclusive, non-partisan, diversity, and responsive. GALEO strives for a better Georgia where the Latinx community is engaged civically, and its contributions and concerns are recognized.
This $5,000 appropriation will support efforts to capture what is needed, wanted, and what is contributed by the Latinx community. This will be achieved by using traditional, grassroots organizing tactics, such as door-to-door canvassing, community house parties, and town hall meetings, in addition to modern organizing methods such as social media and direct-to-contact messaging. The compiled data with recommendations will be presented to the Georgia Legislature, Governor and local elected officials as appropriate in 2024.
NEED/IMPACT:
As of 2020, metro Atlanta is one of the fastest-growing regions for Latinx growth. Over 49% of all foreign-born residents in metro Atlanta identify as Hispanic and/or Latinx. The tremendous amount of growth within the Latinx community is due to the ever-growing business scene in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The metro Atlanta region has quickly become a hub for business that attracts a lot of promising job opportunities. The growing Latinx and Hispanic population in metro Atlanta makes this region a focal point for a marginalized group. It’s an opportunity for Hispanics and Latinx people to thrive, establish businesses, and advocate for their communities.
GALEO engages in advocacy, creates opportunities for engagement and networking, and develops leadership skills for Latino community members. During the past year, GALEO staff and volunteers have participated in events at food banks, churches, and schools, where they provide information while assisting with free COVID-19 testing and food distribution.
FISCAL IMPACT:
$5,000 from the District 6 Reserve for Appropriations
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
To approve the requested appropriated funds and authorize the chief executive officer to execute all necessary documents.