Erie County Council on Tuesday approved more than $2 million in pandemic relief to help support marginalized communities. But citing local law, the Brenton Davis administration argued the votes were improper and has vowed to hold the money back.
Here’s what to know.
Council greenlit funds for DEI Commission, homeless
In a 5-2 vote, council approved $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan funds to the Erie County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission, or Diverse Erie .
The commission, which has operated on a budget of $3.5 million in ARP funds since 2021, was poised to run out of money by June, making Tuesday’s vote a virtual lifeline.
Diverse Erie Chief Administrative Officer Gary Lee said the commission has roughly $600,000 remaining in unallocated funds. The $1.5 million, he said, will allow the commission to engage in homeownership, apprenticeship and health care programs for the foreseeable future.
“I’m thrilled that County Council has taken the steps to do the right thing,” he said. “It’s very important to get this money to the business owners and organizations that are attempting to take the (Black, Indigenous and people of color) community to the next level.”