2021 Reparations Commission

In the last election, held in November 2021, voters passed the referendum that will direct the City council to create a 21-person commission to review and discuss the issue of reparations for African Americans and Native Americans in the City of Greenbelt and make recommendations. On November 2, 2021, the question passed with a vote of 1,522 in favor and 910 against. 

     Resolution Number 2094

At the Monday, March 28, 2022 Council Meeting, Council members passed the following motion:

Motion: That the Greenbelt City Council hereby establish a Reparations Commission as favorably voted upon by the residents of Greenbelt during the 2021 City Election. 

The Commission shall consist of twenty-one (21) members: twelve (12) of which shall reside in the three geographic sections of Greenbelt—four (4) from GreenbeltWest, four (4) from Greenbelt Center and four (4) from Greenbelt East; the remaining nine (9) shall be Greenbelt residents representing faith-based organizations, businesses, non-profit organizations, City boards and committees, or any other sector of the City. Every effort shall be made to create a commission that reflects the diversity of Greenbelt.

The Mission/Goal of the Greenbelt Reparations Commission is to review, discuss and make recommendations related to local reparations for African American and Native American residents of Greenbelt. It will research and describe actions that have led to inequities over time among Greenbelt’s African American and Native American population and to suggest ways for the City to rectify these inequities.

The term of this Commission will be determined by the Council or by the amount of time needed to adequately complete the mission set forth by Council. Interim reports will be made at set dates. The Commission will decide what it needs to fulfill its mission and acquire information and public input.

From time to time, experts, both Greenbelt residents and those outside of the City,may be invited and/or contracted to present needed information. Stipends and/or expense payments may be offered, upon approval by staff or Council.

Those wishing to be a part of this Commission will formally apply and be interviewed by Council.

Reparations Commission Application

To apply to be considered for one of the 21-seats of the Reparations Commission, please submit your completed application and the Code of Conduct form by August 31, 2022, to:

City Clerk

25 Crescent Road

Greenbelt, MD 20770

If you have questions, please call the City Clerk at 301-474-3870.

     City of Greenbelt Reparations Commission Application

     Code of Conduct Form

Reparations Process

Information TBD

Key Dates

• 6/22/2022 - Council Work Session  at 7:30 pm - Agenda
• 7/13/2022 - City Work Session at 7:30 pm - 
• 8/31/2022 - Application Deadline

Contact

Bonita Anderson, City Clerk
(301) 474-3870
banderson@greenbeltmd.gov