I’m Guthrie Byard, the City of Minneapolis’ first community specialist for people with disabilities. Before joining the city recently, I spent my entire career working in the disability justice field. In my new role, I help Minneapolis to be a more inclusive and accessible city for people of all abilities, but it’s not a job I do alone.
Since the mid-1970s, community members with disabilities have also given input about city services, projects and programs as part of the Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities (MACOPD). The city is looking for new volunteers to serve with MACOPD. The fall recruitment cycle opens from September 1 and ends September 30.
As an advisory committee, MACOPD serves primarily to advise the city’s elected policymakers, including the mayor, and give input to city staff. It’s a vital space for meaningful and educational dialogue to occur between residents and the city.
Many amazing disability justice advocates have served on MACOPD over the years. Some of the projects they advised on include the city’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Action and Transition plans, the Minneapolis 2040 comprehensive plan, public parks and recreation facilities, and numerous pedestrian and transit-related projects.
Most recently, the committee advised on the new Nicollet redevelopment project, held a budget workshop with the mayor and city finance staff, and helped convene a listening session on the importance of mental health services at the developing South Minneapolis Community Safety Center.
The committee has changed the way city staff and their project partners talk about the nature and importance of accessibility. Consulting the committee is a critical step in the planning of any project impacting the public. It helps the city meet its legal obligations and strengthen its commitment to greater transparency and inclusivity. As a public institution, this is how things should be.
Minneapolis is looking for new volunteers to serve with MACOPD. Learn on the Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities webpage. You can also check out other openings on city boards, commissions, and advisory committees. You can also reach out to me directly with questions at [email protected]
