Published on April 28, 2026
Franklin County Board of Commissioners I Franklin County Office of Economic Engagement and Community Development
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners welcomed the 2026-2027 Racial Equity Council at its April 28 General Session, marking the sixth cohort to serve since the council's creation.
The Racial Equity Council brings together staff from across county agencies to learn from one another, develop professional skills, and turn ideas into action. Over the next year, members will continue advancing recommendations from the original council, lead community service projects aligned with the Rise Together Poverty Blueprint, and build on their professional development plans.
Members of this cohort have also participated in the Forward and Bold leadership initiative, creating a pipeline of leaders equipped to support the county's priorities in a consistent and meaningful way.
Perla Martinez, Deputy Director for the Office of Economic Engagement and Community Development, presented the resolution and introduced cohort members who were present in the audience.
Commissioner Kevin L. Boyce addressed the new members directly: "We need you now more than ever." Boyce cited Central Ohio's growth trajectory over the past several decades and said the pace of change is expected to accelerate over the next five to fifteen years. He pointed to parts of the community that have not kept up with that growth as the reason the council's work matters.
Boyce challenged members to carry the work beyond their individual divisions and departments. "Take it into the way you live your life, the way you live in your community, the way you participate in things," he said. "This is real work. You're a part of real leadership."
The resolution was adopted unanimously.