Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission

Members

Justin Crosby, term expires Dec. 31, 2023
Elizabeth Garcia, term expires Dec. 31, 2023
Cortney Marshall, term expires Dec. 31, 2023
Alayna Arrington, term expires Dec. 31, 2024
Duane O'Keefe, term expires Dec. 31, 2024
A. Brian Gonzales, term expires Dec. 31, 2025
Xavier Solis, term expires Dec. 31, 2025
Supervisor Andy Berg, term expires May 31, 2025
Supervisor Brian Thomas, term expires May 31, 2025

History & Purpose

The Kenosha County Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission was created with the County Board's May 18, 2021 adoption of Resolution 1. The commission bylaws were enacted with the County Board's Nov. 16, 2021 adoption of Resolution 78.

The commission's mission is to realize greater racial and ethnic equity and dismantle racism in Kenosha County through research, education, and ongoing review of current policies and procedures so as to implement transformative ideas born of research, collaboration, and community engagement.

The commission is comprised of seven commissioners appointed by the County Executive and two supervisors appointed by the County Board chair. All were confirmed by the County Board on September 15, 2021.

Members & Terms

In accordance with Resolution #1, the Kenosha County Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission shall be comprised of nine (9) commissioners. Two (2) must be members of the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors, appointed by the County Board Chair, with the approval of the County Board. The other seven (7) members shall be appointed by the County Executive, with the approval of the County Board. These appointments must be made from a pool of applicants/nominees. Individuals may apply themselves or may be nominated by individuals or organizations.

The makeup of the Commission should, at a minimum, reflect the diverse racial and ethnic makeup of Kenosha County, as determined by the most recent census information with at all times, five (5) of the seven (7) non-County Board commissioners representing racial and ethnic minorities in Kenosha County.

Members shall receive no compensation and shall serve staggered three (3) year terms. Terms shall begin on January 1, with exception of the two (2) County Board commissioners. Their terms shall begin June 1. There shall be no limit to the number of terms a commissioner may serve. However, no more than two (2) terms may be served consecutively. The Kenosha County Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission shall report to, and be overseen by, the Kenosha County Board Executive Committee.

A commissioner’s seat may become vacant for any of the following reasons: (1) the death of the commissioner; (2) the commissioner’s resignation, whether oral or written; (3) the commissioner’s removal by the County Board; (4) the commissioner’s ceasing to be a resident of Kenosha County; and (5) in the case of the two commissioners who are members of the County Board, upon their ceasing to be members of that body.

Meetings

The commission meets at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.

Agendas and Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

Most Recent Agenda | View All Agendas/Minutes

Learn More

A news release about the commission's creation is available here, and a subsequent release detailing the biographies of the appointees is available here.