By Christine Shelby | OBSERVER Staff Writer
A lesser-known city initiative launched in 2019 is playing a part in addressing the distinct challenges underserved communities face. Led by Lynette Hall, the Community Engagement Team works to support local Black entrepreneurs who often struggle to navigate the complexities of city bureaucracy.
Created by the Measure U tax passed in 2018, it is one of six programs under the direction of the Office of Innovation and Economic Development.
The team’s mission, prominently displayed on its outreach materials, is to “educate, engage and empower people, businesses and places, especially areas and residents that have been disproportionately underserved.” To fulfill this mission, Hall has implemented several strategies, from digital outreach to the recruitment of 18 community ambassadors. These ambassadors, who are paid $6,000 stipends annually, play a key role in bridging cultural and language barriers.
One of those ambassadors, Shoun Thao, took his service to the next level by becoming the interim councilmember for District 2. At a City Connect event hosted by the Community Engagement Team on May 16 in Del Paso Heights, Thao praised the team as important for the community. He noted that their work “is not just for CEOs but for key individuals who have relationships within the community.” While his relationship started from the inside, as a councilmember, he feels that they go beyond normal engagement activities that haven’t been seen before.
Digitally, the Community Engagement Team produces content that is intended to support residents and businesses in Sacramento. A podcast highlights various city programs, policies and recent council meeting information. Listeners can hear Hall and her team explain city policies, break down how to give public comment at council meetings and share their best hacks for finding affordable parking in the city.
Through working with the Community Engagement Team, businesses can be introduced to project managers who can help navigate vast systems people may be unaware of. For example, Hall shared that the city has an economic gardening program, which can provide a $50,000 match for improvements but might not be widely known or thought about by business owners. To describe her role more succinctly, Hall explained, “…Our job is to connect folks with the right people so that they don’t feel like they’re being run around”.
Roshaun Davis, Co-Founder of Unseen Heroes & Executive Director of CLTRE, credits the Community Engagement Team and Hall with helping him become one of 14 organizations chosen for the CalCORE Cohort 2. He began working with the team in late 2021 and found they connected businesses to a greater network within the city.
He also recognized that they do so in a “culturally competent” way. This is especially important to Black and other minority business owners who need to trust that they will be cared for and taken seriously. As he explained it, Hall bridges gaps by building trust and leveraging her experience to direct people and follow-up with them as needed.
No one is left to fend for themselves which was evident at the City Connect event. Tap Wine Bar on Del Paso Blvd. was packed with city employees, business owners and other interested parties looking to see what was happening in and for the neighborhood. A new pilot program was highlighted and Sr. Development Project Manager Mikel Davila was ready to talk with anyone who might be interested. Another staff member, Elizabeth Boyd explained new budget implications that could impact work along the Del Paso Boulevard corridor which some attendees had not known about. The event was intimate yet focused on helping people connect to services, initiatives and with each other for the betterment of the “Boulevard.”
Leading a team of nine, Hall’s work extends beyond connecting residents and businesses. She actively supports other city departments, offering strategic guidance on working with minority groups. Notably, her recommendation to partner with the California Black Chamber for forgivable business loans exemplifies this approach. This advocacy builds upon Hall’s prior experience in supplier diversity at PG&E, where she ensured small businesses could navigate the complexities of working with the utility company. “I’ve always been very pro-business, pro-small business, minority business for the last 15 years,” Hall said, highlighting her longstanding commitment to empowering underserved communities.
The Community Engagement Team’s success in exceeding initial goals over the past four years has garnered significant attention. Looking towards the future, Hall’s vision is to solidify the team’s role within the city structure. This will ensure the team’s vital programs can continue empowering Sacramento’s residents and businesses for years to come.
This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship Lab. The Lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.