Bridging the Gap: Sacramento’s Community Engagement Team Empowers Black Businesses

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...