took a step toward banning cashless retail businesses Tuesday, as the City Council instructed staff to prepare a report examining cashless policies in other cities and providing recommendations for a similar policy here.
Councilwoman Heather Hutt introduced the motion on Aug. 15, seeking to "empower" all residents to participate in the city's economic life and to purchase goods and services. She said many-- especially low-income residents -- are denied access to credit or are unable to obtain bank accounts. According to a 2017 report from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 17% of all African-American households and 14% of Latino households in the U.S. had no bank account.