Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force
For over a year, the City Council has been exploring options on how to focus our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and expand these efforts in our city. In 2019, the City Council adopted a proclamation supporting local DEI efforts, as well as encouraging the community discussions that had been started by the United Community Alliance (UCA). Then, in March of this year, the City Council established a 2020 goal to support and foster a community and organizational culture that embraces DEI.
Systemic racism is harmful to the well-being of our community. Diversity also goes beyond race. We strongly believe that diverse and vibrant backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities contribute to the health, welfare, and economy of Happy Valley. No statement against hatred and bigotry is enough. This work takes consistent and thoughtful actions every day to foster a community that values equity and justice for all. As a city, we are committed to expanded efforts with this focus.
That’s why we’re starting a diversity, equity, and inclusion task force. The primary goal of the DEI Task Force will be to assist the City in identifying services, programs, and events the City should provide that reach all members of our community. We recognize there may be barriers to our services and we’re actively seeking to remove them.
Role of the Task Force
- Help the City identify and provide services, programs, and events to all members of the community and remove barriers to those services
- Assist the City’s efforts to reach out to and communicate with individuals from historically marginalized groups
- Act as a community voice in establishing a DEI Strategic Plan
- Work with a consultant team, City staff, and elected leaders to develop a structure for DEI accountability and on-going conversations between the community and the City
If you know of friends and neighbors who are interested in joining this committee, please submit an application.
*the deadline to apply to the DEI Task force is 5PM on October 14th
Upcoming DEI Task Force Meetings:
Monthly meeting dates and times TBD
Resources on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Topics
For more information contact:
Ben Bryant, Assistant City Manager