CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Receive an update on the City's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
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DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office
SUBMITTED BY: Geneace Williams, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
NA
BACKGROUND:
In June 2023, staff presented a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) update to the City Council. Our efforts are guided by the City's mission statement, "To provide services that ensure a high quality of life, sound fiscal management, and a dynamic business environment, while creating an inclusive community that values diversity," coupled with the City's core values of People, Trust, Respect, and Pride. In the last update, I shared five areas of focus for the 2023 Workplan:
* growing internal workforce recruitment, retention, and engagement to reflect our community better,
* investing in expanding DEI education,
* increasing DEI awareness,
* engaging externally by partnering with individuals and community organizations for greater involvement in inclusion and belonging, and
beginning the process of evaluating City services.
DISCUSSION:
The attached document highlights DEI progress in 2023.
Internal Organization Efforts:
As an organization, we support an environment where all employees feel like they belong and are respected and valued, regardless of age, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, religion, disability, income, or background. Employee engagement and retention are interrelated, high priorities in today's work environment. Employee engagement improves work culture, reduces turnover, increases productivity, and fosters better work and customer relationships. High employee engagement also turns workers into an organization's best advocates, which can greatly impact recruitment efforts. In addition, inclusive organizational climates enable well-being, learning, and greater organizational performance. Every person within the organization has a r...
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