During the City Council meeting on July 19, 2022, the Council approved a Resolution committing to and establishing a process to move forward with a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) program. Establishment of a Citywide DEIB program was one of the Council's highest priorities in the City’s 2022 Work Plan. 

The Resolution directs the Interim City Manager to keep DEIB as a top priority in budget development and the operation of City business; to keep DEIB as a top priority in the evaluation of new policies, programs, and initiatives; to look for and take advantage of opportunities to extend DEIB program principles to the community; and to develop a plan to implement a comprehensive DEIB program for the City.

Many benefits may be realized by jurisdictions that implement formal DEIB programs, including:

• Improved, representative decision-making that better reflects all communities and minimizes the impacts of unintended biases;
• Increased community participation in and understanding of government processes which fosters engagement and trust;
• More equitable allocation of public resources;
• Increased interaction and relationship building among residents which facilitates trust and strengthens the fabric of the community; and
• Improved employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.

Council's adoption of the Resolution is a significant legislative statement on the importance of a DEIB program for the City, and it is the first critical step to establishing a formal DEIB program plan consistent with the City’s Work Plan. From here, City staff will create a path forward with employee and community participation and consultant expertise to support the process.

More information about Citywide DEIB activities is available on Connect Sammamish.