SE Valley Times

The City of Chandler has been recognized with the 2024 ICMA’s Local Government Excellence Award in Community Equity and Inclusion for its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan. The initiative began in 2020 when the Human Relations Commission (HRC), appointed by Chandler's Mayor and Council, conducted a diversity and inclusion survey across the community. The survey results highlighted opportunities to enhance Chandler’s DEI efforts.

Following the HRC's recommendation, a diversity, equity & inclusion consultant was engaged to collaborate with city departments and community stakeholders. In 2021, with support from the City Council and leadership team, Chandler established its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division within the City Manager’s Office. This division comprises four staff members tasked with integrating DEI principles into city decision-making processes.

The DEI Division partnered with a consultant to conduct an assessment that included organizing focus groups and conversations with various stakeholders. The findings led to the creation of a comprehensive plan featuring specific goals, tactics, and measurable outcomes. The plan is designed as a flexible document to adapt over time according to evolving community needs.

New initiatives from the DEI Division include an event sponsorship pilot program, DEI training for city staff, an internal speaker series, and piloting instant language translation devices at customer service counters. These programs aim to improve communication with residents in their preferred languages alongside organizing various cultural events.

“Chandler’s commitment and success in the DEI area starts with the visionary leadership from our Mayor, Council and city management,” said DEI Officer Niki Tapia. “We’re honored to be recognized with this prestigious award from ICMA—our small but mighty team has made an incredible impact in our community educating and advocating for diversity, equity & inclusion.”

City Manager Joshua Wright, Assistant City Manager Tadd Wille, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer Niki Tapia accepted the award at the ICMA Annual Conference held in late September in Pittsburgh.

For more information about Chandler’s DEI Strategic Plan or current initiatives by the DEI Division, interested parties are encouraged to visit their official websites or connect via social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.