City to Establish New Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee; Interested Parties May Apply Until Apr. 5

February 24, 2021 — At the direction of the City Council, the City of Wilsonville is establishing a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to identify and address systemic barriers to inclusion that exist within the City’s practices, processes, regulations, events and other initiatives.  

The City is now recruiting volunteers to join the DEI Committee. Applications must be submitted by 5 pm on Monday, April 5.

“The Council unanimously believes it is imperative that we view existing policies and future decision-making thoughtfully through the lens of inclusion,” said Mayor Julie Fitzgerald. “Our community is stronger and better unified when people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives are engaged to contribute to our health and welfare.”

As many as 11 community members will be selected to serve one-, two- or three-year terms.  (Edit: term lengths corrected) Applications are being reviewed by a five-member panel that includes City staff and two DEI advocates from the community. The panel may recommend preferred candidates, after which Mayor Fitzgerald will review all applications, conduct interviews and recommend appointments for ratification by City Council vote. 

Once seated, the Committee is expected to meet regularly to establish the City’s DEI Strategy, and to begin identifying and addressing that which excludes or marginalizes anyone on any basis, including and not limited to their age, gender, race, culture, sexual orientation, religion or abilities. 

Committee members are to serve as a direct liaison between the greater community and City Hall, amplifying the voices and addressing the needs of people traditionally under-represented or excluded in government.

To be eligible, an applicant must live, work or do business in Wilsonville. Targeted outreach is being conducted to recruit one high-school aged member to engage the youth voice. 

Initially, the Committee’s work is being guided by local DEI consultant Bill de la Cruz, who has worked extensively with several local municipalities to identify structural barriers and yield more inclusive cities. 

A DEI Committee was a recommendation made by the community at a listening session with the City Council in December 2020. As the Committee establishes the City’s DEI Strategy, it may seek to address additional recommendations brought forth at the listening session. These include:  

  • Increased Representation, Diversity on City Committees
  • Consistent City communication to brand Wilsonville as an inclusive community
  • More Inclusive Cultural Events, Celebrations & Holiday Recognitions
  • Education to the Broader Community (how to address bias, micro-aggressions, etc.)
  • Opportunities for DEI Advocates to Network and Work More Efficiently Together

The Committee’s evening meetings will begin this summer, after appointed members receive bias awareness and conflict transformation development. Meetings are to be held virtually while COVID-19 restrictions remain in place.

The DEI Committee application is available in English and Spanish, and may be filled out and submitted online. Alternatively, printed applications can be obtained at City Hall or by e-mailing cityrecorder@ci.wilsonville.or.us.

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