City Hosting Dec. 8 Listening Session to Inform Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Planning

November 25, 2020 - The Wilsonville City Council and Mayor-elect Julie Fitzgerald are inviting residents to join them for a virtual town hall meeting and listening session (via Zoom) on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 6-8 pm. 

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The City’s first public meeting dedicated to issues around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is intended as a catalyst to inform future DEI initiatives. The City aspires to make Wilsonville a more desirable place for every resident and visitor, regardless of age, race, color, origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or ability.

“This forum provides an opportunity for community members to share their personal experiences and aspirations for our community,” City Manager Bryan Cosgrove said.  “For our staff and elected officials, it’s an opportunity to listen, learn where our blind spots may be, and identify where the community believes we should begin to focus our long-term efforts.”

The meeting is being moderated by consultant Bill de la Cruz, a local author/facilitator who specializes in helping communities successfully collaborate to develop diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. Translator Helen Eby is attending to assist Spanish-language participants.

The format allows community members to discuss their experiences with inclusion/exclusion, and solicits public input on how to make Wilsonville more inclusive. The meeting is also allowing time for elected officials to discuss their own observations and aspirations.

“We’re not just checking a box. We are committed to methodical, long-term investment that will help us become a more humane and united community,” said Cosgrove, noting that the City is already in the midst of informal conversations with de la Cruz and several community advocates for DEI progress, including members of Wilsonville Alliance for Inclusive Community (WAIC).

Cosgrove says no outcomes have been predetermined, though he hopes there is support for a DEI task force to collaborate with the City and de la Cruz on subsequent steps to shape a more inclusive community.

“We value the passion and perspectives of those within our community who are eager to move the conversation into action,” Cosgrove said. “The meeting is a starting point to help us become better informed, and to identify where the community believes we should focus our attention.”

For those unable to attend, or who would like to share their experiences and aspirations in writing, the City is inviting comment at LetsTalkWilsonville.com/DEI.

The City Council’s interest in advancing DEI initiatives builds upon the unanimous passage of Resolution 2626, in 2017, declaring Wilsonville “an inclusive City that has and will continue to welcome the collective contributions of all persons, honoring and respecting people of every race, color, national origin, immigration or refugee status, heritage, culture.”

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