12-05-2022 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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A proposal for a declaration of commitment to act for equality for all and to work towards equity and justice in Mounds View. Newly released census data shows that the demographics in Mounds View have changed and indicates that they will continue to do so into the future. As a city council this requires us to review our practices, policies, and procedures to ensure we are serving all of our residents, businesses, and visitors in the most effective manner possible. With the uncomfortable recognition that there exists, in our nation, a history of injustice and discrimination that has become the framework of a system of unjust or prejudicial treatment of people on the grounds of ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity, disability, or other considerations. And since persistent discrimination and unequal outcomes in many areas of life, including housing, education, employment, justice, and health, while often affect minority members of our community, the pervasiveness of these biases hurt all of us. And since the City Council began a guest speaker program in 2020 to speak to us about their knowledge and involvement in identifying and dismantling oppressive systems in order to enhance equity and diversity. As we previously have committed to being ever thoughtful in our work – as public officials – to ensure that all members of our community feel part of Mounds View and feel protected, listened to, and served by their public servants. We commit to work together with all members of our community, especially those who belong to demographic groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, to co-create a vision for Mounds View’s future, and work towards outcomes and activities that will bring us closer to that vision. That for our community to work to create this vision, we know we must build trusting, working relationships with community members, and provide opportunities they find meaningful to engage with us in this journey, recognizing that Councilmembers, Commissioners, Committee Members, and Staff remain committed to learning, listening, and supporting our community in using all our strengths to achieve our vision. Finally, the City Council affirms its commitment to make Mounds View an inviting, equitable, and safe community for everyone; committed to standing together with the people of Mounds View in opposing racism, hate, violence, and acts of intolerance; and committed to continuing our work to reach out to and connect with all members of our community to ensure that our services are accessible and available to all residents.