City Earns Perfect Score on Human Rights Municipal Equality Index

The City of Cedar Rapids is proud to announce that it has achieved a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Municipal Equality Index (MEI). This is the seventh time the City has earned this distinction.

The Municipal Equality Index is a national benchmarking tool that evaluates cities on how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ+ people who live and work there. Cities are rated based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality. Cities are awarded points based on their policies and practices in these areas, with a maximum of 100 points available. This year, Cedar Rapids earned a perfect score even prior to the application of additional flexible points, awarded for criteria not available to all cities, a significant accomplishment.

“We are thrilled with this perfect score,” said Elizabeth Buch, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager for the City of Cedar Rapids. “The score recognizes our City’s ongoing work to promote and protect the rights of all individuals within our community, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.”

“Cedar Rapids is a community where all can feel safe, welcomed and valued,” said Assistant City Manager Angie Charipar. “Our community can be proud to know that there are individuals working within the government who recognize, understand, and advocate for their individual needs.”

“This achievement reflects collaborative efforts across the City government organization,” said City Manager Jeff Pomeranz. “A perfect score illustrates our City’s commitment to equality and inclusion for all. We will persist in carrying these efforts forward across our government, ensuring all can share in our community’s benefits.”