Our mission is to advance diversity, equity and inclusion so all in Cedar Rapids can thrive and feel a sense of belonging.
The City of Cedar Rapids strives to be an inclusive and equitable place where all feel a sense of belonging. We understand a commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion starts with individual self-reflection and is a collective effort of everyone’s head, heart and hands. Through our human-centered, equity-emphasized and community-focused approach we aim to connect our community to our organization’s people, policies, practices and processes.
This Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager is charged with leading the City’s efforts to promote and enhance DEI within the organization through programs, training and services. The DEI Manager is part of the City Manager's Office and works collaboratively with leadership to develop and execute the City’s first comprehensive diversity, equity and inclusion strategy.
Meet the City’s DEI Manager
For more information, please contact Elizabeth Buch (she/her), at e.buch@cedar-rapids.org or 319-450-2003.
Our Focus Areas for Action
The City completed an internal assessment that guided in the creation of our four focus areas. This assessment helped capture and identify where we are currently strong in regard to DE&I and where we could create further support. Through this process, we have identified four focus areas for our continued Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Journey each with a variety of initiatives.
- Workforce Diversity - From frontline staff to leadership; recruit and retain a workforce that reflects and deeply relates to the diversity and needs of our residents and visitors.
- Equitable Systems - Frame Inclusion and Equity as a public and organizational policy. Establish and sustain equitable City practices, processes and procedures that achieve equitable outcomes within all departments.
- Inclusive Culture - Foster an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture by building on principles learned through our current organizational initiatives and purposefully tying in DEI principles to create and sustain a solid inclusion foundation within the City.
- Community Engagement - Create opportunities for purposeful community engagement and increase community knowledge of internal operations.
