Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

The City will:

• Adopt a DEI statement (complete); read it below.
• Hire a DEI manager (complete). Welcome Denise Johnson!
• Develop, recruit, hire and retain a DEI workforce.
• Support community engagement.
• Support staff and DEI workforce development.
• Establish a DEI executive subcommittee.

View the full list of deliverables

• DEI resolution and statement
• DEI services program report

In summer 2021, Dr. James Mason and the Organizational Cultural Competence Assessment and Training (OCCAT) team finished a diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting project to help the City of Gresham lay a foundation for a long-term DEI program.

Building off of Dr. Mason's recommendations, the City is establishing a full DEI program with specific actions and goals.

• In December 2020, the City hired Organizational Cultural Competence Assessment and Training (OCCAT) to begin Phase I of its DEI program. View the statement of work and deliverables in the OCCAT contract.
• Between March-June 2021, Dr. James Mason held a series of workshops with the Gresham City Council. The group discussed rationale for creating and managing a diverse and inclusive workforce and taking equity into account as it relates to service delivery. Watch the June 15 meeting.
• In August 2021, Dr. Mason submitted a DEI services program report, explaining how a full DEI program could improve the City's ability to achieve more equitable and inclusive outcomes. Dr. Mason proposed a Phase II work plan.
• In September, the City began the process to hire a DEI manager. 
• In fall 2021 and winter 2022, City leadership engaged in DEI training, with staff training to follow.