Governor Walz Establishes Community Council on Inclusion and Equity

Press Release

[ST. PAUL, MN] -- Governor Tim Walz today signed Executive Order 21-13 establishing the Governor's Community Council on Inclusion and Equity, which will develop and implement policies for the State to address inequities across Minnesota. The Community Council will inform and collaborate on long-term planning for systemic change within state government.

"Inclusion and equity are top priorities of our administration. We know that addressing our state's disparities will require the input and collaboration of our state's diverse communities," said Governor Walz. "Working side-by-side with Minnesotans helps us develop real solutions that will help ensure equity in housing, healthcare, education, and quality of life."

Over the past year, the state and the country have witnessed the result of decades of inequities based on race -- from the unequal way in which the COVID-19 is affecting communities based on race, geography and ability; to the increased reports of discrimination and crimes against Asian Americans. The State has an important role to play to address the roots of these inequities.

"Today we face multiple crises that have exposed and exacerbated existing disparities and systemic racism," said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. "We remain committed to centering the people most impacted by disparities based on race, geography, and economic status, and making sure that they are part of developing solutions to address those disparities. We will not "Minnesota Nice" our way through tackling the systemic inequities that plague our state. This work requires us to be vulnerable and lean into our discomfort."

The Governor's Chief Inclusion Officer will serve as chair of the Community Council, which will be made up of 14 community members who are appointed by the Governor. The Governor is seeking individuals who represent communities most impacted by disparities in Minnesota. They will be responsible for preparing an annual report on their work and recommendations for an effective, inclusive, and equitable state government.

The One Minnesota Council, established in Executive Order 19-01, and the Community Council are going to work in partnership to develop a long range plan and a framework to work collaboratively to address diversity, inclusion, and equity in state government practices. As this framework continues to be implemented, the One Minnesota Council will develop a long-range plan to identify barriers to success, recommendations to continue the work, and metrics for measuring progress.

Interested individuals can apply for appointment to the Council on the Minnesota Secretary of State's Website . The Governor and Lt. Governor encourage Minnesotans from across Minnesota's diverse communities to apply.

Permalink: http://mn.gov/governor/news/index.jsp?id=1055-472620
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