Through the development of the City's 2025 Strategic Plan and in subsequent goal-setting meetings, the City of Geneva affirmed its commitment to ensuring our community is one that is open, inclusive, and welcoming to all individuals regardless of age, gender, race, culture, sexual orientation, religion or abilities. In an effort to advance this vision and amplify the voice of diverse communities within Geneva, the City Council established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force in 2021.

The City Council approved the task force appointments last summer as recommended by the City's Strategic Plan Advisory Committee (SPAC). Individuals selected to serve will meet on a regular basis and work in partnership with the SPAC to make lasting and positive changes in Geneva.

The task force will work to develop a strategy to help the City build stronger relationships with diverse communities. Through engagement and listening, the task force will identify issues and any barriers that may prevent friends or neighbors from fully participating in civic life. Acting as a community voice, the task force will prepare and present a report detailing recommended actions the City may take to help ensure Geneva is welcoming to all.

Listening Session & Next Steps

The task force will be hosting a community listening session with residents and community stakeholders at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 27 at Geneva City Hall Council Chambers, 109 James St. People also can register to participate virtually if they are unable to attend the session in person. A confirmation email containing instructions on how to join the webinar will be sent after registration.

In addition to the listening session, the Task Force will be conducting other public engagement events during the summer and developing a community survey. The Task Force plans to bring in a facilitator to take the feedback and findings to help formulate a recommended action plan that will be presented to the Geneva City Council and community in 2023. This however will not be the culmination of its work, as the City anticipates the task force to remain engaged with efforts to implement its recommendations.

Meetings

The task force typically meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Geneva City Hall Council Chambers, 109 James St. Check the City's Agenda Center and calendar for meeting details.

Task Force Members