Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

 Unity In Diversity Mural (2021) by Three Thirty Three Arts 

Making Lafayette More Inclusive

Lafayette, since its incorporation in 1968, has always sought to be a fair, open-minded, and accepting city. And in large part we have kept to those values. But as we have seen across the nation in recent years, systemic racism still exists in our country and in our community. In an effort to better understand the nature and the extent of this phenomenon in Lafayette, in 2021 the City created an Equity and Inclusion subcommittee. The Council subcommittee held two town halls, which were well attended.

The Town Halls were enlightening.  Implicit bias and racism are difficult subjects to broach and it was clear from some of the stories told during the Town Halls that, unfortunately, there is evidence that it does exist.  And we, as a community, want to do better in Lafayette to educate and seek ways to understand and overcome such issues.

Lafayette has a multi-pronged approach to addressing systemic racism and promoting acceptance and fairness.  Schools have reached out to parents and students to address the issue and will continue to do so. The Chamber of Commerce has made Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion a top priority as well. And, as for the City of Lafayette, the Council’s Public Safety Subcommittee, which addresses policing, will continue to monitor progress on recommendations regarding training and reporting in the police department. The City was also active in the development of a countywide effort to improve behavioral health services, resulting in the Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime Initiative or “A3". 

Community Involvement:

In 2021, a community-led DEIB committee was created. This committee is not a City Commission but maintains ties and communication with City staff and City Council. See the Committee’s 21 presentation to the City Council. (PDF). This group of community members meets regularly - If you are interested in joining this group or if you have a questions or suggestions, please contact committee member Steven Poling.

Resources & Links:

• Download the National PTA's Multicultural Calendar (PDF) - The City now includes “cultural observations and celebrations" in the Weekly Roundup based on this resource, which is updated annually and includes cultural and religious holidays as well as designated months and days of recognition that express our nation’s rich diversity.

• Read the November 23, 2020 resolution reaffirming the City’s commitment to being a welcoming, inclusive, tolerant and safe community, as well as the June 22, 2020 proclamation condemning the murder of George Floyd.

• Learn more about the City’s Land Acknowledgment statement and related actions (adopted in 2024) 

• The City supports the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce in their efforts to encourage all local businesses to foster a stronger message of inclusion throughout Lafayette. The Lafayette Chamber believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are critical to the success and well-being of their staff, members, and community. Learn more about the Chamber's efforts on their website.

• Learn more about the Countywide A3 Program - A3 is Contra Costa County's innovative approach to provide timely and appropriate mental and behavioral health crisis services to anyone, anywhere, at anytime in the county. If you or someone you know is experiencing a behavioral health crisis anywhere in Contra Costa County, call the A3 Miles Hall Crisis Call Center at 844-844-5544.

• United Against Hate Week - Bay Area - United Against Hate Week emerged from a poster campaign created by Bay Area cities in response to white supremacist rallies in Berkeley and San Francisco in 2017. The event is typically held in the fall. Read the 2023 proclamation

  • Download the LAFAYETTE United Against Hate - Poster (PDF)
  • Download the LAMORINDA United Against Hate - Poster (PDF)
  • Download LAMORINDA United Against Hate social media graphics: Facebook | Instagram

• Download the We Welcome Sign (PDF)

We welcome All races and ethnicities All religions All countries of origin All gender identities All sexual orientations All abilities and disabilities All languages All ages Everyone. We stand here with you. You are safe here