Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

The League of Minnesota Cities supports cities as they work to make their communities welcoming places where all people belong, are included, and have opportunities to thrive. The League offers assistance and resources to help cities advance their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Advancing race equity is an integral part of DEI work for many cities across Minnesota. Achieving race equity means to eliminate barriers that cause racial disparities so that race is no longer an indicator in one’s ability to create a safe, stable, and successful life. For resources on race equity please see below.

Learn About DEI

• The League offers online learning courses via MemberLearn on a variety of topics including our Introduction to DEI course.
• Check out the new Acknowledging Bias free course.
• Learn about upcoming DEI-related training or workshops.

Tools and resources to help with DEI work

• How cities can show a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Employee Resource Groups (ERG) Guide
• DEI glossary of terms — Univ. of Washington Foster School of Business
• Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) — Access FAQs about this IDI assessment tool.
• NLC REAL — National League of Cities Race, Equity, and Leadership
• GARE — Government Alliance on Race and Equity
• Research tools for demographic data
  • MN Compass Tool
  • State demographer
  • Census Quick Facts

Grant Funding for DEI work

There are a variety of grant funding opportunities to support city DEI-related work. View the Current Grant Opportunities webpage for the latest grants.

Consultants that work with cities

• There are many consultants at a variety of price points who work with local governments on DEI; for a list of these, contact LMC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Arianna Bloom at (651) 281-1226 or abloom@lmc.org.
• Factors to consider when selecting a consultant include matching the city’s goals, values, and priorities to a consultant’s services; ensuring that training or other services are available for the right number of people; and cost.

Race Equity

More information and resources on Race Equity.