City of Erie's vision, commitment and plan ensures DEI transformation success
The city of Erie recently embarked on a project to rigorously analyze its existing systems, policies, programs and processes relative to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Beginning in January 2022, on the city's behalf, Strategic Consulting Partners (SCP) reviewed qualitative and quantitative data provided by the city about its internal structures, departmental operations, interpersonal and individual relationships, and the impact of these systems on services delivered to diverse communities within Pennsylvania's fourth largest city.
More:Consultant recommends city of Erie hire full-time DEI coordinator, create diversity team
A vision for DEI
A plan called Activating Our Vision was the foundational guide for the city's DEI Assessment. Published in January 2020 by Mayor Joe Schember and his cabinet, Activating Our Vision is one of the boldest DEI-driven initiatives SCP has ever seen in city government. Commitment to creating a diverse and caring culture begins at the top, and Mayor Schember is extremely deliberate and consistent with his messaging — to celebrate Erie's rich cultural diversity — by providing opportunities, restoring hope, and ensuring that all Erie residents feel valued. As champion of this effort, Mayor Schember established several external stakeholder groups comprised of civic leaders and residents to help shape the implementation of the city's DEI vision.
More:Our view: Schember administration means business
The business case for DEI
Often overshadowed by a cultural or company mandate, there is a strong business case for ensuring that a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture exists in the workplace. A 2020 McKinsey study ("Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters") found that businesses with greater ethnic and cultural diversity were 36% more likely to experience above-average profitability than their counterparts. And as stated in the "2022 Global Talent Trends" report published by LinkedIn: "For companies to attract, retain, and grow the talent that will bring them sustained success, they need to fine-tune — or overhaul — their culture to meet the expectations of professionals to be seen as human beings first" — regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexuality, culture, religion, or political views. The LinkedIn report also deduced that "a caring culture has become the pivotal asset for companies worldwide."
SCP's work with government agencies, nonprofit organizations and businesses alike has shown that the more diversity there is around the table — in cultures, perspectives, backgrounds and experiences — the better teams are able to solve problems and make decisions. We have also learned that diverse, equitable and caring cultures result in higher employee retention rates and better delivery of programs and services to communities, constituents and customers.
The city's commitment to DEI
By commissioning and rising to the challenge of this project, Erie reinforced its commitment to transparency and its desire to become an employer of choice. Throughout the assessment process, it was apparent that the city administration is committed to delivering equitable services to all its diverse communities. The significant DEI-related actions that have been initiated include the following:
$20 million in funding has been secured for affordable housing, community centers and nonprofits, assistance to businesses operated by women and members of the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, and improvements to parks, public spaces, playgrounds, and the East Bayfront Greenway Trail.
The city collaborated with municipal partners to understand and help address their needs including the Erie County Redevelopment Authority, Redevelopment Authority of the City of Erie, and other economic development groups; trades offering free apprenticeship programs, and BIPOC-owned business incubators.
Implementation of a DEI action plan
Five high-priority actions for the city to take emerged from the collaboration between Strategic Consulting Partners, Mayor Schember, and city leaders. The following efforts are underway:
Creating a DEI action team to oversee and manage DEI implementation efforts. This cross-functional team of internal stakeholders is responsible for addressing DEI priorities.
Hiring a diversity coordinator (HR). This internal HR resource will support revisions of internal policies, procedures, and practices to ensure an equitable workplace. In the future, the city may also consider hiring a diversity officer.
Developing a DEI management framework. DEI change requires effective oversight and management of DEI initiatives and a formal process that engages the whole of Erie government, existing external stakeholders, and new internal stakeholder groups. True DEI change will occur by setting program, policy, and funding priorities, and holding responsible offices accountable.
Establishing a communication department. Effective, consistent communications to internal and external stakeholders are critical for engaging, aligning, and implementing DEI strategies.
Taking a more holistic approach to contracting with underrepresented communities. Increasing the representation of diverse vendors supporting the city will require a robust review of all systems and practices related to contracting beyond creating ordinances.
Mayor Schember and his capable cabinet are positioned to transform the city, restore hope, and build opportunity for the city's employees, residents and businesses. The leadership team's vision for and commitment to developing a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture combined with its DEI Action Plan will help ensure the city succeeds in expanding opportunities and positioning Erie as a highly desired and welcoming place to live and work.
Monica Gould, CMC, MBA, is president of Strategic Consulting Partners headquartered in Mechanicsburg.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: City of Erie, in action, deeds and funding, rises to DEI challenges
