Authors
Mark Washington, ICMA-CM
Chair, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Keith Van Beek, ICMA-CM
Former President
Holly Young
Inclusion and Experience Manager
In January of 2024, city leaders and practitioners in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion gathered at the Michigan Municipal Executives Winter Institute in Lansing, Michigan. Their purpose? To engage in a critical session titled “Let’s Talk About DEI,” highlighting the work of Keith Van Beek, city manager of Holland; Mark Washington, city manager of Grand Rapids; and Holly Young, inclusion and experience manager for Wolverine Worldwide.
The Push for Inclusivity
Mark Washington opened the session speaking about the DEI efforts within MME, including the formation of the DEI Committee. The event shone a light on the MME DEI Committee, whose mission is laser-focused on integrating DEI within the organization’s framework and the communities its members serve. The committee used the conference to create space where open discussions on DEI are encouraged, achievements are celebrated, and professional growth is fostered through understanding and dialogue. Washington shared that while some questions are complicated, the answers are actually simple. This same thinking will also be embraced by the committee as it facilitates its purpose.
Later, Holly Young, a former local government employee and current lead of DEI at Wolverine Worldwide, offered insights into how inclusion is for everyone; it is not limited to any specific group. In fact, we all have spaces where we feel most included—church, home, around the campfire, at the gym, and hopefully, MME. In addition, we have often brought new people into our safe spaces, intentionally trying to ensure they feel welcomed and that they belong in that space. That is the nature of DEI work.
- Diversity is the presence and participation of individuals with varying backgrounds and perspectives.
- Equity is access to fair, just, and impartial treatment; meeting people where they are in their life experience.
- Inclusion is a sense of belonging in an environment where we all feel welcomed, accepted, and respected.
A 2023 ICMA report shows meaningful correlations between diversity efforts and positive outcomes.
- Greater inclusion of women in public sector leadership is positively correlated to economic development results.
- Staff diversity has been shown to have a positive impact on productivity, quality decision making, and financial success.
- Acceptance feeds not only a general sense of comfort and belonging, but also a 56 percent improvement in employee job performance.
Keith Van Beek offered insights into the work and journey of the City of Holland in this space, pioneered by the city’s Human Relations Commission, incepted in 1966. This commission works tirelessly to ensure that Holland is a welcoming place for all, promoting equality in essential areas like housing and employment.
Putting DEI into Practice
Van Beek highlighted how Holland’s government is taking action on two fronts. External to the city organization, community events like the International Festival and the Holland Youth Advisory Council symbolize the city’s commitment to DEI. Internally, strategic planning and ongoing assessments make sure these values are woven into the daily workings of city governance, supported by city council and management, but executed by an employee committee of representatives across the organization.
Holland’s strategy is to ensure that DEI principles, including accessibility, are present in every aspect of city operations, from providing services to creating opportunities for staff development. This involves systematic planning and using assessments to understand where they stand and where they need to go in terms of DEI.
Laying Down Foundations for the Future
Looking forward to the next year and beyond, Holland’s plan includes increasing access to government services and fostering an environment where learning and inclusivity are at the forefront. This includes initiatives like the International Relations Commission, which focuses on cultural exchange and understanding.
Questions That Drive Change
The conference ended with a series of questions that challenged the audience to think deeply about the role of local government in addressing societal issues and the importance of data and collaboration in these efforts. Recommendations on exploring fair hiring practices, pay equity, access to professional development, and more were proposed as starting points.
In a society that’s becoming increasingly diverse, the MME’s DEI-focused event is a powerful reminder of why we should not only accept but also celebrate our differences. In fact, our differences are what make us better together.
Mark Washington, ICMA-CM
Chair, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
City Manager, City of Grand Rapids
Keith Van Beek, ICMA-CM
Former President
City Manager, City of Holland
Holly Young
Inclusion and Experience Manager, Wolverine Worldwide