Our mission is to advance diversity, equity and inclusion so all in Cedar Rapids can thrive and feel a sense of belonging.
The City of Cedar Rapids strives to be an inclusive and equitable place where all feel a sense of belonging. We understand a commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion starts with individual self-reflection and is a collective effort of everyone’s head, heart and hands. Through our human-centered and equity-focused approach we aim to connect our community to our organization’s people, policies, practices and processes.
This Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager is charged with leading the City’s efforts to promote and enhance DEI within the organization through programs, training and services. The DEI Manager is part of the City Manager's Office and works collaboratively with leadership to develop and execute the City’s first comprehensive diversity, equity and inclusion strategy.
Meet the City’s DEI Manager
For more information, please contact Elizabeth Buch (she/her), at e.buch@cedar-rapids.org or 319-450-2003.
Our Four Focus Areas
The City of Cedar Rapids has been advancing diversity, equity and inclusivity (DE&I) efforts for many years. We took a significant step in this work by appointing a dedicated DE&I manager in 2021. Initiatives target four key action areas intending to create a sense of belonging for everyone in Cedar Rapids. All City departments actively contribute, fostering a teamwork culture focused on growing as a community where all can feel that “Welcome is Our Language.”
- Workforce Diversity - Recruiting and retaining a workforce that reflects our community’s diversity and meets its needs across all organizational levels, from frontline staff to leadership.
- Equitable Systems - Building structures that support and sustain fair and equal opportunities to guide public and organizational policies and practices.
- Inclusive Culture - Fostering organizational inclusion and collaboration by purposefully integrating DE&I values in our Organizational Health culture.
- Community Engagement - Creating meaningful opportunities for informed resident involvement in City decision making and increased understanding of City operations.
