The important work of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) continues to be a major focus for the Fuller Administration. The overarching goal is that all City of Newton services and interactions are provided in a fair, just, respectful, and equitable way, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, or geography.

Measurable and comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion goals are necessary to enable the City (1) to adapt and improve our internal culture and operations, our external programs and service delivery, and our public engagement, and (2) to build the capacity of our staff to use an equity lens as we continue to create a culture of inclusion and equity. Our commitment is to make thoughtful and deliberate decisions on diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is especially important so our actions will be long lasting and comprehensive.

The Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion in the Mayor’s Office is spearheading the DE&I initiative. As a holistic and collaborative approach is essential, this position within the Mayor’s Office offers a vantage point and sphere of influence with all city departments. The Director will collaborate not only internally but also with residents, groups, neighborhoods, City Councilors, Board Members and Commissioners on this important work. This is in keeping with the Director’s overall responsibilities for engaging community members, supporting programming, and helping Newton be an inclusive, welcoming, and equitable community. The Director is also an important resource for responding to the needs and goals of individuals and groups.

DE&I
In the spring of 2023, The Racial Equity Group (REG) began conducting a baseline audit assessment both with City employees as well as the greater Newton community. These assessments will help to set a framework for our work and provide benchmark metrics. This will enable the City to track progress, within the municipality and the community, over time to achieve measurable diversity and inclusion goals.

In addition, during FY2024 the Racial Equity Group provided twelve hours of DEI training with all Department Heads. These training courses encompassed: Foundations of DEI, DEI Policies and Practices, and Measuring DEI. This training provided insights and knowledge on DEI best practices for municipal leaders with a focus on operationalizing equity.

Currently, REG is conducting focus groups with both community members and employees. All community members will have the opportunity to share their experiences regarding access to city services and programs, quality of services and programs, and satisfaction when interacting with City staff while obtaining services.

Procurement

The City is currently collecting voluntary data by demographic groups to benchmark the representation of our vendors and suppliers. This will help the City monitor equal opportunity within purchasing from statewide contracts and procurement opportunities using requests for proposals. REG will provide benchmarks for representation and recommended specific actions for the City to expand outreach and build relationships with diverse vendors and suppliers within state and federal regulations.

City Seal

We docketed a request to the City Council to move forward in the process of updating the seal and to do a Request for Proposal (RFP) for graphic design services on February 14, 2022.

A little over a year later, the City Council on April 18, 2023 unanimously approved proceeding with the process of updating the City Seal and submitting an RFP for a graphic design professional(s). Sebastian Ellington Ebarb Design (SEED) has been selected after an evaluation process with a cost of $36,000 which will come from the DEI Consulting funding previously approved by the City Council. We look forward to having additional input from community members and City Councilors.

We will keep everyone informed about the meetings and the progress on the design through the Mayor’s Update and the website, City Seal Working Group | City of Newton, MA (newtonma.gov)

The potential designs will be presented to the City Council. Members of the community will provide feedback as well and we expect that the ultimate design will be a result of an iterative process. Ultimately, the City Council will approve the final design; we expect this to happen in 2024.

Ongoing DEI Initiatives

We continue to:

• Use our Interpretation and Translation services to help residents have language and communication access to all departments throughout the City. Departments are working on initiatives for vital documents and information for translation.

• Actively and regularly fill open positions on boards and commissions using an equity lens. We welcome applications from various professions and backgrounds. We encourage those who may be an architect, real estate agent (commercial or residential), small business owner, lawyer or in the housing industry. Applicants who are culturally, ethnically, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Study and transform City policies, processes, practices and programs for equitable access for all residents.

• Work to improve outcomes with and for our diverse community ̶ residents, businesses, and visitors.

• Work with Human Resources to support DEI in hiring, promoting and retaining employees.

• Counsel all City departments and their respective Boards & Commissions to better address issues of equity, inclusion, and access.

• Participate in trainings and with colleagues in other agencies on best practices. • Provide training to City staff and others.

• Work closely with the Human Rights Commission, the Commission on Disability, community groups, parents &caregivers, and others to build a welcoming, inclusive community

Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion
Hattie N. Kerwin Derrick
hkerwinderrick@newtonma.gov