Lake Oswego Council discusses diversity initiatives and community engagement strategies

The City Council of Lake Oswego convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss various community initiatives and developments, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, as well as upcoming city projects.

The meeting began with a discussion on the recent Pride Festival, which attracted attendees from across Oregon, showcasing the city's commitment to inclusivity. Council members expressed pride in the community's progress and emphasized the importance of continuing to promote Lake Oswego as an open and welcoming place.

Councilor Mullen highlighted the significant changes in the city's fire department, noting a marked increase in diversity since he joined the council. He pointed out that during recent tours, the number of female firefighters outnumbered male firefighters two to one, a notable shift from previous years. He encouraged the council to focus on both external community-building events and internal metrics to track progress in DEI initiatives across city departments.

Further discussions included the stark contrast in diversity between adult and youth applicant pools for city boards and commissions. Council members acknowledged the importance of engaging younger families and their cultural backgrounds to ensure representation and inclusivity in city governance.

The council reached a consensus to have city staff collaborate with the advisory board to develop a process for DEI initiatives, aiming for a comprehensive plan to be presented by the end of the year as part of the 2026 goal-setting process.

The meeting concluded with a transition to the next agenda item, which involved a resolution concerning city projects, indicating ongoing efforts to enhance community services and infrastructure. The council's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment remains a priority as they move forward with their initiatives.