Diversity, equity and inclusion commission expands community conversations, drafts strategic plan

The Mountlake Terrace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Commission told the council Thursday it is moving from outreach and training toward a completed DEI strategic plan and a set of ongoing community-engagement programs.

Chair Scott Matsuda and commissioners described 2024 work: citywide DEI training for staff and commissioners, participation in regional workshops such as Undoing Racism, tabling at community events including the Sound Transit opening, and targeted "community conversations" with groups such as mosque members, indigenous-parent groups and Spanish-speaking residents to identify barriers to city engagement.

Commissioners said training informed later outreach. "We were involved in the citywide DEI, 2 day training and, to kind of learn about our communication styles, recognize our own internal biases, and try to recognize people's needs and how we can serve, our populations better," Commissioner Teresa Courtney said.

For 2025 the commission plans more community conversations, a community ambassador program to reach underrepresented neighborhoods, ongoing event participation (Welcoming Week, Juneteenth, Ramadan and other commemorations), and completion of a DEI strategic plan targeted for this summer. The commission also reported it recommended 10 DEI-related proclamations for council consideration and has supported new partnerships with Sno-Isle Libraries, the school district and community nonprofits.

Commissioners and council members emphasized that DEI work links to other city efforts: urban-forestry planning (tree equity), the comprehensive-plan process, and event programming. Council liaison Erin Murray and Mayor Pro Tem Wall both praised the commission’s progress and encouraged continued focus on community outreach and regional partnerships.