Diversity Office

Many Voices, Many Ways, One Mesa

Diversity includes respect of the dignity of each individual as a person not withstanding differences in personality, age, gender, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, sexual orientation, physical appearance, family status, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic status, and other personal identity markers.

The Diversity Office works to foster an awareness, understanding and respect for the differences that make us each unique human beings. It strives to identify, understand and satisfy the needs of the City's diverse workforce and community.

History: 

In 1998, a Citywide Diversity Team identified methods to improve City government's response to diversity issues, both internally and in the community. This 25-member employee group recommended creating a Diversity Office and hiring a City Diversity Officer. The Diversity Office was established on February 14, 2000.  

Services:

Services offered by the Diversity Office support the diversity strategies and influence both the internal work environment and the community.

Community Impact:

• Human Relations Advisory Board
  Council-appointed Mesa volunteers who advise the City Council on diversity issues in the community.
   
• Community Outreach/Ombudsman
  Build relationships with community members, businesses and organizations to address community diversity issues.

Work Environment Impact:

• Diversity Training
  Develop and provide employee diversity training, in cooperation with the Training and Development Office.
   
• Employee Advisory and Solutions Team
  Offer work-related problem resolution, referral and mediation to all City employees.
   
• Mediation
  With the Personnel Division, coordinate a workplace mediation program. Train and support employee mediators.

Work Environment and Community Impact:

• Leadership and Program Development
  Provide consultation for diversity programs in City departments.
   
• Management and Policy Consultation
  Assessment, policy development and review, and management consultation on diversity issues.