Phoenix Recognized Nationally for Diversity Task Force
April 4, 2003
The city of Phoenix recently was recognized by the National Black Caucus
of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) of the National League of Cities for
its Diversity Task Force.
As the winner of the NBC-LEO 2003 City Cultural Diversity Award (for a population
of more than 400,000), Phoenix was recognized for setting a strong example
of how cities can improve and promote cultural diversity in their communities.
The award was presented at the "Celebrate Diversity" breakfast at the National
League of Cities' Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C. District
8 City Councilmember Michael Johnson accepted the award on behalf of the city.
"We have a rich heritage of varied and diverse cultures and have been recognized
nationally for our diversity programs," said George Flores, city of Phoenix
deputy city manager. "Early in 2001, the city manager created a Diversity
Task Force of city staff that met for eight months to brainstorm diversity
issues and discuss the barriers and perceptions that work against building
diversity, equity and fairness within the city organization."
"Four key result areas emerged as a result of the task force's work. We are
in the second year of a four-year implementation plan and more than half of
the 77 recommendations already have been implemented."
The city's Diversity Task Force included 23 employees from 16 city departments
at all levels of the organization. Its recommendations have resulted in strengthened
employee efforts to work together as a team, heightened creativity in providing
outstanding service to our diverse organization and community, and launched
a citywide embrace of diversity to meet staff and residents' needs that go
above and beyond customer expectations.
Media Contact:
| Marcie Colpas |
602-262-6164 |
