AWC is pleased to announce new resources for member cities and towns to lead on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Beginning spring 2023, AWC will convene a newly appointed Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Cabinet, which will advise AWC on how to provide member cities and towns with the tools and support they need to advance DEIB efforts in local government. AWC has also engaged equity expert Benita Horn to create training opportunities, resources, and services for AWC member cities and towns.

“AWC is committed to ensuring that this is an organization that is inclusive, equitable, and welcoming to all of our members – and perceived as such by all our members,” said President Rob Putaansuu, Mayor of Port Orchard. “These new endeavors will ensure AWC continues to build on our DEIB work to provide an array of tools and resources to our members.”

Benita Horn brings extensive experience to AWC’s DEIB work

Horn’s background includes more than two decades of experience on race, social justice, and equity, supporting clients primarily in the government and nonprofit sectors. She has conducted organizational assessments, developed training curriculum, and provided training, facilitation, and conference presentations for a variety of clients both locally and nationally. Most recently, Horn has served as the Inclusion & Equity Consultant for the City of Renton.

“At the City of Renton, we’ve been honored to work with Benita Horn over the past nine years as a leader and consultant in developing Renton’s forward-thinking diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts,” said Mayor Armondo Pavone, City of Renton. “The growth we’ve achieved in the last nine years is remarkable and has cemented our ongoing commitment to improvement. We are so pleased that other cities in Washington will now also be able to leverage Benita’s insight, wisdom, and experience through her role with the Association of Washington Cities.”

Horn’s work with AWC will begin in April 2023. Her work will engage with AWC member cities to develop relevant trainings and technical assistance, facilitate workshops, identify and share best practices, and serve as a resource to AWC member cities. She will also work internally with leadership to ensure that AWC is leading on equity, and provides a workplace that is welcoming, inclusive, and fosters a sense of belonging where employees feel empowered to engage in the workplace as their authentic selves.

City officials appointed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Cabinet

AWC’s new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Cabinet consists of 18 elected officials committed to the principles of DEIB. The Cabinet will convene in late March and explore how to provide member cities and towns with the tools and support they need on DEIB, such as training and technical assistance, as well as how AWC can ensure that it is inclusive, equitable, and welcoming to all its members.

The following elected officials will serve on the Cabinet:

Tremendous interest in DEIB work

“We had tremendous interest in and positive feedback on the newly-created DEIB Cabinet, and the high level of interest in this opportunity makes me optimistic for the future of this organization, and our cities and towns,” said CEO Deanna Dawson.

AWC will be establishing other forums to discuss DEIB, to ensure that all who want to participate in this work have a space to do so. The first of these opportunities for elected officials is tentatively scheduled for April 21, 2023, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. AWC also hosts roundtables for equity officers on a regular basis. For more information on AWC’s equity work, contact AWC CEO Deanna Dawson.