DEI Resources for Municipal Governments
Local and regional governments can proactively take steps to advance equity and inclusion in their communities. This page provides links to resources to support Chicago-area municipalities in striving for better diversity, equity, and inclusion in their communities.
Regional and National Resources for Municipal DEI Efforts
The resources below were developed by regional and national entities and are specifically tailored for municipal application. A short description of each resource is provided below.
Illinois Municipal League Model DEI Policy and Ordinance
LINK: Model Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy (iml.org)
Description: The Illinois Municipal League provides sample language for a model Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy and ordinance. An ordinance from the City of Waukegan is included as a reference.
Local and Regional Government Alliance on Race & Equity (GARE)
LINK: Government Alliance on Race and Equity (racialequityalliance.org) 
Description: GARE is a national network of governments working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all. In addition to offering trainings on advancing racial equity in municipal government, GARE has also developed tools and resources to assist governments in operationalizing racial equity, which have been used as a starting point for many municipalities in the Chicago region.
Highlighted Resources
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- Advancing Racial Equity and Transforming Government: A Resource Guide to Put Ideas into Action
- This resource offers lessons learned from practitioners, academic experts, and national technical assistance providers from across the country that have worked on advancing racial equity in local government.
- Racial Equity Action Plans: A How-To Manual
- This manual provides guidance for local governments to develop their own Racial Equity Action Plans after a period of research and information gathering, as well as tools to conduct such research.
- Advancing Racial Equity and Transforming Government: A Resource Guide to Put Ideas into Action
National League of Cities Race, Equity, and Leadership (REAL) Initiative
LINK: Racial Equity Resources and Reports – National League of Cities (nlc.org) 
Description: The National League of Cities REAL department offers tools, resources, and training designed to strengthen local leaders’ knowledge and capacity to eliminate racial disparities, heal racial divisions, and build more equitable communities.
Highlighted Resources
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- Advancing Racial Equity in Your City: A Municipal Action Guide
- This guide offers 6 immediate steps for improving outcomes for all residents: (1) set an example and set the right tone; (2) observe and listen; (3) make a public declaration; (4) dedicate infrastructure to action; (5) commit to policy and system change; (6) create a racial equity plan.
- Responding to Racial Tension in Your City: A Municipal Action Guide
- This guide provides contextual and tactical information to support municipalities in effectively responding to racial tension.
- Advancing Racial Equity in Your City: A Municipal Action Guide
International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
LINK: Race, Equity, and Social Justice | icma.org 
Description: ICMA is an association representing professionals working in local government management. To support member engagement on issues related to equity, systemic racism, and social justice, ICMA develops and promotes programs and initiatives in all areas of service delivery, hiring practices, leadership development, community engagement, and workplace culture.
Highlighted Resources
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- ICMA Equity and Inclusion Toolkit
- This toolkit equips local governments with strategies and leading practices that are used in communities across the United States and abroad, along with corresponding resources that can be replicated in other communities. Based on the strategies identified in the toolkit, ICMA provides a set of key recommendations: (1) Consider the Impact; (2) Build Trust-based Relationships; (3) Review Current Policies; (4) Adopt Equitable Compensation Practices; (5) Establish Training Programs; (6) Discover Leaders; (7) Focus on Goals; (8) Make Small Gestures; (9) Communicate Effectively; (10) Engage Existing Staff; and (11) Be Conscious of Bias in Hiring Practices.
- Glossary of Terms: Race, Equity, and Social Justice
- This glossary is a tool for understanding common expressions related to race, equity, and social justice.
- ICMA Equity and Inclusion Toolkit
Citizen Commission Directory
Many communities create volunteer citizen commissions, committees, and advisory boards to advise local action on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Some commissions focus on a specific cultural or demographic group in the community, while others focus on social service delivery, human rights, or community relations. The map and directory below provide a list of different commissions throughout the Northeastern Illinois region.