Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Efforts

The City of Monona is committed to creating an environment that is welcoming to all peoples, that is a comfortable and enjoyable place for any person to live, where all people are treated, and perceive they are treated fairly and respectfully, where participation in civic life is open to all and where all people perceive their contributions are valued, and that reflects the values of all groups, including those who have too often been left behind and left out, particularly people of color.

Official Statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The Monona City Council adopted the following city-wide statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion on April 19, 2021:

The City of Monona is committed to welcoming all people - regardless of their race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or ability - and foster a sense of belonging and opportunity across our community and among our staff. Together we strive to remove barriers to living, working, and thriving in our city because we believe that diverse perspectives make Monona a great place to visit and call home.

Work with the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership

One of the City Council's goals is to organize ongoing community conversations, facilitated by professionals, to raise awareness of racial biases that existing within the community and how we can address them. To assist in these efforts, the City has contracted with the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership in August 2020. A update on their efforts can be found below:

Ad Hoc Workgroup on Diversity & Equity Issues

On March 3, 2021, the Monona City Council adopted Resolution 21-3-2470, establishing an ad-hoc workgroup on diversity and equity issues.  The charge of this workgroup is to determine a plan to ensure that Monona makes a long-term commitment to racial and social justice and equity both at city hall and in the community at large. On July 19, 2021, the following community members were appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council to serve on this committee:

Jayson Chung, ChairRaquel DiazCatherine Orr
Kristie GoforthJade FeaMary Anne Reed
Jerry ChapaAlicia HazenOscar Young


To view the Ad Hoc Workgroup on Diversity & Equity Issues committee page, please click here.

After meeting for more than a year, the Work Group issued its final report on June 6, 2022.  Read the report here.

Read the Final Report

DEI Final Report 6-6-22

DEIB Community Forum

  • Thursday, July 14
  • 6:30 PM
  • Monona Library Municipal Room
  • Provide feedback on the report and engage with work group members and each other about future DEI work in Monona.