Equity and Inclusion



Equity Statement


The City of Richfield aspires to be a strong, united community where people of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds feel welcome, safe and valued. We believe that race should not be a determining factor of success nor should it limit access to city services. As City employees, it is our job to serve and support the diverse community we are employed by and to be leaders in the work toward an Urban Hometown that is equitable for all.



Equity Pillars

1. Equitable Systems: The City will create, promote, and implement equitable systems and to identify and end disparities within hiring, retention, promotions, contracting, and access to opportunities, including city commissions and other city supported groups.
2. Communication and Engagement: The City will increase access, transparency, and culturally specific tools of communication and engagement with our residents to ensure access and opportunity to all city services, facilities, events, programs, and resources.
3. Unbiased Services: The City will seek to understand and remove barriers to success, access, and opportunities in all areas of government, including, but not limited to, our core services of: public safety, fire, parks and recreation, public works, and community development.
4. Economic Prosperity for All: The city will prioritize economic prosperity for all by revising, changing, and instituting systems, policies, and practices that promote economic equity, access, and opportunity. 


Internal Efforts

  • An Equity Lens was added to staff reports for council action so that staff regularly consider the impacts on underserved communities during the decision-making process.
  • The city participated in the Center for Economic Inclusion's first Racial Equity Dividends Index for the Public Sector in 2023, which included a study of our policies and practices. Richfield was recognized as a high-scoring organization in Public Safety. 
  • Richfield's CAREs (Community Alliance for Racial Equity) Team meets regularly and is comprised of several staff members from various city departments. The team works to guide the work needed to progress the Equity related goals in the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.
  • The Public Safety team has been a committed leader in police reform. The Police Department also participates in the Joint Community Police Partnership program, which works to enhance communication and understanding between law enforcement and multicultural residents of Saint Louis Park, Richfield, Hopkins, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, and Brooklyn Center, Hennepin County, and Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. Additionally, In 2022, the Police Department hired a subject-matter expert, Police Strategies LLC, to complete a thorough analysis of Richfield police data including calls for service, arrests, and use of force. This report examined quantitative demographic disparities in victims and offenders reported to the Richfield Police Department as well as disparities in arrests and uses of force by Richfield police officers. 

ADA Grievance Procedure

Concerns about a program, service, or activity in the City of Richfield is not accessible to persons with disabilities should be directed to Brittany Bartlett, city ADA Coordinator, via email. The City of Richfield is committed to making all city programs, services, and activities accessible to everyone. If you would like to file a formal complaint, please download a printable Grievance Form, and return it to the ADA Coordinator via email, or mail. If sending in a form other than the Grievance Form, please include all of the following information:

- Name, address and telephone number of the person filing the grievance
- Name, address and telephone number of the person alleging the ADA violation, if other than the person filing the grievance
- A description of the alleged violation and the remedy sought
- Information on whether a complaint has been filed with the Department of Justice or other federal or state civil rights agency or court.
- If a complaint has been filed, the name of the agency or court where the complaint was filed, the date the complaint was filed, and the name, address and telephone number of a contact person with the agency with which the complaint was filed.

The written complaint should be submitted as soon as possible but no later than 60 calendar days after the alleged violation.

Send complaints to:
Brittany Bartlett, ADA Coordinator
Email

Mailing Address:
6700 Portland Ave S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Phone: 612-861-9725




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