MISSOULA — Missoula County and the City of Missoula officials are looking to elevate the voices of minority groups in local government.
City officials say diversity is the reality and is creating new opportunities for people throughout the community.
A multi-year process has set up a Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) board.
“Both city and county passed a resolution in August of 2021 that elevated the importance of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion," city of Missoula JEDI specialist," Alex Lawson said.
Now, they’re looking to build upon that. There will be a new advisory board that will help give community members a chance to have a voice in, not just policies and services, but to be a voice for all people.
“The JEDI advisory board is a board that will guide and support all things on local government," shared Missoula County Equity coordinator Elisha Buchholz. "And we’re talking about things like issues, programs, policies, and services. They’re really there just to ensure there’s equitable representation and perspectives for all Missoula County and City of Missoula residents.”
According to city leaders, the vision for the advisory board is to create a space for all to feel represented and to help drive positive change throughout the area.
Missoula plans to move towards a more equitable future with the new board.
“With this board, [we are trying to] elevate all those different perspectives. And as we do that, diversity drives innovation,” Lawson stated.
The board will consist of nine seats and two alternates who will be selected by the JEDI task force, city council, and mayor.
City and county officials say while anyone can apply, the primary focus of the board is to have representation from minority groups including people from rural areas, those with disabilities, and groups who may not traditionally feel represented to the fullest in government.
“We give people an opportunity in the application to tell us what they think their skills and strengths are that they would bring to the team," Lawson explained.
The deadline to apply is Friday, December 1, 2023. . If you’re interested in applying, click here.
