GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Making Green Bay a more diverse and welcoming place to work and live is something Mayor Eric Genrich said he’s working to do.
“So I talked from the beginning when I was running for mayor that diversity is a real strength for the community and a real strength for our organization as a city, he said.
Genrich’s dedication to making this a reality has led him to cut a Human Resources position in the Green Bay 2020 budget and allocate $46,929 for a new diversity and inclusion coordinator.
“The bulk of the work would be internal, so working with Human Resources to make it clear to folks and those looking to apply and already working for the city that we are going to be very intentional about having an open and inclusive workplace,” said Mayor Genrich.
The position is something many Wisconsin municipalities have already created. The city of Appleton has had someone in this role for more than 20 years.
“Nineteen ninety-seven is when my position was created and what I do is I lead the effort of all the directors, employees as well as training, and community involvement,” explained Karen Nelson, Appleton’s diversity and inclusion coordinator.
Nelson believes Green Bay could benefit from a similar role.
“The biggest thing I try to share with municipalities as they look to add this position is to make it your own story, and journey, but also try not to neglect the invisible diversity and not just focus on race and gender,” she said.
Some city leaders said they’re open to adding a diversity and inclusion coordinator, but the details are still up for discussion.
“My feeling is I would like to all see us as one and just move forward,” said Ald. Mark Steuer. “But I know there are some issues that come into play that we have to look at.”
Green Bay’s city council will vote on the budget Nov. 5; however, the council expects to make several changes before it’s approved.
“What ends up every budget is people ask for things and then we cherry pick and pull stuff out. I would rather not do that, I would rather tweak it a little and move forward,” he said.
Click here to see the full 2020 budget proposal.
