City of Platteville Seeks Representatives for Taskforce for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (TIDE)

PLATTEVILLE, WI (November 12, 2020) – The City of Platteville is committed to learning about and implementing policies for our community around inclusion, diversity, and equity.  The Common Council has authorized the establishment of a Task Force to include up to 10 ‘at large’ community members (residents of the City and/or employees of businesses/organizations within the City), two councilpersons, the City Manager and a recorder/note taker.  It is anticipated that this Task Force will meet monthly and that the meetings will be organized as ‘open meetings’ under Wisconsin’s Open Meeting law.

As described in the City’s inclusion, diversity, and equity statement (see below), the Task Force is intended to be an incubator for policy and decision-making recommendations that will be advanced to the City’s employees, elected officials and volunteers for further development and implementation.

The employees, volunteers and elected officials of Platteville are committed to a community governance and work environment that values and supports equity, diversity, and inclusion.

We believe in equity. We work to break down systems of oppression, bias and hate to achieve a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

We believe in diversity because our commonalities and differences are both assets. We reject barriers that limit and divide us, and we reject bias against any person or group.

We believe in inclusion. We believe the best outcomes will be achieved when community members participate in the decision-making process.

We support the creation of a task force to discuss issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Such a task force will be an incubator for policy and decision-making recommendations to be reviewed by employees, volunteers, and elected officials of Platteville.

Collectively we will strive to learn about equity, diversity, and inclusion; and promote acceptance of the differences of others within our workforce and our community.

The City of Platteville affirms its dedication and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion because these values make us a desirable and strong community for all people.

The City Council is currently accepting letters of interest from citizens interested in joining the Task Force.  Letters of interest should address the skills, experiences, and knowledge that you can share (including reference to any conferences, webinars, seminars and/or workshops you have attended or organized/conducted).  Letters should also include home mailing address and/or employer mailing address as well as preferred email address and phone number.

Letters will be accepted through November 30, 2020.  It is anticipated that appointments to the Task Force will be made at the December 8, 2020 Council meeting.

Letters of interest should be sent to: City of Platteville Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Task Force, 75 N Bonson St, Platteville WI 53818, or can be dropped off at City Hall, either inside at the administrative office (2nd floor) or in the outside drop box.  Letters may also be emailed to cityofplatteville@platteville.org, please include Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Task Force in the subject.

Questions may be directed to City Manager Adam Ruechel, (608) 348-9741.