We ask you to receive a short presentation on equity, support the equity vision and incorporate it in to our strategic action plan.

The United States has a complicated history, with policies that have both corrected and widened inequities. During Shakopee’s 162-year history, policies enacted by federal, state and local governments have contributed to inequity.

Shakopee is more diverse today than it has ever been before; nearly 50 percent of students attending the Shakopee school district are children of color. Building a Shakopee that works for all residents, regardless of color (or any other status) is an important mission that staff, council and community leaders must take as public servants.

For the last year, a group of Shakopee city and school district staff (cohort) worked with the Government Alliance for Race Equity (GARE), the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) and fellow Minnesota communities to learn how to create an equitable community that benefits everyone. The group acquired strategies and tools that staff will use in decisions and recommendations to council to ensure council actions do not unintentionally burden any group of people.

The cohort developed a community-shared equity vision and requests council adopt it and support the racial equity team goals as listed below.

Vision

All people throughout Shakopee will live well. Shakopee will set the standard for excellence in public services, inclusive decision making processes and equitable treatment in the community regardless of race, sex, creed, orientation or any other status.

Goals

Advance equity in Shakopee by:

1. Developing strategies to reach under-served populations (as indicated in the 2020-2024 strategic plan)

2. Building collaborative relationships with other organizations to support each other in equity efforts

3.  Advancing organizational competency around equity, with a focus on racial equity.