City Committed to an Equitable Salida for All

In the wake of recent political events, cities and organizations all over the nation have reevaluated how they can better foster diversity and civil engagement.

The City of Salida takes these issues seriously and is doing its part to make the City a safer and more equitable place for everyone – regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or ability. On April 7, City Council and City leadership held their annual planning retreat. They met with Wendell Pryor, director of the Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation, to discuss actions that address diversity, equity and inclusion.

The event was a productive one, and Mr. Pryor helped guide the City Council and senior City staff to acknowledge and recognize important concepts such as:

• Understanding personal biases and how to better address and overcome them.
• How diverse and inclusive hiring practices create a stronger, more resilient culture and reduces the distance between the City Council and often marginalized citizens.
• How to create an atmosphere (including language) that is more authentic and welcoming to all backgrounds.

Mr. Pryor has worked as a Police Officer Standards Testing (P.O.S.T.) instructor and organizational trainer with the City of Boulder Police Department to help solve and reduce stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination. In addition, he shared his knowledge and experience to help City Council and staff understand these concepts and how to overcome them.

The training concluded with optimism and resolved to help make Salida a friendlier and more inclusive place for everyone. Meanwhile, the City of Salida also continues to train its workforce generally, and law enforcement specifically, on reducing bias in the workplace and the community to build a stronger, more equitable and more trusting relationship between Salida residents and City authorities, officers and leaders.

“Last fall, the City Council unanimously approved an anti-hate proclamation, and we feel this training is an important next step to take” said Mayor Pro-Tem Dan Shore, who has been instrumental in representing the City Council with the Community Equity Coalition and other community groups. Shore followed up by offering, “The City Council welcomes more dialogue to promote equity, inclusion, and safety in our community.”