Officials discuss possible diversity, equity coordinator

Move comes after Brooks became first Black person to serve on city council

One idea is to hire a consultant who could advise the city on devising a plan to better include all residents. Another idea is to share the coordinator with a neighboring city or cities.

About 27% of Troy’s population is foreign born, and more than 30% speak a language other than English at home.

But there are few people of color in the city’s administration or on its boards and commissions, says Mayor Ethan Baker.

When Theresa Brooks was elected to the City Council last year, she became the first person of color to ever serve on it, Baker said.

Baker believes that Troy, Oakland County’s largest city, can do a better job of representing all of its residents and engaging more people from diverse backgrounds in city government.

As part of its annual budget deliberations, the city is looking at several options to appoint a diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator. Specific duties are still being discussed.

One idea is to hire a consultant who could advise the city on devising a plan to better include all residents.

Another idea is to share the coordinator with a neighboring city or cities.

In addition to Baker, several council members expressed support at a recent council meeting for exploring the idea of a diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator.

The council and administration are likely to hold more discussions regarding the issue in the coming months.

The 2021-22 budget will be finalized in May and becomes effective July 1.