2025-1-28 - DEIC Agenda Packet January 28, 2025 — 6:30 PM
Council Conference Room
Hybrid Meeting
1.Call to Order
2.Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge and honor the Dakota nation, on whose ancestral land the City of Golden Valley
is built, and whose land resources we use. We commit to counteracting the erasure of the
cultural practices and presence of the Dakota people through education and by amplifying a wide
range of indigenous voices.
3.Roll Call
Interim Chair, Ruth Paradise Ajani Woodson Joelle Allen
Tracy Murphy Kristian Baker Kira Jimenez
Andrew Alberth
4.Approval of Agenda
5.Approval of Minutes
5.A.Approval of Minutes - November 26, 2024 & December 5, 2024
6.Discussion Items
6.A.DEIC Chair Updates and Process
6.B.DEIC 2025 Work Plan
1. New Brighton Equity Committee Work Plan Presentation
2. Annual Funding Approval
DEI COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Commission meetings are being conducted in a hybrid format
with in-person and remote options for attending.
Remote Attendance Options: Members of the public may attend this meeting by streaming via MS
Teams and entering passcode jCvmxK.
Questions/Comments: Members of the public who have questions about the commission or any items
on the agenda should contact the staff liaison - Seth Kaempfer at (763) 593-8045.
City of Golden Valley DEI Commission Meeting January 28, 2025 — 6:30 PM
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6.C.DEI Commission Calendar Date Adjustments
6.D.“Separation Law” (Previously known as “Sanctuary Cities”) Policy
7.Subcommittee Updates
7.A.City Systems
7.B.Communication and Networking
7.C.Events
1. MLK Contest and Event
2. BAEGV
1. March 2025: Neighbors & Friends That Live/Thrive with Disabilities
3. Global Golden Valley Festival (Working Title)
8.Staff Updates
8.A.DEIC Commissioner Membership
9.Adjournment
City of Golden Valley DEI Commission Meeting January 28, 2025 — 6:30 PM
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November 26, 2024 — 6:30 PM Council Conference Room
Hybrid Meeting DEI COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
1. Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 6:35pm
2. Land Acknowledgement
3. Roll Call
Commissioners present: Lee Thoresen, Tracy Murphy, Ruth Paradise, Kira Jimenez, Andrew Alberth, and Kristian Baker Commissioners absent: Ajani Woodson and Joelle Allen Staff present: Seth Kaempfer, Equity and Inclusion Manager
4. Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve agenda by Commissioner Paradise, seconded by Commissioner Alberth
Motion carries 6-0
5. Approval of Minutes
Motion to approve minutes by Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Alberth
Motion carries 6-0
6. Discussion Items
6.A. Bill Hobbs Award Nominations and Selection
Commissioner Thoresen and Paradise shared who they chose to win the Bill Hobbs Award.
Commissioner Thoresen shared that there were such strong nominations that they decided to
choose two winners and Commissioner Paradise provided background on the two winners.
Motion to award the Trey Gladney and Christopher Robinson the Bill Hobbs Award by
Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Jimenez
Motion carries 6-0
6.B 2025 Commission Draft Work Plan
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Commissioner Thoresen presented on the draft work plan to the commission.
Commissioner Thoresen noted that there is the intention to plan and execute a larger culture
event and that discussions have begun with GV Foundations. The plan is to implement it in
summer 2026, which has been a commission interest for a couple of years.
Commissioner Thoresen also shared that it will be important in the future to continue doing event
but also have sustained efforts regarding work from the City Systems Subcommittee.
Commissioner Thoresen provided an overview of an event the commissioners attended regarding
a DEIC/HRC forum and asked Staff Kaempfer to reach out the planner to gather details about
Golden Valley hosting the next forum.
Commissioner Alberth asked about how the commission is able to strategy build into the plan
ways to acknowledge the great scope of politics of the nation in the work of the commission,
especially when it directly affects their work and call-to-action. Commissioner Thoresen and Staff
Kaempfer shared that commissions can make statements and share out but that it must align with
their bylaws. Commissioner Alberth asked the commission for permission to draft a statement
and send it over for promotion in the new year. The commission agreed and Commissioner
Alberth said he would bring it to the next meeting. Commissioner Thoresen also put out the ask if
the council would also reaffirm their commitment DEI.
6.C. City Ice Rinks and Wetland Preservation
Commissioner Paradise provided information about a community member concern regarding
environmental issues with the City’s ice rinks and wetland preservation.
Commissioner Thoresen asked if the situation is too tenuous and that it would be better to partner
with the Environmental Commission and the Open Space and Recreation Commission.
Commissioner Paradise said that she will contact the chair of the Environmental Commission and
share that they would like to partner on something if they are interested.
6.D. Council Agenda and DEI Commission Future Topic Discussion
Staff Kaempfer shared that one of the ask from commissioners after the DEIC/HRC forum in New
Brighton was to provide information about upcoming council agenda topics so that the
commission could stay in the know. Staff Kaempfer asked any criteria that would help to make
sure he brought the most important information to the commission. Commissioner said that they
will think on and provide input at a later date and asked Staff Kaempfer to provide information
before meetings if possible.
7. Subcommittee Updates
7.A. City Systems
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Staff Kaempfer provided an update about the Equity Decision Making Toolkit and that some
redesign happened to create a better read and understanding for those using it. Staff Kaempfer
shared what decision and action will be testing the toolkit and tools.
Commissioner Thoresen asked that once the tool is revised that it come back to the
subcommittee. Commissioner Thoresen also stated that a formal recommendation should be
made to council for them to use the toolkit and tools on their policy work and decision making.
7.B. Communication and Networking
Commissioner Paradise noted that while they have strong connection to various organizations and
group across the city that dedicated and purposeful efforts will still need to continue in the next
year.
7.C. Events
1. BAEGV
1. December 2024 BAEGV: DEIC Year In Review & Celebration
Commissioner Paradise provided an update about RSVPs for the event.
Commissioner Paradise shared about how they have been promoting the event.
Commissioner Thoresen will be building an agenda for the evening and is looking
for it to be a broad discussion instead of having topic tables.
2. 2025 MLK Contest
Commissioner Murphy provided a progress update about contacting various
school and getting the word out there about the contest. Staff Kaempfer shared
that there are no submissions at the time. Commissioner Murphy also provided an
overview of the partnership with Sweet Potato Comfort Pie and their MLK event.
8. Staff Updates
8.A. DEIC Commissioner Membership
Staff Kaempfer shared that Council has appointed two new commissioners and a youth
commissioner. These commissioners will be attending their first meeting in October.
8.B. DEIC Budget
Staff Kaempfer shared updates regarding the budget and what was left to spend for the upcoming
event
8.C. Upcoming City Initiatives and Programs
Staff Kaempfer asked the council how they would like to be informed of upcoming city initiatives
and programs to have more insight. Commissioners agreed that this would be important and to
provide information in advance when possible. Commissioner Thoresen asked specifically about
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getting information about dual-naming for signage and Staff Kaempfer said he would contact
Director Kiefer.
9. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 8:03 pm.
_______________________________
Seth Kaempfer, Equity and Inclusion Manager
_______________________________
Date
_______________________________
Ruth Paradise, Interim Chair
_______________________________
Date
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December 5, 2024 — 5:30 PM Brookview – Valley Room
Hybrid Meeting DEI COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
1. Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 5:30pm
2. Land Acknowledgement
3. Roll Call
Commissioners present: Lee Thoresen, Tracy Murphy, Ruth Paradise, Andrew Alberth, Kristian Baker, and Joelle Allen Commissioners absent: Ajani Woodson and Kira Jimenez Staff present: Seth Kaempfer, Equity and Inclusion Manager
4. Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve agenda by Commissioner Allen, seconded by Commissioner Alberth
Motion carries 6-0
5. Discussion Items
5.A. 2025 MLK Competition
Commissioner Murphy provided an update about what to expect for the competition, partnership
with Sweet Potato Comfort Pie MLK event, and the upcoming deadlines.
5.B DEIC Reacknowledgement/Reaffirmation of Equity Statement
Commissioner Alberth presented the statement that he drafted to the commissioners.
Commissioners provided comments and edits to what should be said. Commissioner Alberth and
Paradise suggested that this statement go on the upcoming newsletter, newsfeed, social media,
and the DEIC’s webpage.
Staff Kaempfer stated that he will send over the statement to the Communications Department
for and noted that it will most likely be edited for length, especially on social media.
6. Staff Updates
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Staff Kaempfer had not updates at this time.
7. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 6:00 pm.
_______________________________
Seth Kaempfer, Equity and Inclusion Manager
_______________________________
Date
_______________________________
Ruth Paradise, Interim Chair
_______________________________
Date
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DRAFT For Discussion Purposes 01.28.24
2025 Proposed Work Plan
Golden Valley Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission:
Proposed Work Plan, January 2025-March 2026
DEIC Charge
Proposed 2025 Outputs
1. Analyze the City’s systems
and recommend DEI
improvements (in
coordina<on with City staff,
council, mayor).
• Consult with the Equity and Inclusion manager to monitor
adop<on and use of Equity Analysis Toolkit
• Resume work with City staff, city council on naming public
assets policy
• Begin reviewing City housing, transit and other community
development policies and programs with an equity lens
2. Help City officials and staff to
communicate the City’s DEI
work and facilitate
community engagement and
feedback on that work.
• Expand rela<onships with historically excluded community
groups and leaders (including Golden Valley neighborhood
leaders), providing input and feedback on City’s DEI work
(and who could partner w/DEIC when relevant)
• Provide/partner with City communica<ons staff to ensure
publicity for specific events that DEIC organizes, co-organizes
or endorses
• Informal mee<ngs and informa<on sharing with other City
Commissions
3. Collaborate with
organiza<ons to organize
events and other ac<ons that
educate the community and
increase apprecia<on for DEI
and human rights.
• Present at least four BAEGV community forums (March:
Disabili<es – Workabili<es, Q3: Indigenous Communi<es,
September: Recognizing Neighbors, December: DEIC Report
to the Community and Community Input into Priori<es for
2026)
• Hate Has No Home Here Series: a) Agism; b) TBD; c) TBD
• Support Sweet Potato Comfort Pie events, Ho-Chunk history
event, Golden Valley Pride
• Sponsor MLK Essay & Art Contest, Bill Hobbs Award
• Start planning for a bigger mul<cultural celebra<on event in
summer 2026
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DRAFT For Discussion Purposes 01.28.24
DEIC 2025-Q1 2026 Work Plan by Quarter:
Q1 2025 (January-March)
DEIC overall:
• Begin planning Q2 BAEGV on Indigenous communi<es
• Begin discussion on hos<ng Region wide forum for DEI Commissions
City Systems:
• Begin reviewing City housing, transit and other community development policies and
programs with an equity lens
Communica<ons:
• Communica<ons for MLK contest
• Communica<ons for March BAEGV
• Ini<al communica<ons planning for June BAEGV
Events:
• Sweet Potato Comfort Pie Event (January)
• MLK Youth Essay/Drawing Contest (January)
• BAEGV Forum: Disabili<es - Workability (March)
• Approach PEACE Commission regarding joint Q3 event
• Par<cipate in community mee<ngs to consider community wide celebra<on (held
annually in September)
Q2 2025 (April-June)
DEIC Overall:
• Con<nue discussion and promo<on of inter-commission coopera<on at Board and
Commissions Annual Mee<ng
• Begin planning for Sept BAEGV re recognizing neighbors (with PEACE Commission)
• Begin discussion and planning on hos<ng Region wide forum for DEI Commissions
City Systems:
• Evaluate use and effec<veness of Equity Analysis Tool
• Work with Open Space and Recrea<on Commission to research about and implement
dual-naming for signage to include Ȟaȟa Wakpadaŋ
Communica<ons:
• Communica<ons for Q2 BAEGV
Events:
• BAEGV Forum: Indigenous Communi<es (June)
• Support Pride Fes<val (June)
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DRAFT For Discussion Purposes 01.28.24
Q3 2025 (July-September)
Overall:
• Begin planning Q4 BAEGV Forum
• Planning and hos<ng Region wide forum for DEI Commissions
City Systems:
• Prepare to be able to discuss City Equity Plan implementa<on progress with City staff
and Council
Communica<ons:
• Communica<ons for September BAEGV
• Begin promo<ng Bill Hobbs Award, MLK Contest opportuni<es
Events:
• BAEGV Forum: recognizing neighbors (with PEACE Commission)
Q4 2025 (October-December)
Overall: Begin draling 2025 (April 2025-March 2026) DEIC Work Plan
City Systems:
• Discuss City Equity Plan implementa<on progress with City staff and Council
Communica<ons:
• Promote Bill Hobbs Award, MLK Contest opportuni<es
• Communica<ons for December BAEGV
Events:
• Conduct Bill Hobbs Human Rights Award process, begin MLK Contest process
• BAEGV Forum: 2025 DEIC Year in Review and community input into 2026 Work Plan
(December)
• Con<nue enlis<ng partners, sponsors, exemplars for mid-2026 celebra<on event
Q1 2026 (January-March 2026)
Overall: Develop workplan for April 2025 – March 2026
City Systems:
• Update City equity plan implementa<on goals for 2026 as necessary
Communica<ons:
• Communica<ons for Q1 BAEGV
Events:
• Sweet Potato Comfort Pie Event (January)
• MLK Youth Essay/Drawing Contest (January)
• Determine BAEGV Forum topics for the year (March)
• Planning for 2026 mul<cultural celebra<on event
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DRAFT For Discussion Purposes 01.28.24
Ongoing (2025 – 2026)
• Commission review of the City housing, transit, and other community development
policies and programs with an equity lens
• As needed and when opportunity arises, meet with/share informa<on and project
par<cipa<on with other commissions.
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Equity Commission Work Plan
2023 -2024 l Proposed Quarterly Calendar (subject to change)
* Anticipated Commission action item l Bold text indicates Council Strategic Priority l [C]indicates Commission initiated
TOPIC COMMISSION TASK
April –June
2023
•Orientation Training
•Commission Overview & Work Plan Approval *
•Just Deeds Education Campaign *
•Public Safety Overview [C]
•Volunteer at Juneteenth event
July –Sept
2023
•Equity Strategic Action Plan Review *
•Tour of parks with PREC
•Volunteer at Farmer’s Market
•Indigenous People’s Day & Land Acknowledgment *
Oct –Dec
2023
•Data *
•Education [C]
•Training *
Jan –March
2024
•Joint Commission Meeting
•Land Use
•Affordable Housing
•Meet new members & understand city government
•Learn Commission history & role
•Identify/update Commission interests
•Advise staff & Council
•Learn and ask questions
•Advise on equity strategy and implementation
•Provide feedback & collaborate with PREC
•Make connections with residents & neighbor
•Craft and propose language (could be informal work group)
•Provide feedback and discuss implications of data
•Explore intersection of school and government to promote youth equity
•Review and provide feedback on Staff Training schedule
•Determine trainings that Equity Commission would like to participate in
•Provide feedback & collaborate with EDC
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1/14/25, 8:08 AM Equity-Commission-Work-Plan-2024 (1335×752)
https://www.newbrightonmn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2513/Equity-Commission-Work-Plan-2024?bidId=1/114