The City of La Crosse Racial Equity Team (now known as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team) will assess City employment information and recruitment, City programs and service areas, gather input and feedback, analyze data regarding current inequities and problems (such as previous town halls and community conversations), and work to recommend solutions that, when implemented, will create positive change within the City organization in regards to employment, programs and services.

NEW!  Updated Mission & Vision

Author: Dawn Wacek

The City of La Crosse Racial Equity Team will use their findings to create an equity action plan that will act as a framework for implementing the needed changes and improvements.

The team will be comprised of up to ten employees to be appointed by the Mayor. 

Created by Resolution on 11/12/2020; membership expanded from 7 to 14 by Resolution adopted 11/11/2021; membership decreased to 10 by resolution adopted 5/11/2023.

UPDATE: In 2023, the team revised its name to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Current members: Co-Chair Gwen Benish (Human Resources Generalist), Dawn Wacek (Deputy Director, La Crosse Public Library), Mitch Tofstad (Police Records Specialist), Nicole Hansen (Parks & Recreation - Recreation Program Coordinator), Alicia Smithburg (Assistant Clerk • City Clerk) Kristen Schadeberg (Communications Coordinator,) and Cullen Haldeman (Sidewalk and ADA Coordinator)

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