In a study session on Monday, Bellevue City Council members were briefed on the work being done through the city’s Diversity Advantage Initiative. Given Bellevue’s increasing diversity, the program seeks to better communicate, connect and serve residents. In 2014, the council adopted the Diversity Advantage Plan, a list of 60 recommendations covering six focus areas.

Staff touched on a number of highlights through 2017. These range from the continued support of the Bellevue Diversity Advantage Network, a group of 21 community members who provide valuable counsel to the city on a variety of issues, to the wider incorporation of language access resources and gauging local need. The city has also made significant strides in educating its workforce through cultural competence training and enacting a workforce diversity talent hiring initiative, city officials said.

Moving forward, the team hopes to hire an ADA/Title VI Coordinator in the next year to bolster accessibility efforts. In addition, further tools are being explored to better assist and communicate with a variety of cultural communities.