Purpose

On August 8, 2020, Dublin City Council passed Resolution 41-20, approving the formation of the Community Task Force. The members of the Task Force represented a wide range of perspectives and identities in the community, including residents throughout Dublin, the business community, the school district and youth leaders. City Council directed the Task Force to identify solutions to defeat social injustice, bias, bigotry and racism in the community and establish corresponding long-term goals. In August 2021, the Task Force presented to City Council a recommended DEI Framework. The Task Force’s chief recommendation was for City Council to establish an ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) advisory committee composed of Dublin residents with knowledge of the various cultural communities throughout the community.

On Nov. 9, 2021, Dublin City Council passed Resolution 72-21, establishing the Community Inclusion Advisory Committee (CIAC). The purpose of the CIAC is to advise Dublin City Council on the unique needs of diverse Dublin residents and to consider the further development and feasibility of implementing the Community Task Force’s DEI Framework.

Members

The CIAC will consist of 11 City of Dublin residents with knowledge of the diversity of the community. Members will serve in staggered terms. Five of the initial appointees will serve for an initial one-year term. Six of the initial appointments will serve a two- year term.

While demographic alignment is not required, applicants must display an adequate degree of connectivity and engagement with the diverse communities of Dublin. The City is looking for residents with a deep understanding of the perspectives and experiences of different cultural communities, ages, identities and abilities representative of those who reside in the City of Dublin.

Community Inclusion Advisory Committee Membership

• Imran Malik – Chair – two-year term
• Niki Lombardo – Vice Chair – one-year term
• Kristine Aldemir – two-year term 
• Noor Amara – two-year term
• Vineet Goel – two-year term
• Ming Yu – two-year term
• Erica Adams – one-year term
• Michael Haynes – one-year term
• Peggy Kilty – one-year term
• Isao Shoji – one-year term; CIAC and CAC liaison
• Dengke Xu – one-year term

• Throughout 2022, the CIAC was hard at work engaging in meaningful discussions about our social fabric, reviewing community projects, and reviewing the organizational practices referenced throughout the DEI Framework compiled by the Community Task Force.
• The committee’s first meeting was an impactful one, where member’s reviewed the Dublin AM Rotary’s proposal for a Peace Pole in Coffman Park and discussed member perspectives as to its meaning, the languages used, and its location. Additionally, City staff presented their initial plan for a Juneteenth event at Riverside Crossing Park. At this point, staff brought forward multiple bridge lighting color options in an effort to be as representative as possible. After careful discussion, the CIAC asked staff to reach out to DEI professionals and to bring back their perspectives. After speaking with Cardinal Health’s Chief DEI Officer and the NAACP of Columbus, staff brought back a color scheme and rationale that was approved by the CIAC.
• Following meetings focused on outlining the committee’s strategy for reviewing the Public Engagement Priority Area and execution. Over the span of three regular meetings and a special retreat session, the CIAC heard presentations outlining the operational responsibilities of the Outreach & Engagement, Communications & Public Information, Events, Transportation & Mobility, and Parks & Recreation divisions from their respective directors. These presentations included a background of their duties, how they consider DEI in their daily professional activities, what operational practices currently align with Task Force recommendations, and what the directors see as opportunities to grow within this space.
• These sessions were particularly impactful, as they allowed CIAC members to get a solid fundamental understanding of staff’s responsibilities and the business of the City, while providing the space for diverse residents to engage and offer their perspectives, recommendations, questions, support and concerns, within the context of DEI Framework.
• Lastly, the CIAC concluded the year by discussing holidays, recognition events, and cultural observances in the community and the City’s role in facilitating communal recognition and education. Staff has begun to review their scheduled content and policies for further discussion.

• Goals for 2023
  • In 2023, the CIAC will continue to meet with the various City departments and divisions to discuss the DEI Framework, where the community currently stands, and how we can move forward together. The next priority area of the DEI Framework to address is City Practices. Members are particularly excited to hear about the progress of the City Employee Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
  • The CIAC is also looking to learn more about the various premier events within the City and how our committee can become engaged. Members are particularly interested in finding ways to encourage various diverse Dublin communities to participate in the Independence Day parade. Additionally, members look forward to discussing the accessibility of the Dublin Irish Festival for people of all abilities and cultural communities.