Salem Seeks Applicants for Race Equity Commission

Four seats available on new City board
board

The City of Salem is seeking resident applicants to volunteer to serve on the new Race Equity Commission, a board formed out of the recommendations of the City’s recent Race Equity Task Force. There are four seats open to Salem residents, each serving for a three-year term and subject to appointment by the Mayor and confirmation by the City Council.

Per ordinance, the Commission has the following six charges:

  • Implementing the City’s Race Equity Action Plan and updating the plan as needed.
  • Advising City departments and officials on approaches to ensure programs, policies, budgets, and other ordinances are developed in a manner that avoid and reduce systemic racism and bias.
  • Developing and proposing new initiatives, programs, and policies to help reduce systemic racism and bias in Salem.
  • Designing and carrying out hiring and recruitment programs for the City and advising on employee training and retention programs all intended to increase the diversity of City workforce and the cultural competency of City employees.
  • Supporting and guiding community organizations, businesses, nonprofits, and other Salem entities as they work to improve racial equity in the community.
  • Seeking grants and other sources of support and funding to carry out the Commission’s work.

“I am so grateful to the members of the Race Equity Task Force who developed the plan for this permanent Commission,” said Mayor Kim Driscoll. “The work before the Commission is exceptionally important and urgent. I encourage all Salem residents who believe they may be able to contribute constructively and positively to this effort to submit their application for consideration.”

“The Race Equity Task Force created an exceptional and thorough report that outlines a strategy for the future of DEI work in the City of Salem,” said Regina Zaragoza Frey, Salem’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “The Race Equity Commission is a part of that strategy, and the people who serve on this Commission will have an opportunity to create positive change in the City of Salem, address systemic racism and make history. This is critical and urgent work; I look forward to collaborating with the Commission in the coming months and to learning and un-learning alongside its members.”

Those interested in applying for the Commission should submit a current resume and brief statement summarizing why they are interested in the appointment to Dominick Pangallo, Chief of Staff in the Mayor’s Office, at dpangallo@salem.com.

In addition to the four appointed members the Commission also consists of the City’s HR Director and Solicitor, the Salem Public Schools Superintendent, and liaisons from the Salem Police Department and the City Council. The Commission is staffed and supported by the City’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.