City of De Pere survey seeks input on racial justice, inclusivity

DE PERE – In an effort to proactively gain feedback and foster new ideas regarding racial justice, inclusivity and equity, the City of De Pere is launching a new Community Equity and Inclusion Survey.

This online survey, which can be completed anonymously by City residents, was developed by Polco, a Madison-based company, and made available for free to local governments around the country. Polco is an online engagement platform that lets residents provide direct input to the local government decision-making process.

The survey asks residents of all backgrounds about issues such as safety, fairness, respect and how welcome they feel inside of their communities.

Key to this process is gathering a diverse array of voices that may not be heard otherwise

“We want to have difficult and tough conversations. We want progress, and this survey is just one step - an important one - on a journey for our community to reach out, listen and make genuine strides toward improving the lives of everyone living in De Pere. We want everyone to take part in this, and our hope and goal is especially to get marginalized people to participate,” De Pere Mayor James Boyd said. “Typically those voices aren’t often at the table.

“So, for our Community Equity and Inclusion Survey, no one has to schedule their life around a City meeting or step up to a microphone. An empowering survey like this gives everyone a chance to answer anonymously within five minutes, and we’re hoping residents of all backgrounds utilize this quick, safe and equitable way to express their important opinions on this very important topic.”

De Pere’s Community Equity and Inclusion Survey can be found directly at this link: https://polco.us/s0cc93. The survey can also be found on the homepage of www.deperewi.gov. Moving forward, reminders regarding the survey will be sent out to citizens through local media, City newsletters and emails, as well as City social media postings.

The deadline to participate in the survey is Aug. 27.  From there, City leadership will evaluate the feedback received, and determine next steps.

###