Dear Mountlake Terrace City Council,

We as a community appreciate the fact that several of you have been seen participating in the recent Black Lives Matter demonstrations in our city. It is far too easy for underrepresented voices in our community not to be heard, so we must intentionally build genuine relationships within the community and make room for those voices. 

Our city needs to put into place a permanent avenue that will help amplify these voices and help us address issues of diversity, equity and inclusion today and into the future. 

Our neighbors in Edmonds and Lynnwood both have DEI commissions and Shoreline has a Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator position on staff.

Frankly, Mountlake Terrace is behind on these issues.

The MLT City Council had presentations and discussions on a potential DEI Commission back on October 21 and December 12, 2019, but since then no action has taken place. 

We are asking that the City Council form a permanent Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission to help move these efforts forward. All of our neighbors in Mountlake Terrace deserve to be heard and intentional representation on a formal City Commission will assist in making sure that happens.