I.D.E.A.S. for Stamford 

As one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we can take tremendous steps when we walk together in harmony. We are an inclusive government working together to better understand and meet the needs of the workforce (our employees), workplace (our culture) and marketplace (our residents and businesses) in Stamford. 

In April 2022, the City of Stamford hired its first Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. One of the priorities for this office is to develop and implement processes that will help us make significant progress toward hiring a workforce that reflects Stamford's diversity while simultaneously, ensuring the workplace is inclusive.  It is important for every employee to know their opinion and experience matter.  We want all employees to feel like they belong and are motivated to develop their skillsets to rise to their potential. We affirm that our differences make us stronger, smarter, and more innovative.

When employees understand how their contributions add value, they are more eager to collaborate in decision making, problem solving, and conflict resolution resulting in better outcomes.

The efforts won’t stop there. The office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Strategies for Stamford (I.D.E.A.S.) is being intentional and deliberate to make sure the City is responsive to the residents in equitable and accessible ways. Although our mission may not be easy, we are committed to putting in the work and resources to take action

 

I.D.E.A.S. begins with "I"

As one of the most diverse cities in this nation and one of the safest cities in the Northeast, the City of Stamford has a unique opportunity to witness the magic that happens when people feel included and feel safe. Our greatest source of pride and strength as a city comes from the diversity of our residents, businesses, and visitors.  Please take a moment to review our I.D.E.A.S. Policy.  It is a good guide and a source of information for all residents, business owners, and visitors.  To view the I.D.E.A.S. policy, please click HERE.

 

How the City of Stamford defines I.D.E.A.S.

INCLUSION: is a call to action and shapes the culture of an organization. 

DIVERSITY: is the presence and acceptance of differences and the intersectionality of all dimensions of those differences.

EQUITY:  specific support given, and barriers removed to ensure all have equal access, opportunity, and advancement. 

ACCESSIBILITY: is the confirmation that all have access to & benefits from the opportunities, information, resources, initiatives, and programs offered.  

STRATEGIES: Advance racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, Women’s rights, the rights of immigrants and accessibility so all Stamford constituents have the opportunity to thrive.

Stamford is the 16th Most Diverse City in Our Nation

  • 1641 Stamford was founded by a treaty between settlers from the New Haven Colony and the Ramapough Munsee People, and The Lunaapewak
  • 2nd Largest city in Connecticut - 135,470 residents
  • 52% Stamford residents are people of color
  • 37 is the average age of Stamford residents (15% over the age of 65) 
  • 34% Stamford residents are foreign-born
  • 1 in 5 (~21%) of adults in Stamford have a disability
  • 75 Different languages are spoken in homes of Stamford residents

Diversity Celebrations this month

Upcoming Black History Celebrations

February 1: Symphony of Colors at the Ferguson Main Branch and African Americans in the Arts in the Mayor's Art Gallery - both events start at 5:30PM (A Black history month program celebrating the works of Black Artist)

February 2: Digital Scavenger Hunt at the Harry Bennett Library Branch at 3Pm (A Black History event for teens and adults

February 3: Black History Month Flag Raising Ceremony at Government Center from 10:00am - 11:00am