Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The City of Eden Prairie is committed to creating a sense of belonging for everyone who lives in, works in or visits Eden Prairie — regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or ability.

Racial equity is the pursuit of fairness and justice in policy, programs and practices so racial inequities are eliminated.

History

Eden Prairie’s Human Rights and Diversity Commission (HRDC) was established by the City Council in 1968. The City's dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion was declared publicly when the City Council adopted the Eden Prairie Manifesto in 1993. The manifesto specifically calls out the following intentions:

To continue the development of a multicultural community which will not tolerate acts of harassment and intolerance;
To establish, communicate and encourage community standards that respect diversity; and
To promote acceptance and respect for individuals in an atmosphere of caring for others.

These ideals still hold true today. However, recognizing more action was necessary, the City Council reaffirmed the manifesto in June 2020 and directed City staff to work with the HRDC to assess and report on the state of racial equity in Eden Prairie. The report and its recommendations provide an additional framework for City staff to continue driving progress toward racial equity and inclusion in the community.

Bias Incident Reporting

Human Rights and Diversity Commission

Established by the City Council in 1968, the Human Rights and Diversity Commission (HRDC) acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council on matters of diversity, civil and human rights, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Commission has been involved in such important social issues as identifying needs of the immigrant population and finding solutions to “bullying” in local schools, and partners with other Eden Prairie entities to present community events throughout the year.

Human Rights Award

Dating back to 1990, the HRDC has facilitated the Human Rights Award program. The Human Rights Award recognizes an Eden Prairie individual, non-profit organization, business or youth for their inspiring efforts to promote human rights and diversity and create an inclusive community spirit through actions, activities or programs.

Internal DEI Efforts

Land Acknowledgment Statement

In partnership with Christal Moose of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe in Minnesota, the Human Rights and Diversity Commission drafted an Eden Prairie Land Acknowledgement Statement to honor the Indigenous Peoples who have inhabited the land in Eden Prairie.

A land acknowledgment is typically given as an introduction to a meeting or event as a way to welcome attendees and recognize the history of the land where the event is occurring.

Learn more about Eden Prairie's Land Acknowledgment statement at edenprairie.org/LAS.

Police Department Initiatives

21st Century Policing

Eden Prairie Police have utilized the tenets outlined in the federal government’s 21st Century Policing report as a guiding tool since 2016. The report outlines recommendations in six topic areas:

Building Trust and Community
Policy and Oversight
Technology and Social Media
Community Policing and Crime Reduction
Training and Education
Officer Wellness and Safety

Learn more about the 21st Century Policing report and how Eden Prairie Police have evolved to implement these suggestions.

Police-Involved Deadly Force Encounters Report

In February 2020 the State of Minnesota’s Deadly Force Encounters Working Group released its report which includes 28 recommendations for local law enforcement agencies, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, tribal law enforcement agencies and the State Attorney General’s Office.

The Eden Prairie Police Department reviewed the recommendations and its department policies, and developed responses addressing each recommendation in the five areas outlined in the Deadly Force Encounters report.

Learn more about the report and the Police Department's response.

Community Engagement

The Police Department engages with the community through a variety of events and programs throughout the community each year, such as Pop-up Splash Pads, Cops and Bobbers, Safety Camp and Night to Unite. There is also a dedicated community liaison officer who seeks out opportunities to engage with the public while out on patrol.

Race Equity Report

Drafted by the Human Rights and Diversity Commission in conjunction with a project consultant and City staff, the City’s Race Equity Report outlines recommendations to make Eden Prairie a more equitable and inclusive community.

The report, which was adopted by the City Council in January 2022, contains recommendations in six main areas:

Emergency Response
Facilities and Programs: Accessibility and Culture
Recruiting, Hiring and Retention
Connection to Community
Community Experience
Developing Future Leaders

Updates regarding the City’s progress on implementing the recommendations are provided to the Human Rights and Diversity Commission and City Council are ongoing.

Read the report at edenprairie.org/RaceEquityReport.

City of Eden Prairie