DEI: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

People Power

Uniqueness Fuels Our Innovative Spirit

Our commitment to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity and experiences drives us forward every day. It's the collective sum of our experiences that makes Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley a powerful, insightful and welcoming community.  

Working to build a city you're proud to raise your family in.

Gary Suiter, City Manager

DEI Purpose Statement

The City of Steamboat Springs commits to strengthening our organization by welcoming people with differences and by fostering a culture of respect, trust, and mutual understanding through justice, equity, diversity, and inclusivity.

DEI Vision Statement

The City of Steamboat Springs has an inclusive and diverse culture where all employees feel appreciated, involved, heard, understood, connected, supported, and embraced for our differences.

big-Logo2DEI Initiative

The city hired Beyond Inclusion Group in January 2021 to assess current state of DEI within the city (perceptions and organizational policies) and develop a multi-year DEI strategic plan. 

  • Review current policies through equity lens to identify and prioritize opportunities for improvement; 
  • Provide ongoing opportunities to cultivate better understanding of DEI; 
  • Ensure provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate services by departments and programs;
  • Support creation of inclusive workplace climate

City Programs

Second Language Proficiency Policy
Paid Parental Leave Policy
DEI Funding
Training
Hiring Practices
Recruitment Efforts
Pay Equity Analysis
Community Survey
STAR Community Rating System

Gender Empowerment

The city is committed to attracting, retaining and developing women across its operations and believes these opportunities are critical to leadership and making a difference on the home front of our community. 

  • Women make up 31.4% of the city's full-time workforce including at the leadership level: three directors out of seven positions (42.8%).
  • Women make up 50% of the city's management team (8 out of 16). 
  • Percentage of female representation on patrol (25% of patrol, more than twice the industry average of 11%) with the Steamboat Springs Police.
  • City hired its first female Chief of Police in December 2021 to lead the department.
  • Five of the seven seats on City Council are held by women in 2022 and the city saw its first female majority on the dias back in 1987
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Community Service Officer Moose Warning

Veterans

The city is proud to support veterans and sincerely thanks them for their service to our country. The qualities honed during military service - leadership, responsibility, dedication, teamwork, enrich the city and its operations. 

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esgr-logo-mainVeteran Recognition - ESGR

ESGR, a Department of Defense program, was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.

  • Jon Snyder, Patriot Award - Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR), Dept of Defense, December 2019
  • City Nominated for Freedom Award - Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve, December 2019
  • Most Veteran Friendly Little City in Colorado - 2015
  • Statement of Support for the Guard & Reserve (2x)

Proclamations & Recognition

Recognizing the LGBTQ+ Community
In June 2021 was proclaimed as LGBTQ+ Pride month in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

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Honoring Indigenous People
In 2020, City Council recognized the indigenous people of the Yampa Valley for their contribution to the land, water, plants, animals and people of Steamboat Springs, Colorado with a proclamation.  

Ute Pow Wow

American Legion Leo Hill Post #44
On October 15, 2019, City Council honored local American Legion Post for their 100 Year Anniversary. The Leo Hill Post #44 was formed on October 15, 1919 and has served as community gathering place for veterans. The Post started the Steamboat Springs Rodeo in 1972 and has been performing Memorial Day services since 1921. 

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DEI Steering Committee


Dakatoh

Dakotah McGinlay
City Council

Briones Ed

Eddie Briones
City Council

Gary Suitor smiling for camera

Gary Suiter
City Manager

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Wendy Kuhlman
HR & Risk Manager
Jennifer Bock
Assistant City Attorney		Maria Velasco
Founder & CEO
Beyond Inclusion Group


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