Mayor Derrick Henry Launches Equity Initiative.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

The city of Daytona Beach’s Mayor Derrick Henry is kicking off an equity initiative to help take steps in achieving a bias-free society.

This initiative comes at a time, where communities across the nation continue to protest the unfair treatment of their citizens and will act as a way to help the community come together. 

“It is incumbent upon every citizen, neighborhood, institution, and business to respond to what I view as an opportunity to have thought-provoking conversations and establish sensible equity approaches for our community,” said Mayor Henry. “There is a role for every segment of our society, including business, education, law enforcement, healthcare, and government to make a difference for others in our community.”

According to a release posted by the City of Daytona Beach, to kick off the Mayor’s Equity Initiative, the Mayor is hosting a virtual listening session that is open to the public from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, June 29. Attendees must RSVP by completing this form to receive the virtual meeting information.

Following the listening session, there will be focus groups who will work together during the next six months. Focus groups are, K-12, higher education, clergy, business, law enforcement, health, social services, judicial, neighborhood groups, and media. Each focus group will:

o Commit to an actionable agenda aimed specifically at responding to the issues of equity.

o Meet virtually with stakeholders and team members to create a plan.

o Execute the plan.

o Assess the outcome of the plan.

o Convene annually for discussion on how our community is progressing on this important topic.

The public can sign up to join one of the focus groups, which will have their first meetings virtually from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 30.  

Mayor Henry will continue to host listening sessions over the next six months as part of the initiative.

 For more information about the Mayor’s Equity Initiative or to sign up for one of the focus groups, visit www.codb.us/equityinitiative.