Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Message to the Community

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Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) and its Board of Trustees are committed to creating a work environment where all employees and residents are valued, treated fairly, and offered growth opportunities. This commitment ensures fairness in hiring, training, and promotions. We hope that all employees will embrace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and understand the benefits it brings to our organization.

AMHA hired Compass Consulting Services, LLC (Compass) to complete a DEI Audit and Strategic Plan. Compass began in December of 2021, and embarked on a nearly 24-month process.

AMHA engaged in the DEI Audit and DEI Strategic Planning Process to ensure that all individuals, internally and externally, receive equitable treatment. The purpose of this process is to create a culture of respect and inclusiveness that values all individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other identity. In addition, the process aims to assess and better understand the needs and perspectives of different groups while better serving the communities they represent.

The DEI Audit was conducted in two phases. The first phase included employee interviews, focus groups, and surveys, while the second phase involved resident focus groups and a resident survey. Working with the DEI Committee, Compass conducted 20 strategic interviews, nine employee focus groups, and an electronic survey completed by 159 employees. Compass also conducted five focus groups with 50 residents from various AMHA residences, including those with housing choice vouchers. Additionally, Compass designed and administered a resident survey that 513 residents completed. After collecting all the data, Compass analyzed, evaluated, and presented the survey results to the DEI Committee and Leadership in December 2022.

AMHA’s DEI Committee and leadership team collaborated with Compass to create a 3-Year Strategic Plan to address major themes from the Audit. The DEI Strategic Plan outlines the Objectives, Goals, and Action Steps for AMHA over the next three years (2023-2026). The 3-Year Strategic Plan is organized around three Strategic Goals:

  1. Culture and Climate: Promote a culture where AMHA requires respect, dignity, and inclusion.
  2. Recruitment, Retention, and Promotion: To foster an environment focused on building a diverse workforce supported by hiring, developing, and advancing all people.
  3. Training and Development: To create a more harmonious workplace by increasing employee and board member knowledge and awareness of DEI. For every employee and board member to embrace and promote DEI in the workplace, with our residents, and in our community.

At AMHA, we fully understand that creating a successful DEI workplace culture is a lifelong journey.  Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority is committed to improving DEI for its workforce, residents, and the community. The DEI Audit and DEI Strategic Plan will be a valuable tool to assist with achieving our goals.