The Oak Park Board of Trustees held a significant meeting on July 1, 2025, focusing on advancing racial equity initiatives within the community. The session featured a presentation by Assistant Village Manager Kira Chang, who provided an update on various equity initiatives that have been implemented as part of the village's ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

A key highlight of the meeting was the introduction of the new Chief DEI Officer, Kelly Keys, who was unable to attend due to personal circumstances but is expected to play a pivotal role in driving the village's equity agenda forward. The board acknowledged past challenges in implementing these initiatives but expressed optimism about the future.

Chang outlined several priorities established by the board in 2024, which include ensuring equitable access to government contracts and services, addressing historical inequities, supporting diverse community engagement, and enhancing cultural competency. Among the initiatives discussed were the formalization of a language access policy to assist residents with limited English proficiency and the completion of a racial equity assessment conducted by the University of Illinois, Chicago.

The language access plan aims to ensure that all residents can fully engage with village services. This includes hiring a vendor for translation services and training staff to better serve multilingual community members. The rollout of these services is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025.

The racial equity assessment, which was conducted over the past year, revealed significant insights into the community's strengths and weaknesses regarding equity. Dr. Kathleen Yang Clayton, the lead investigator, presented findings that highlighted ongoing issues of racism and disparities within Oak Park. The assessment emphasized the need for improved internal communications and data collection to better inform decision-making and enhance community engagement.

Trustees discussed the importance of operationalizing the findings from the assessment, with a focus on creating inclusive policies and practices that empower both staff and residents. The board is committed to continuous improvement in these areas, recognizing that meaningful change takes time and sustained effort.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored Oak Park's dedication to fostering an inclusive community through strategic initiatives aimed at addressing racial equity. The board's ongoing efforts reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that all residents feel valued and included in the village's governance and services. As the village moves forward, regular updates on progress and community engagement will be essential in achieving these goals.