During the recent Oak Park Board of Trustees meeting, a significant discussion emerged around fostering a sense of belonging within the community, particularly in relation to racial equity. A key takeaway from the Government and Community Initiatives (GCI) report highlighted that while many residents feel a strong connection to Oak Park, this sentiment is not uniformly shared across all racial and ethnic groups.

Trustees noted that data from the report indicated a stark contrast in feelings of belonging among different demographics. White residents reported a strong sense of belonging, while Black, Hispanic, and multiracial residents expressed feelings of exclusion. This disparity raises important questions about community inclusivity and the effectiveness of current policies aimed at promoting racial equity.

The board emphasized the need for ongoing measurement and monitoring of these sentiments as part of their long-term goals. They discussed the possibility of creating a dashboard to track progress in fostering a more inclusive environment. This initiative aims to ensure that all residents, regardless of their background, feel welcomed and valued in Oak Park.

As the village moves forward, the focus will be on actionable steps that can be taken to enhance community belonging. By addressing these disparities, Oak Park aims to create a more unified community where every resident feels they have a place and a voice. The discussions from this meeting reflect a commitment to not only recognize these issues but to actively work towards solutions that benefit all residents.