Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

  1. 1 DECLARATION OF INCLUSION: PROGRESS REPORT Essex Town Selectboard October 6, 2025
  2. 2 AGENDA, Dec of Inclusion review Progress report on implementation The Town as an employer Next Steps Possible suggestions
  3. 3 Declaration of Inclusion
  4. 4 DECLARATION OF INCLUSION, Adopted June 2023, Key quote: We welcome all people, regardless of ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, gender identity or sexual expression, age, or physical and/or
  5. 5 FALL 2025 PROGRESS REPORT, Implementation Actions
  6. 6 FOCUSED ON IMPROVING: Accessibility of Info & Services Sense of Belonging for Residents Inclusion in Governance Diversity in Voices Heard Equity in Policy Outcomes
  7. 7 KEY ACTIONS: ACCESSIBILITY, New Town Website improving ADA compliance and ease of use – quick links to budget information, Town charter, Departments Requiring all Committee meetings to be recorded and
  8. 8 KEY ACTIONS: BELONGING, 30+ Free Community Events this year, in all seasons: Community Day, Farmer’s Market, Fire Open House, National Night Out, Town Meeting Showcase, Adopt A Soldier, Whimsical Walk
  9. 9 KEY ACTIONS: INCLUSION, Public outreach is key component of initiatives: Upper Main Conceptual Planning, Economic Dev & Rec Needs Focus Groups, Transportation Plan & Keystone opportunities built into
  10. 10 PROGRAMMING
  11. 11 KEY ACTIONS: DIVERSITY OF VOICES, Staff education provided regularly, aimed at ensuring staff is trained to meet the varied needs of our “customers” Staff member responsible for handling requests for
  12. 12 KEY ACTIONS: EQUITY, Fair & Impartial Policing Policy – Ongoing Policy Reviews Community Justice Center work promoting justice for those affected by crime, and allows those responsible for harm to acc
  13. 13 THE TOWN AS AN EMPLOYER, A SMALL COLLECTION OF EXAMPLES, Regular Salary Studies, Retention Bonuses, Exit Interviews, Open Door Policy, Competitive Benefits, many without employee contribution, Suppor
  14. 14 NEXT STEPS, Continued progress on improving accessibility to information and services; incorporating inclusive practices into policy, and expanding communication efforts to reach wider audience ADA/In
  15. 15 "NOTHING ABOUT US, WITHOUT US", Have ideas about how the Town can better include and inform you, or improve your ability to access Town services? Please share them! Karen A

VIEW OR DOWNLOAD ABIDE Presentation (pdf)

Police Community Advisory Board

In 2020, the Town of Essex and the Essex Police Department (EPD) worked with the Essex Building Equity Solidarity and Trust (BEST) group to study methods and policies that foster the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Many of these initiatives have been or continue to be implemented by the EPD. The BEST group focused on the formation of a Community Advisory Board to partner with the police department to facilitate a positive, trusting, and effective relationship between the community and the department.

Board Structure & Requirements

The Police Community Advisory Board (PCAB) is a committee with equal representation from the Town of Essex and the City of Essex Junction. The PCAB is intended to include 3 residents from the Town of Essex and three residents from the City of Essex Junction.

 Must be a resident of the Town of Essex or the City of Essex Junction. 

  • Must be 16 years of age or older
  • Interested in public safety
  • Be a good communicator
  • Support the mission, vision and goals of the PCAB
  • Be able to attend the majority of meetings (at least 80%) 


Building, Belonging, and Inclusion in EssexStep in and Come Together

In 2022 the Town of Essex, and Voices for Inclusion in Essex and Westford (VIEW) co-sponsored an exciting event called, “Step In and Come Together”. The event hosted an opportunity for residents to meet new people in the community and learn about local government, including the boards and committees that support decision-making.

Boards, Committees, and Commissions Stipend Policy

Beginning in 2022, the Town of Essex committed to providing stipends for everyone appointed or elected to a Board, commission, or committee that meets with a routine schedule. Volunteers for boards, committees and commissions may receive $50 per meeting to defer costs and offer assistance with childcare, food, transportation, or other needs in order for the volunteers to be able to attend meetings.  

Selectboard Strategic Planning Goal:

Continually improve access to and accessibility of information and documents.

Relevant Selectboard Values: Accountability; Inclusivity and Safety