2020 DEI Survey Results

City of Chandler
Human Relations Commisison
Diversity and
Inclusion
Survey Results
2020

In June 2020, the high-profile killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery
precipitated national attention on systemic racism in the United States -- impacting culture,
government, and industry. In response to these events, several surrounding cities in the East
Valley began cultural dialogues with residents in the form of “Listening Sessions” and
internal review of current and future Diversity and Inclusion efforts.
 
At a Chandler City Council Meeting on June 8, Mayor Kevin Hartke and the City Council issued
a Unity proclamation, which tasked the Chandler Human Relations Commission (HRC) to
engage with the community and make recommendations to the City Council to benefit the
quality of life, economic opportunity and relationships within Chandler. 
 
The Human Relations Commission approved the creation of a subcommittee consisting of
HRC Chair Jacob Bello, Shannon Begay and Tyler Conaway at their July 8th meeting.  The
purpose of this subcommittee was to oversee all steps related to the survey, including
survey question development and a review of all responses.
 
Jacob Bello, chairman of the HRC shared, “This survey will give Chandler residents the chance
to express their thoughts and opinions on this topic. We hope to provide our leaders with a
clear view of how the community-at-large hopes to progress towards innovative efforts in
diversity and inclusion.” 
 
It is the belief of the HRC subcommittee that no single recommendation will “solve” all the
perceived issues. The best results will be obtained by initiating these recommendations in
collaboration with community groups, cultural leaders, Chandler schools and City of
Chandler departments such as Human Resources, Communications and Public Affairs,
Neighborhood Resources and Chandler Police.
 
The City of Chandler is a world-class City that provides an exceptional quality of life for all
residents. Initiating these recommendations will take critical steps towards the building of
trust and value among residents who work, live and play here.
 
The following recommendations were developed by the Human Relations Commission
subcommittee and approved by the full Human Relations Commission at their October 21,
2020 regular meeting.
Page 02
Executive Summary

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Recommendations to City of Chandler
Identify best practices to improve diversity statistics within the City’s administration.
Evaluate recruiting pipelines which ensure hiring opportunities for city roles reach
diverse audiences.
Revamp and maintain regular training and education for city staff.
Collaborate with relevant stakeholders for creating media regarding existing community
building events and efforts.
Enrich educational forums, townhalls and cultural events for residents.
Enhance the network of communication with Chandler schools on Diversity education.
Evaluate necessary staffing, such as Diversity and Inclusion Officer, and resources to
accomplish consultant recommendations.
We recommend employing a Diversity and Inclusion consultant to work with City
departments in the following areas:
Human Relations Commission
and Mission
The members of the Chandler Human Relations Commission include: 
 
Jacob Bello, Chair
Ozetta Kirby
Shahzad Amjad
Trini Decker
Shen-Yi
Michelle Chang
            
The mission of the Chandler Human Relations Commission is: 
 
 “Elevating and celebrating the diverse population of Chandler through ongoing engagement
in multicultural, educational and inclusive efforts so that everyone is valued and has the
opportunity to thrive.
 
The 11 members broadly represent the diverse demographics of the community. The
Commission makes recommendations to discourage all manner and the manifestation of
discriminatory practices and assist the City Council and City departments on ways in which
people from different racial, cultural or religious backgrounds can be made to feel at home
within the Chandler Community.
Sharyn Younger, Vice Chair
Victor Hardy
John Anguiano
Joseph Curbelo
Tyler Conaway
Shannon Begay

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Survey Process and Questions
What is your affiliation with the City of Chandler? Select all that apply.
What is your current zip code?
How long have you lived there?
What are some of the reasons you chose to live or work Chandler?
The Chandler Human Relations Commission's mission is to elevate and celebrate the
diverse population of Chandler, so that everyone is valued and has the opportunity to
thrive. Do you feel your voice is represented in Chandler's city government (through the
City's policies/programs/events)?
Are you aware of the City's Diversity programs and events?
When was the last time you attended a City event?
What can the City of Chandler do to improve diversity and inclusion for all its residents?
Please provide your contact information if you would like to get involved with the City’s
Diversity Office. A member of our staff will contact you directly.
Do you know who your elected officials are?
Do you know how to connect with Chandler elected officials?
How do you receive news and information about the City of Chandler? Select all that
apply.
What is your income level?
What is your age?
How do you identify yourself? Select all that apply.
Do you have anything else to share?
The Chandler Human Relations Commission subcommittee worked with Diversity staff to
create a survey with the goal of capturing accurate and insightful information on the future
of Diversity and Inclusion initiatives in Chandler.
Diversity staff worked with the Communications and Public Affairs Department to provide an
online survey (in English and Spanish) that was open to Chandler residents and those who
work or spend time in Chandler.  The survey was open online from September 9 – 30, 2020. 
 In total, 665 responses were received.
The questions asked in this survey were:  
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Statements captured in this report are based on the opinions, concerns and feelings of the
individuals taking the survey.  The Chandler Human Relations Commission has not been able
to corroborate the views expressed in this survey.  We strongly urge you to not make any
generalizations from the information presented in the following report.
Disclaimer

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What is your affiliation with
the City of Chandler?
Chandler business owner
Children go to school in district
Own property in Chandler
*Additional comments to "Other" include:
Resident
66.1%
Work in Chandler
29%
*Other
4.9%
What is your current zip code?
85225
85286
85249
85226
85224
85248
85244
85246
Other
150 
100 
50 
0

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How long have you lived here?
Chandler business owner
Children go to school in district
Own property in Chandler
*Additional comments to "I do not live in Chandler" include:

Page 07
What is your income level?
What is your age?

Page 08
Are you aware of the City's
Diversity programs and events?
Yes
51%
No
49%
Yes
85%
No
15%
Yes
83%
No
17%
Do you know who your
elected officials are?
Do you know how to connect
with Chandler elected officials?
Yes
70%
No
30%
Have you attended a
City event?

Page 09
How do you receive news and
information about the City of Chandler?
Chandler Library newsletters
Visitor guide
Chandler Chamber of Commerce
Legislative meetings
Mailed City of Chandler newspaper/magazine
CUSD
City's internal communications (Quicklook, Chanweb)
Go chandler
Chandler officials, city council
San Tan Sun News/Community Impact Newspaper/Local news reports online
*Additional comments to "Other" include:
City Website
Facebook
Friends/Family Neighbors
Local Newspaper and Magazines
Publications
CityScope
Nextdoor
TV or radio stations
Instagram
Email: eNewsletters
Twitter
YouTube
LinkedIn
*Other, please specify
59%
49%
44%
39%
36%
33%
25%
23%
20%
19%
17%
7%
6%
6%

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Do you feel your voice is represented in
Chandler's city government (through the
City's policies/programs/events)?
Yes
57%
No
27%
*Other
16%
I haven’t been as involved on that level to test out if limitations exist or opportunities
are there. I’m a pretty resourceful person but I do wonder what the experience is for
those who don’t know how to locate information.
Generally, yes, but city leaders need to hit the streets more versus just seeing the city
from the lens of their neighborhoods and city hall.
Policies no but as far as events there is a wide range which is great. As an African
American, I do not think that enough people know the black history chandler has to
offer. As far as policy with council I do not think the underprivileged communities are
being heard of their needs.
I think the city puts too much emphasis on diversity as a value. Merit should be the
only value.
Limited diversity represented in city government.
It's not up to a city to do this. If someone wants their voice heard, they can make
contact with the area of city government that they need to reach.
I’ve never seen any problems with CHANDLER.
We need more Councilmembers who represent the community around us. We need
more funding to help communities who need it. There are many neighborhoods and
groups that are overlooked and in my opinion, not valued or celebrated.
Have not been as active in following so unable to answer, but plan to improve on that
I see things that are good for mostly able-bodied folks, but less so for those with
invisible disabilities.
Additional comments to "Other" include:

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Check all that apply:
American.
Decline to answer.
Ally to all of the above.
I identify myself by my name, not
my ethnicity or sexual orientation
which can tend to divide us. 
Immigrant.
I have an LGBTQ+ member of my
household, so I am very interested
in those issues.
Thank you, I appreciate the
breakdown of race /ethnicity.
Autistic
Additional comments to "Other"
include:

Stop talking about it. You are deliberately trying to create division and racism where it
doesn't exist.
Nothing. Stay the **** out of everyone's lives.  Stop pandering to the outrage of the
month club.  The role of government is infrastructure and public safety. Anything else is
excessive and wastes tax payer money.
The "diversity and inclusion" that is being practiced is along lines of race and other
social identity issues such as gender or sexual orientation and needs to be shut own.
This is not true diversity, but leftist political ideology disguised as social justice. People
should be hired on their merits, not their gender or skin color. For example, it is racist to
hire someone just because they are black, because you are saying that blacks somehow
cannot compete and function in society at the same level as others. I believe the same
way about diversity and inclusion programs, as they are inevitably used as tools for
discrimination where the claim is that it is okay since it the discrimination (usually
against white, male and straight sexual orientation) provides some perceived equity in
the community.
Con/General
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Make sure all people feel valued and that all voices are heard.
I think Chandler does a good job of offering events and opportunities for lots of
different cultures and backgrounds.
Speak for those who don't have a strong voice.
Value ALL citizens, not just the ones with the loudest voices at any given time.
Include all always.
Make sure that all race, gender feel comfortable and apart of the city.
Pro/General
 Con/General
 Pro/General
 Education Opportunities
 LGBTQ+ Inclusion
 Staffing/Leadership Representation
 Community Policing
 Expand Events and Locations
 Expand Communication and Marketing
 Other
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
What can the City of Chandler do to improve
Diversity and Inclusion for all its residents?
The following themes were consistently reflected in survey responses to this question.

Provide education to all city employees, law enforcement, school faculty etc. to defeat
racism. Make it known that Chandler does not tolerate discrimination of any kind and
that our community is welcoming to all regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation.
Diversity and implicit bias training for all city employees and the PD. Celebrations of
non- traditional holidays such as Juneteenth and Dawali... but done by reaching out to
the communities that celebrate and centering them.
More partnerships with local company employee resource groups to generate best
practice sharing, listening sessions and promote training and awareness opportunities
within the community.
Increase resources for City's Diversity strategic planning to assure residents are
included and represented. Develop diversity initiatives as part of the general plan.
Consider equity and inclusion versus 'diversity'.   Expand definition of anti-
discrimination policy to represent ALL citizens.
It would be great for the city to partner more with its school district. We appreciate the
support we get from the diversity department and opportunities for grants. We look
forward to continuing to work with the city.
More storytelling on social platforms showcasing diversity among residents and
business owners. Celebrate other cultures publicly and stand up against injustice. Be
direct with messaging- don't dance around issues because they are uncomfortable.
It is my experience that we lack the fundamental vocabulary to engage in meaningful
dialogs.  When we talk race relations, I do not know what are acceptable terms. Is
getting that conversation started as simple as an ongoing article in the local
publications, or a short public message on TV stations?
Education Opportunities
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Themes
Address the needs of the LGBTQ population by amending the ordinance to prevent
discrimination in housing and employment.   Also, when we can meet in public,
showcase the LGBTQ community in an event.
Please start participating openly in the LGBTQ pride event.
I think you do a pretty good job, and work to be proactive with events and activities. I
would like to see better public LGBTQ support, however. It seems to be a hidden issue. 
 Our Council especially needs to get on board.
We are often compared to Gilbert or Tempe and I find it strange that they tend to
acknowledge certain events that go unnoticed in Chandler. During pride week. Gilbert
lit their water tower and I don’t recall any mention from our city government.
I would like the city council to more thoughtfully assess the benefits of supporting non-
discrimination policies, particularly in the area of LGBTQ inclusion, and to invest more
heavily in events that encourage diversity and inclusion among all residents.
LGBTQ+ Inclusion

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Themes
We need better representation in leadership roles within our city government. We need
to encourage and support individuals who are not reflected to RUN for office. This is
essential. These efforts must be intentional, in that we understand what barriers may
exist to marginalized individuals who end up not running for office. Innovation exists
when we embrace a diversity of thought, race, gender in all levels of our government.
Promote diversity louder at every chance you get.  Make sure there is equal
representation at every level of government. Just be intentional and consistent.
The City of Chandler should demonstrate its commitment to diversity through its
actions.  It is good to have a statement about embracing diversity - however the words
should be reflected in the actions of the city including its financial support of diversity
and inclusion programs.
Hire more diverse staff in City/Police/Fire to reflect the diversity of the community.
Hire more diverse staff, provide more resources to under-served populations (those
experiencing homelessness, mentally ill, elderly, disabled people). Improve accessibility
of services .
Hold consistent town halls where those in the community have the opportunity to
learn, discuss, or contribute to the conversation. I was happy to see that a more diverse
group was elected to our city council. I hope those that serve, or hope to serve in the
future, recognize that with their election comes an obligation to listen to all citizens, not
only those that share their political views or also see life through their personal lens.
Ensure all committees have diverse representation, provide programs and funding for
people from underrepresented communities, ensure diverse hiring practices.
Hire more diverse people into leadership positions.  Promote inclusion programs.
Chandler has historical been ran by white folks while the minorities percentages
continue to grow.
Staffing/Leadership Representation
Show a more diverse police force and have community engagement events that
represent the entire City of Chandler.
Maybe just have PD have outreach events. Given the current climate and views of PD on
the national level. (Not chandler that I have seen thankfully) it is always good to build
trust within your community regardless if you have had issues or not.
Continue to improve access to basic life necessities. Continue to improve police
relationships with diverse populations and interactions with schools.
Police - with the tensions on a rise in the country, feature the diversity of the
department more.
Hire diverse police officers and teacher etc, ensure any social media posts or marketing
efforts display diversity. Celebrate diversity often.
Community Policing

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Themes
Once public health permits create more public events in other parts of Chandler (not
just downtown and Tumbleweed). For example, smaller events in places like Navarrete
Park, Gazelle.
Meadows Park or Apache Park. Expand opportunities through The Vision Gallery for
rotating art displays within neighborhoods that reflects the history of the
neighborhood.  Create more social media spotlights that demonstrate community
members of all backgrounds. Utilize Chamber of Commerce to create pathways to
employment for those who may not currently have equal access. Ensure that Diversity
Office is engaged with zoning regarding the pending historic preservation ordinance.
A lot of the events happen in either downtown or Tumbleweed. West Chandler would
benefit from events to bring the community together without having to travel far or be
stuck in traffic- such as Downtown. There are quite a few parks in our vicinity that
would benefit from engagements such as music under the stars, children's activities,
etc.
Continue to host cultural events and possibly host the more well-known cultural events
that are typically recognized to be held in Phoenix, Tempe, etc. Continue to work with
schools to increase diversity in not only the student population but highly encourage
schools to hire diverse teachers and staff.
More community events….expand multicultural events, international music, food
festivals, international clothing fashion show, share traditions and beliefs. Highlight a
culture every month to learn about similarities Improving Diversity comes with
acknowledging others maybe though cultural events beyond Hispanic cultures but
Asian, African, Greecean, Indian and Pakistani.
Host Town Hall events- Cultural Fairs- Highlight minority business owners in the city!
Provide Information on companies in Chandler that have a D&I initiative or ethnic ERG
Provide more diverse event options within the community with more communication
presented to all. More online presence of virtual events during this time. Awareness
and diversity/inclusion.
Training and seminars. Open forum discussions with the city council and various other
businesses and organizations.
Make all events accessible. I use a wheelchair, and accessibility is poor at most of the
city's events. We are a new city. We should be a leader.
Expand Events and Locations

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Themes
I think the city does a good job hosting events, but as someone who works in
Chandler...I rarely see the advertisements for them. Maybe the marketing can be
improved. I'm lucky to see these items as part of my work, but otherwise I wouldn't
know about them.
Continue to hire with diversity in mind. Continue to show case diverse populations in
city print and advertising, help diverse populations thrive through needed public social
services and city supports when needed.
More articles in the San Tan Sun would be a start. Have some about important (non
christian) holidays, and events.
Public art, lighting city hall different colors, murals, investing in art for every public and
government facility, public opinion polls, weekly or monthly surveys, mayor interviewing
different kinds of people (even if just for a minute), a program to put new photographs
of actual chandler residents in all chandler media, not buying photographs of people
not actually from chandler for marketing materials, reaching out to regional
organizations (for women, religions, minorities, different ages, different orientations,
etc) to ask how Chandler can participate in a larger regional way to become known as
the diversity center (more than Phoenix by default, and more than Tempe by
reputation).
I think the City does a good job with diversity and inclusion for the residents. Maybe
more outreach to underserved areas of the City.
Expand Communication and Marketing
Be inclusive of residents with disabilities, especially in programs offered to the
community (i.e., caption video addresses, provide multiple contact options - phone, text,
live chat). More representation of BIPOC, disabled individuals, etc. on staff, boards, and
committees. Allow more multi-family housing to be built for affordable housing for all.
It's time to move on from events to more quantitative action. The city should study the
latest strategies to provide assistance to marginalized community members. Whether
that means developing more homeownership opportunities for black and Latinax
residents or reaching out to Chandlers LGBTQ community members to determine their
comfort in living in our community. Events are great. But the world is hurting. Take real
actions to set goals and implement programs that provide justice for all.  
Please don't forget the contribution our churches make to this community. I realize that
in decades past churches were part of the cultural mainstream and that the Diversity
Office is probably focused on those groups who have been traditionally overlooked.  In
doing so, please remember the contributions that churches (and other religions) make to
our community (IHELP, etc) and that they, too, are part of the diversity in our city.
Other

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Themes
Defining what diversity and inclusion means for Chandler and how it looks like in the
day to day.  People need to feel this is about them, and for them and how it is
experienced in different ways for different people.  We need more spaces to share
stories so we can all connect in a human level.  Finally, provide training related to
unconscious bias for example.  We don't know what we don't know until we make a
conscious effort to identify how our biases impact our decisions, our behavior and the
way we treat others.
Affordable housing for people who want to own. I know chandler is limited on space,
but our residents can't better their financial  future by remaining tenants.
Could I suggest an Autism-friendly event(s) for -Autistic Adults-? Not everyone is
diagnosed as a child or has Autistic children, and even then, I'm sure they might
appreciate a chance for their Autistic late teen and young adults to have some
programming. Before COVID, I went to quite a few events down town, but I always
packed my  firing range rated earplugs to help block out some of the extremely loud
music and other noises over the PA etc.
I think the primary obstacle is helping diverse communities understand the processes
that ALREADY exist for them to pursue accountability and have their voices included in
community discussion.  I'm saddened as I interact with individuals who believe 'the
system' doesn't represent them yet also never engage WITH 'the system.'  So helping
individuals/communities better understand the paths that ALREADY exist to represent
them, seems key.  Thank you; we appreciate those who serve our community.
Recognize that residents are all colors and ages, and don't automatically assume that
current programs address are sufficient.
Continue to invite all residents, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds,
to the table to make decisions and lead events, make it a safe space for all to participate
and be treated with respect. Visibility and representation is incredibly meaningful. While
I was growing up, having more of that would have meant the world to me. I think
supporting and having diverse writers/speakers/creators of publications, social media
(which I feel the IG page is doing well), and other communication is important to help
elevate underrepresented voices. I am hopeful for the younger generation this will be
the case.
Support and promote women and minority owned businesses and initiatives.
Other (Continued)