Champaign, Chicago, and Rockford Achieve Highest Rating Possible
For the eleventh year in a row, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation has recognized the City of Champaign for its inclusive LGBTQ+ laws, policies, and services. Today the Foundation released its 11th Annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI), which ranked Champaign, Chicago, and Rockford as the highest rated cities in Illinois. The City of Champaign’s MEI score of 100 reflects a six point increase since last year.
Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen said, “I’m very proud of this accomplishment, which shows the City of Champaign’s commitment to making our community as welcoming as possible to our valued LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. Thanks to the commitment and leadership shown by the City Council, executive management, and staff, Champaign continues to be at the forefront in Illinois for advancing policies that are inclusive and protective of our LGBTQ+ community members.”
The City of Champaign’s LGBTQ+ Liaison Kris Koester added, “The City of Champaign strives to make a positive impact on the lives of our residents, visitors, and businesses. The recognition by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation through the Municipal Equality Index provides a recognition of the work we have done in the areas of diversity and inclusion. I know leadership and staff will continue to work in this area as well as social justice and human rights.”
Produced annually, the Municipal Equality Index is used to measure how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are for the LGBTQ+ community. The MEI rates cities on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.
The 11th Annual Municipal Equality Index analyzed 506 American cities using 49 different criteria. This year’s MEI included ratings for nine Illinois municipalities. The MEI report shows the average MEI score for all American cities evaluated this year was 68. The full MEI report is available to review at hrc.org/mei.