(Updated November 19, 2025 to correct post title)
The City of Champaign has once again achieved the highest possible score on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2025 Municipal Equality Index, reflecting the City’s long-standing commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community. This recognition marks the fourteenth consecutive year that the Human Rights Campaign Foundation has acknowledged Champaign’s leadership in advancing supportive LGBTQ+ laws, policies, and services. The Municipal Equality Index (MEI) is a nationwide evaluation of how effectively municipalities uphold and promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity. As in past years, Champaign earned a perfect score of 100 on the 2025 assessment.
“The City of Champaign is proud to once again earn a perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index,” said Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen. “This recognition reflects the City’s ongoing work to build a community where LGBTQ+ residents feel respected, supported, and safe. The City Council’s commitment to equality continues to shape policies that strengthen inclusion and celebrate the diversity that makes our community a place everyone can truly belong.”
Champaign’s LGBTQ+ Liaison Kris Koester added, “We are pleased to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign. We know that perfect scores on the Municipal Equality Index do not happen by accident. Intentional inclusivity and inclusive progress are part of what the City of Champaign builds upon every day, from policy to practice. Our community is stronger when everyone plays a part in it, and we remain dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive place for all.”
The MEI evaluates cities across several categories, including nondiscrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality. The 14th Annual Municipal Equality Index assessed hundreds of American cities—each measured against 49 distinct criteria designed to gauge their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity. This year, a record-breaking 130 cities, or over 25 percent of all MEI-rated cities, earned the highest score of 100, while 76 cities earned over 85 points despite hailing from a state without non-discrimination statutes that explicitly protect sexual orientation and gender identity.
For more information about the 2025 Municipal Equality Index, visit hrc.org/mei.
The City of Champaign remains committed to sustaining and strengthening inclusive policies and practices that support all residents, ensuring our community continues to be a place where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered.