Our Background
The Woodbury Racial Equity Collaborative began with leadership from the Woodbury Community Foundation and the YMCA by bringing community leaders together from City and County government, Public Safety, Non-profits, School Districts, Public health, and the local Business Community to begin conversations about racial equity in Woodbury. A group of 35 leaders met in March of 2022 to examine the following question: As Woodbury becomes a more diverse community, what do we need to address to ensure Woodbury is a welcoming community where all feel included and valued? A steering committee was formed, and members have been meeting for the last 18 months on an action plan. The initial meeting also identified racial equity in affordable housing as a key issue to examine.
Action Planning & Goals
The steering committee formed four workgroups: Health & Housing, Culture & Community; Support And Business in order to begin working on an action plan with the initial goals:
Identify the inequities around affordable housing in Woodbury.
The Health & Housing workgroup has been meeting with city and county agencies and local experts. As a result three community education panel on the topic of Affordable Housing will begin in August.
Develop an engagement plan to deliver key messages and resources.
The Culture & Community workgroup identified a shared desire with other community members and groups to create an event that would celebrate Woodbury's multiculturalism. Efforts are underway to host an event called One Woodbury in September.
Research experts to help deliver community learning around racial equity and inclusion.
The Support workgroup has been working to identify potential partnerships and collaboration with equity consultants and identifying community leaders to participate in these efforts.
Develop a funding plan to support the ongoing work.
The Business workgroup has taken the internal action plan to create public communications and strategies to raise awareness and financial support for ongoing efforts of Woodbury Racial Equity Collaborative.
Racial Equity and Affordable Housing Series
Three community education panels on the topic of racial equity and affordable housing will begin in August.
How We Got Here - A Historic Perspective on Discriminatory Housing Practices
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
6:00-7:30pm
Central Park Amphitheater
FREE
​
Featuring Rebecca Gillette from Mapping Prejudice
A Systemic Approach
The Woodbury Racial Equity Collaborative is made up of volunteers and staff who represent various community systems, organizations and groups in Woodbury, MN. Our team is also made up of community members who reside in Woodbury.
Schools
-
SoWashCo Schools
-
Stillwater/ District 834 Schools
Government
-
City of Woodbury
-
Washington County Comissioners
-
District 622 Schools
Non-Profit
-
Woodbury Community Foundation
-
YMCA of the North
-
League of Women Voters
-
Woodbury for Justice & Equality
-
SoWashCo Cares
Policing
-
City of Woodbury Public Safety
Healthcare
-
Washington County Public Health
Housing
-
Washington County Community Development Agency
Business
-
Woodbury Chamber of Commerce
-
Local Real Estate & Mortgage Professionals
-
DEI Professionals
Media
-
South Washington County Telecommunications