The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation released its annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI) for 2025. This is the fourteenth year of the MEI, and the seventh year Arlington has been included. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Municipality Equality Index examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are in cities and towns across the country. Arlington received a final score of 97 points.

“I’m pleased that Arlington continues to score high in the annual Municipal Equality Index,” said Arlington Town Manager, Jim Feeney. “Arlington strives to be a welcoming and inclusive community. I am very appreciative of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team and the LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Commission for their continued efforts in making Arlington inclusive for all.”

“The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s MEI is an important indicator of how cities and towns in the U.S. support their LGBTQIA+ residents and communities,” said Molly Gillis, co-chair of the Town of Arlington’s LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Commission. “The Arlington Rainbow Commission is proud to collaborate with our town partners and extended community to continue to make Arlington a safe and welcoming place to live and visit.”

Arlington’s past scores were 98 in 2018; 100 in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024. A score of 100 is the highest a municipality can receive. The reduction in the 2025 score was the result of a reporting error that has since been rectified, however, after MEI published its report. View Arlington’s 2025 MEI Scorecard. 

The 2025 MEI rates a total of 506 cities on 49 different criteria from every state in the nation. The MEI is the only comprehensive nationwide assessment of LGBTQ+ equality in the areas of municipal policies, laws and services. Read the 2025 Municipal Equality Index.