The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) advances the Town’s commitment to accessibility, equity, and belonging for all community members. We:

1. Lead efforts to identify and address systemic barriers within Town policies, practices, and services, and advise on strategies that remove barriers and expand access to Town resources and opportunities.
   
   
2. Oversee language access planning to ensure Town services and information are available to all community members.
   
   
3. Partner with Town departments to build accessible, welcoming, and responsive public services.
   
   
4. Support advisory commissions such as Human Rights, Rainbow, and Disability Commissions in advancing equity, accessibility, and community engagement.
   
   
5. Design and support educational and cultural programs that foster understanding, promote inclusion, celebrate diversity, honor the uniqueness of all individuals, and strengthen connections across Arlington’s communities.
   
   
6. Collaborate with residents and local organizations to co-create initiatives and policies that center community voices, promote shared learning, and achieve sustainable, meaningful impact.

Our work is ongoing, collaborative, and rooted in the belief that equity and access benefit everyone. We welcome your ideas and input for community programs and events. Please reach out to DEI@town.arlington.ma.us to connect with our team.

The Town of Arlington is committed to making its programs, services, and spaces accessible to all. We provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that our community remains safe, welcoming, and inclusive for everyone who lives, works, or visits Arlington.

We also work closely with the Disability Commission, which identifies local accessibility challenges, advises the Town on compliance with state and federal laws, and coordinates programs to meet the needs of people with disabilities. 

For ADA-specific concerns, please use the following resources: 

• ADA Grievance Procedure
• ADA Complaint Form

Our commissions ensure that community voices help guide Town decision-making and strengthen Arlington’s commitment to equity, accessibility, and belonging. We support three resident-led Commissions: The Human Rights Commission (AHRC), the Disability Commission, and the LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Commission.

Residents are encouraged to get involved whether by joining a commission, volunteering at events, or sharing ideas. To learn more, reach out directly to a commission, or email DEI@town.arlington.ma.us. 

Arlington Human Rights Commission (AHRC)

A thirteen-member Commission that promotes the fair and equal treatment of all individuals in Arlington. It responds to complaints of discrimination, provides education on civil rights, and hosts community gatherings that celebrate the Town’s diversity.

• Report an Incident: Discrimination Complaint Form
• Contact: AHRC@town.arlington.ma.us

Disability Commission

A nine-member Commission that works closely with the Town’s ADA Coordinator to ensure the full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life. It raises awareness of accessibility rights, advises on Town planning, and advocates for programs that improve quality of life.

• Contact: Disabilitycomm@town.arlington.ma.us 

LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Commission

A 7–9-member Commission that promotes the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ residents in Arlington through advocacy, affirming policies, community programs, and resource sharing. The Commission also builds partnerships and strengthens community connections to ensure that LGBTQIA+ individuals and groups feel supported and valued. 

• Contact:  Rainbow@town.arlington.ma.us

Read our Racial Equity Statement

Arlington Report:  Community Summary (2022)

Arlington Final Report:  Equity Audit (2022)

Community Survey Charts (2022)

Visit the Language Access Page.

Request for Information (RFI)

Community-Inspired Events, Recognitions, and Programs Form:
The Town of Arlington’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), which also oversees the ADA Office, is seeking information and ideas from the Arlington community. We invite submissions for community-inspired events, educational programs, and heritage or awareness observances that promote belonging, accessibility, and inclusion.

This RFI is intended to gather ideas that may help inform planning and identify opportunities for potential support, promotion, or collaboration from the DEI Office. Any future support is subject to available resources, alignment with Town priorities, and review by relevant departments.

Submissions are welcome from residents, community organizations, municipal departments, and partners whose work reflects the Town’s commitment to belonging, accessibility, inclusion, and non-discrimination. Examples include cultural celebrations, workshops, educational displays, and awareness campaigns.

To help us plan thoughtfully and use our resources responsibly, please share your ideas at least two months in advance. Draft ideas are welcome as early submissions give us time to connect and refine plans together.

Submit your idea here.

Planning and Review Guidelines:
To align with the Town’s mission and values, ideas should meet these standards:

• Activities should be accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the ADA and applicable laws.
• Ideas must not discriminate against or exclude anyone based on any protected category under federal, state, or local law.
• The Town cannot participate in or support activities that promote hate speech, violence, or violate laws or policies.
• Activities should serve a clear public interest and promote equity, respect, and mutual understanding.

Please note: This RFI is for planning and information-gathering purposes only. It does not constitute a commitment by the Town to fund or implement any proposed idea. 

If you have any questions or need help with the form, please contact us at DEI@town.arlington.ma.us.Thank you for working with us to build a welcoming and inclusive Arlington for all.

The Black Joy Project

The Black Joy Project was a collaboration between the Arts Council of Arlington and the DEI Division from 2021-2023. Our goal was to provide a space for Black community members to come together, find community, and explore creative placemaking. 

Community Conversations 

Community Conversations was a series of conversations that took place from 2020-2021 centered on equity in Arlington. The conversations covered a breadth of topics such as race, housing, education, environment, and accountability. Watch the series of conversations.