TC VOTES TO SET DIVERSITY GOALS FOR TOWN BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

A major push to increase diversity among the Township's boards and committees has apparently begun as the Township Committee this week passed a resolution that seeks to add more minorities, renters and younger adults to its committees by the end of 2018.

The TC voted, 5-0, on the proposal that would set specific levels to be reached within the next two and a half years.

Mayor Vic Deluca pointed out that among the 100 residents serving on town committees and boards, just 22% are people of color. The resolution sets a goal of 33% by the end of 2018.

He also found that only 20% of the boards have members who are between 40 and 49 years old, and none are between 30 and 39 years old. He added that several boards have no renters even though 22% of homes are occupied by renters.

The legislation sets a goal of having 25% of the boards and committee members be between the ages of 30 and 49, noting that most are 40 or older, Deluca said.

"Quite honestly some of our committees are tilting way beyond the average age in Maplewood, the mean age is under 40," he said. "We have to take a look at that."

Finally, Deluca sought to increase the percentage of renters on the boards by 10%. "We are not close to the number of renters in Maplewood," Deluca said.

"This is three appointment cycles, 2016, 2017 and 2018, so there is a fairly long process," Deluca said.

The TC unanimously approved the resolution and goals in a 5-0 vote Wednesday night.