Diversity

Diversity is a core value of the City of Corvallis. Imagine Corvallis 2040, the newly adopted community vision, describes an ongoing goal of promoting "education, communication, and enhanced understanding of cultural differences, welcoming and empowering people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and abilities."

This commitment can be found in the services provided by the City, the policies and laws we have enacted, and in the openness of City government to the perspectives of all its residents. This commitment goes back a number of years. Corvallis adopted a civil rights ordinance in 1992. In 2006, the City Council forwarded a City Charter amendment to the voters to add a provision that requires the City to exercise its powers to ensure the equal protection, treatment and representation of all persons without discrimination. The Charter amendment passed with 63.12% yes votes, reflecting the community's commitment to diversity.

Volunteer Advisory Groups

The City Council created the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Board in 2023 to encourage community engagement with people from diverse backgrounds.

In addition, the City Council operates a Community Police Review Advisory Board to provide an objective, unbiased, accessible process for the review of complaints against the Police Department or Police Officers, and to provide the community with information regarding the accountability of its Police Department in a way that builds trust and enhances communication between the Police and all members of the community.

Feedback and Complaints

Complaints related to discrimination under the City Charter and Civil Rights Ordinance should be directed to the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries at www.oregon.gov/boli or at 503-731-4200, option 1 for civil rights. Housing related complaints can also be sent to the Fair Housing Council at 800.424.3247 or www.fhco.org. For more information on the City Charter or Civil Rights ordinance, or to schedule a presentation for a group regarding the charter or ordinance, contact the Corvallis City Attorney's Office at 541-766-6906.

Diversity in the Workplace

The City is an active member of the Employers' Partnership for Diversity that works to bring training to its employees to raise awareness of diversity issues, and encourage people to think differently about diversity. The City regularly facilitates opportunities for employees to attend training sessions on diversity and harassment.

For more information, explore the links below or contact Human Resources at 541-766-6902.