Today, the Bay Area Community Foundation (BACF) released the 2023 Bay County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Report. This report provides insight into the unique, lived experiences of Bay County residents. The intention of this report is to assess experiences with DEI in our community.
The report analyzes Bay County demographics, racial and ethnic relations, housing, socioeconomics, education and policing and criminal justice using data from sources such as the U.S. Census, federal, state and local agencies and professional/academic publications. Data analysis in these focus areas provides a baseline to assess the DEI climate in the community.
“We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are critical components of a healthy, thriving community,” said Diane Mahoney, President & CEO. “Fostering an equitable community where all feel a sense of belonging and have the opportunity to thrive is an aspiration of BACF and is the reason why this study was critical.”
Researchers Dr. Kenneth Jolly and Dr. Evelyn Ravuri from Saginaw Valley State University were contracted by BACF to compile this report based on quantitative data from the U.S. Census Bureau, including the 2019 American Community Survey and qualitative data collected through the Bay County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Community Survey.
This work was guided and informed by the following local community partners:
- Bangor Township Schools
- Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
- Bay-Arenac Intermediate School District
- Bay City Department of Public Safety
- Bay County Sheriff’s Office
- Bay County Treasurer/Bay County Land Bank
- City of Bay City
- Do-All, Inc.
- Great Lakes Bay Pride
- Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance
- Michigan Sugar Company
- Minority Business Partnership
- NAACP-Bay City Branch
- Saginaw Valley State University
- THRIVE, an initiative of MiHIA
- United Way of Bay County
- YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region
For more information about BACF’s commitment to DEI and to access the report, visit https://bayfoundation.org/initiatives/dei/. You may call the office at 989.893.4438 for a printed version of the report.
Anyone who feels passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion in our region is welcome to join the conversation by contacting BACF at 989.893.4438 or bacfnd@bayfoundation.org.
