Lack Of Representation In Framingham Affects Community: Report

FRAMINGHAM, MA — A recent report found that while Framingham has a dedication to diversity and inclusion, a lack of ethnic/racial and cultural representation in government offices can lead to barriers in the community. The city hired Korn Ferry, a management and consulting firm, to evaluate how the City is meeting the needs of its diverse population. The firm interviewed seven city division heads and 11 employees from April 18, 2019 to April 23, 2019.

In both the executive and individual interviews, the report found that "Lack of cultural, ethnic/racial, and language diversity reflects a disconnect between the City of Framingham and the populations it serves." Language barriers came up as a significant finding as well, with 90 percent of city employees being English-speaking, a significant barrier is created, according to the report, to truly understanding and servicing its residents and the community at large. Residents in Framingham speak 26 different languages.

In the executive interviews, an unnamed division head said, "We have a lot of Brazilian people in the community, but they are not working in the government outside of maintenance. When you look at your staff think if it is inclusive of everyone in your city."

Leaders interviewed did say they felt diversity and inclusion was a top priority for the city. They noted the mayor's efforts to reach out to underserved communities and said they would like to see more community outreach.

Having a unified approach to attaining the city's goal of representing diversity and inclusion in government was mentioned by members in the individual interviews, as a shortcoming.

“City Council did a proclamation for pride, which is important, but I don’t see them as very open or on the same level as the Mayor,” one employee said. The disconnect is not only felt between the city's two highest branches but in the offices as well. "It doesn’t seem like a lot of the offices are in sync. It doesn’t seem like one cohesive unit," another employee said.

As one of several recommendations, the report recommends the city establish consistent communication channels to reinforce strategy, priorities, best practices, success stories, etc.

The report also found that government employees are frustrated with a lack of progress in their positions, citing no differentiator or incentive in compensation between performance of people in same and/or similar roles. The report said people typically leave for career advancement, and not because they are unhappy.

Overall city employees seem to be on board with creating a more diverse and inclusive government for the residents of Framingham.

Check out the full report: