In early 2021, the City of Irvine passed a resolution reaffirming Irvine's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in our City and subsequently formed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. The committee's first campaign, We Are Irvine, aims to embrace and celebrate diversity and foster an environment that is inclusive of all cultures, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, perspectives, and ways of thinking.
This web page is an arm of the We Are Irvine campaign and will be updated regularly to reflect the current and upcoming celebrations and observances of our community members and residents. For more health and human Services information, visit our We Are Irvine webpage.
| City of Irvine DE&I Events | |
| Irvine Multicultural Association | City Proclamations and Resolutions |
| Mock Village Proposal | Disability Services |
January 2025
For a description of all DEI recognitions, view our DE&I Calendar.
City of Irvine DE&I Events & Recognitions
Municipal Equality Index
The City of Irvine has earned a perfect score of 100, plus 15 bonus points, on the 2024 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), marking its third consecutive year of achieving this distinction. The MEI, which evaluates cities on LGBTQ+ inclusivity in areas such as non-discrimination laws, municipal services, and leadership, assessed 506 cities this year. Irvine is dedicated to equity and inclusion, fostering a sense of community where everyone feels valued and supported. To learn more, read the press release.
January Proclamations and Resolutions
Korean American Day
At the January 14 City council meeting, the City of Irvine proclaimed January 13, 2025 as Korean American Day. On January 13, 1903, 102 pioneer Korean immigrants arrived in the United States, initiating the first chapter of Korean immigration to America. Korean Americans, like other groups of immigrants that came to the United States before them, have settled and thrived in the United States through strong family ties, community support, and hard work. The Centennial Committees of Korean Immigration and Korean Americans have designated January 13 of each year as “Korean American Day” to commemorate the first step of the long and prosperous journey of Korean Americans in the United States. The City Council of the City of Irvine took official action on January 8, 2008, to approve the recognition of the Federal declaration of Korean American Day on January 13th of each year. The City Council of the City of Irvine encourages all residents to recognize and celebrate this special day.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
At the January 14 meeting, the Irvine City council proclaimed January 20, 2025 as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. January 20, 2025, commemorates the 39th anniversary of the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a Federal Holiday which was signed into legislation in 1983 and first observed in 1986. On August 23, 1994, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act of 1994, which, for the first time, combined a national holiday with a national day of service. Dr. King’s faith, courage, and leadership helped the nation move closer to the ideals of what America was founded upon and continues to inspire Americans. Dr. King’s legacy is recognized on this day and Americans are encouraged to volunteer in civic and community programs to honor the pioneering civil rights leader. The City Council of the City of Irvine encourages all residents to participate in civic, community, and service projects to commemorate the spirit of this national day of service.
Irvine Multicultural Association
The Irvine Multicultural Association (IMA) is a program designed for Irvine's senior residents and offers educational resources and social functions for the community. IMA's mission is to promote harmony and understanding for a better, enlightened, and healthier community. The association was formed by the same group that introduced Irvine's Global Village Festival to the community over 20 years ago.
IMA's planning committee seeks to highlight a particular culture each month through programs like their International Film Series, the English Mentoring Program, and other outlets. For more information on these programs and events, see the DEI events section above, or visit their webpage.
The IMA planning committee is looking for additional members to join the committee. Ideal representatives share the mission of the association. Please see the flier below for more information.
Irvine Multicultural Association Flier
Mock Village Proposal
The Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation are the original inhabitants of the lands that became the County of Orange. Archaeological evidence shows an Acjachemen presence in this region for over 10,000 years. The Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation are interested in establishing a mock village in Irvine. The Irvine City Council is proposing to create a mock village, which is being advanced by Payómkawichum Kaàmalam, which is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit with over thirty years of experience as a cultural advocate and cultural resource manager for the Acjachemen people.
Possible locations for such a mock village in our City could be in the Portola Springs Community Park. City staff is working to create a project to facilitate the design of the proposed mock village at Portola Springs Community Park. The mock village would resemble what the tribal members lived in and could showcase structures that the Acjachemen used as shelter. A historian and design firm would assist the City of Irvine in engagement efforts and project planning for the mock village. The Irvine City Council will continue the conversation and proposal at a future meeting.
