The City of Irvine has achieved a perfect score of 100 — and 15 bonus points — on the 2024 Municipal Equality Index (MEI). It’s the third consecutive year the City has received a perfect score on the prestigious Human Rights Campaign (HRC) rating, which serves as a benchmark for assessing how extensively cities have embraced LGBTQ+ inclusivity within their laws, policies, and services.

The 2024 MEI examined 506 cities based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and the City leadership's public position on LGBTQ+ equality. 

“This perfect rating, awarded three years in a row, is a testament to our commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in Irvine,” said Mayor Farrah N. Khan. “We are proud to be recognized for creating a community where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.”

Irvine received 15 bonus points, nearly double the points received last year, in the following MEI categories, including:

• Non-Discrimination Laws: 30 out of 30 points, plus four bonus points (two for single-occupancy all-gender facilities; two for youth protection from conversion therapy).
• Municipality as an Employer: 28 out of 28 points, plus one bonus point for City employee domestic partner benefits.
• Municipal Services: 12 out of 12 points, plus 10 bonus points (six for City services to the LGBTQ+ community; two for City services to people living with HIV or AIDS; and two for City services to the transgender community).

The City of Irvine has long been dedicated to fostering a welcome and inclusive community. In January 2021, the Irvine City Council passed a resolution reaffirming its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) and established the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee to help facilitate a more inclusive environment that values diverse cultures and backgrounds. 

Through its Office of Health and Wellness, the City is dedicated to ensuring Irvine’s diverse population has access to vital resources and services. Additionally, the City celebrates its vibrant LGBTQ+ community through events that encourage inclusivity and belonging, such as the annual Pride in Irvine event, which brings the community together to raise the Progress Flag at the Irvine Civic Center and connect residents with local resources. 

For more information about the City of Irvine’s programs and initiatives to promote unity, inclusivity, and diversity, please visit weareirvine.org.

The full 2024 MEI report is available at hrc.org/mei.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Americans. This year, a record-breaking 130 cities or more than 25 percent of all MEI-rated cities earned the highest score of 100.