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Community, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts

Diversity is interwoven into Rockville’s story. According to Rockville’s community survey, residents believe the city has high quality, secure neighborhoods where they can raise children and retire, that Rockville is respectful of different cultures and beliefs, and that it is committed to creating a welcoming community for all backgrounds.

The scope and impact of social justice, racism, and bias on the community has been a leading priority for the Mayor and Council, especially following nationwide protests after the 2020 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Watch the Mayor and Council’s statement condemning Floyd’s death.

Measuring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Rockville is one of the most ethnically diverse small cities in the United States. The city’s Asian, Hispanic, and Black populations have all increased since 1980, with the Asian population growing the most.

According to the 2020 census, Rockville’s racial and ethnic breakdown was:

  • White alone: 31,837 (47.4%)
  • Black or African American alone: 7,329 (10.9%)
  • Asian alone: 14,477 (21.6%)
  • Two or more races: 7,738 (11.5%)
  • Some other race alone: 5,302 (7.9%)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native alone: 394 (0.6%)
  • Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone: 40 (0.1%)

Using 2020 Decennial Census data and 2021 American Community Survey five-year estimates, a data-driven tool was developed to identify equity focus areas within the city. These areas are characterized by higher concentrations of lower-income residents who may face language barriers, experience financial strain as renters, have lower levels of education, or lack access to health insurance. The tool helps guide city plans, policies, and regulations to benefit all community members and support decisions that reduce inequity.

Practicing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Rockville works to ensure equal treatment, free of discrimination, for all community members who live, work, or visit the city.

Rockville’s Human Rights Commission works to minimize the effects of conflict and promote appreciation of diversity in the city. Residents or visitors who believe they have experienced discrimination based on age, ancestry, creed, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, sexual orientation, gender, or presence of children may file a complaint through the commission.

The Asian Pacific American Task Force fosters communication between the Asian American community and Rockville’s city government. The task force provides resources, educates the public about the contributions of Asian Americans and engages the Asian American community in city-sponsored activities.

Rockville has received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index since 2017. The index rates more than 500 municipalities across the country based on the inclusivity of their laws, policies, and services for LGBTQ+ communities.

Community members who need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in city services can complete the request form on the Request an ADA Accommodation page.

Maintaining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Rockville’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion remains a central pillar of its support and advocacy for its community. The city celebrates and uplifts its residents of all races, religions, creeds, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and cultures. Recent measures include:

In 2020, the Mayor and Council established the Community Policing Advisory Board, comprised of Rockville residents, to provide recommendations to the Rockville City Police Department and the Mayor and Council.

In 2020, the Mayor and Council sent a letter to the Maryland General Assembly advocating for the replacement of Maryland’s state song, calling it the “antithesis of our shared values of diversity, inclusion, equity, and unity.”

  • To better understand how racial equity and inclusion is approached within Rockville’s city government, the city conducted an internal survey.
  • With support from the Human Services Advisory Commission and Human Rights Commission, a 2021 community survey assessed the state of social justice, racism, bias, and wellness in Rockville.

The city’s FY 2022 budget included funding for a contract with Montgomery County to provide mental health services and support to the Rockville City Police Department. It also allocated funding for hiring an assistant to the city manager for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

  • Fostering Community Trust Ordinance (2017): To maintain Rockville’s dedication to protecting and serving all community members regardless of immigration status and solidify the city’s long-standing commitment to social justice and inclusion, the Mayor and Council passed the Fostering Community Trust Ordinance.
  • Juneteenth Resolution (2020): The Mayor and Council passed a resolution designating Juneteenth as a municipal holiday to encourage Rockville staff and the community to learn and share stories, recognize and commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, elevate and celebrate African American history and contributions, and take action to actively promote equity.
  • Hate Has No Place Resolution (2021): The Mayor and Council passed the Hate Has No Place Resolution to denounce hate against all groups and advance inclusion, equity, and justice for all races, colors, religions, ancestries, national origins, sexes, ages, marital statuses, sexual orientations, gender identities, disabilities, economic backgrounds, and genetic information.
  • Social Justice Resolution (2021): The Mayor and Council passed the Social Justice Resolution to commit to the establishment of government policies and practices that promote racial and ethnic equity and social justice.
  • Resolution Against Antisemitism (2023): The Mayor and Council reaffirmed the city’s commitment to a resolution against antisemitism signed earlier in the year by then-Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton and endorsed by 14 other Montgomery County municipalities.
  • Resolution Rejecting Hate (2023): The Mayor and Council unanimously passed a resolution rejecting anti-Palestinian, anti-Israeli, anti-Arab, antisemitism, anti Jewish, and anti-Muslim hate in Rockville.

Celebrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Rockville celebrates its diversity year-round with community events that honor the rich cultures that make the city a great place to live. Annual events include the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Lunar New Year Celebration, International Night, Rockville Pride, and Juneteenth Celebration.

Watch the videos below to see how Rockville celebrates its diversity. The full playlist can be found here.

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Contact

Office of the City Manager
240-314-8100
cmo@rockvillemd.gov

Hours
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Address
Rockville City Hall
111 Maryland Ave.
Rockville, MD 20850