Salt Lake City becomes first Certified Welcoming city in Utah
Salt Lake City, UTAH — Welcoming America, a national nonprofit organization, is proud to announce that Salt Lake City has achieved the 3-star Certified Welcoming designation. The city’s work to connect diverse communities and create an inclusive environment provides a rich roadmap for building a strong sense of belonging within cities.
Rachel Perić, executive director of Welcoming America, said: “We’re thrilled to designate Salt Lake City as a Certified Welcoming place, honoring its commitment to inclusivity and belonging, and its leadership in connecting diverse communities.”
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, said: “Salt Lake City is a place where diversity thrives, and we are committed to ensuring that every individual, no matter their background, feels a sense of belonging here. Becoming a Certified Welcoming city is a critical step in breaking down barriers and creating pathways for everyone to call our city home. We will continue to build a community where everyone feels valued, heard, and welcomed.”
The announcement was made on Monday, September 16, 2024, at City Hall during an event that included a tree dedication ceremony to honor the city’s partner nonprofits. This event showcased Salt Lake City’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all residents.
Salt Lake City, A Leader in Welcoming Practices
As Utah’s capital and largest city, Salt Lake City is known for its dynamic cultural scene and dedication to community inclusion. The city is committed to fostering a welcoming environment through meaningful partnerships, including several standout programs:
- Know Your Neighbor Program: This initiative emphasizes friendship-building and builds relationships between immigrant and non-immigrant residents, fostering community cohesion and mutual understanding.
- Salt Lake City Arts Council: Recognized for its efforts in equity and inclusion through programming and grantmaking, the Arts Council enriches the city’s cultural landscape.
- Horizonte’s College Access Program: This program provides vital support and scholarships to high school students, including immigrants, to help them pursue higher education.
- City Connect Program: By offering public Wi-Fi hotspots in community centers, parks, and other public spaces, this program addresses digital access disparities and enhances connectivity for all residents.
Salt Lake City’s dedication to inclusivity is shown through its Mayor’s Office of Access and Belonging, which works to incorporate welcoming practices and promote communication with residents.
Moreover, Salt Lake City maintains strong partnerships with the State of Utah and Salt Lake County, which has been certified since 2018, and participates in the State of Utah’s New American Task Force as an active member, highlighting its collaborative approach to immigrant inclusion.
These initiatives, along with strong local partnerships, have helped Salt Lake City achieve the Certified Welcoming designation. Salt Lake City joins an esteemed group of 25 U.S. cities and counties recognized for their commitment to inclusivity. The 3-star designation reflects Salt Lake City’s dedication to advancing welcoming practices with transparency and accountability, as guided by Welcoming America’s Welcoming Standard.
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About Welcoming America
Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. We believe that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors and vital to the success of our communities and shared future. Learn more at welcomingamerica.org.
About Certified Welcoming
Certified Welcoming is a formal designation for local governments that have created policies and programs reflecting their values and commitment to immigrant inclusion. This innovative program assesses local governments on their efforts to include and welcome immigrants in all areas of civic, social, and economic life in their communities. With a Certified Welcoming designation, communities distinguish their local efforts, build a competitive advantage, and gain access to opportunities to share their welcoming practices on a regional, national, and global stage. Learn more at certifiedwelcoming.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Welcoming America: Leslie Nguyen-Okwu, [email protected]
Salt Lake City: Andrew Wittenberg, [email protected]