More Communities #StandUpForWelcoming as the Welcoming Movement Takes the Spotlight
For Immediate Release: February 11, 2025
Decatur, GA — As fear and division escalate nationwide, mayors and community leaders are reaffirming their commitment to making their cities places of belonging, trust, and opportunity. Welcoming America celebrates the growing momentum for inclusive policies that strengthen local economies, create safer communities, and foster meaningful connections across differences.
From St. Louis to San Jose, New Haven to Boise, Americans of all backgrounds are coming together—at city halls, in community centers, and on social media—to push back against division and invest in a future where everyone has a chance to thrive. These cities, counties, and communities recognize that welcoming is not just a moral act but a strategic investment in economic growth, community well-being, and long-term prosperity.
Local Leaders Speak Out: Welcoming in Action
“I continue to be grateful and impressed by the people of Boise and their deeply-held convictions that we are and will be a safe and welcoming community for everyone, that we have an eye towards the future and that we are responsible for charting our own course.” — Mayor Lauren McLean, Boise, ID
“The City of Brookhaven is proud to be a Welcoming City in the Welcoming America network, committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all residents.” — Brookhaven, GA
“St. Louis is a welcoming city, as evidenced by our establishment of the Office for New Americans to connect resettling people from all over the world who are choosing St. Louis as their home.” — Mayor Tishaura Jones, St. Louis, MO
“Salt Lake City remains a city that values our diversity and dignity of every individual and respect for every resident.” — Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Salt Lake City, UT
“As Tulsa becomes a city that unites diverse communities, this also means we can be a welcoming city that nurtures healthy economic and social growth for everyone, both the immigrant residents and long-term residents.” — Tulsa, OK
“New Haven has been a welcoming city for decades, and we are proud to do that. We are a city of immigrants.” — Mayor Justin Elicker, New Haven, CT
“We aim to prioritize the safety, well-being, and dignity of everyone who lives and works in San Jose.” — City Manager Jennifer Maguire, Mayor Matt Mahan, and Police Chief Paul Joseph, San Jose, CA
“Our city will continue to be a welcoming community that values and supports immigrants and refugees, our LGBTQ+ community, and any group that is being unfairly targeted. Our diverse community will continue to be a source of strength, not a point of weakness to be exploited or bullied.” — Mayor Shammas Malik, Akron, OH
“We think Denver has a clear set of values; we want to respect and protect them and are proud of the fact that we’ve been a welcoming city.” — Mayor Mike Johnston, Denver, CO
The Welcoming Movement Gaining Strength Nationwide
The evidence is clear: welcoming communities are stronger and safer. Research shows that inclusive policies fuel economic growth, strengthen community trust, and improve public health. In contrast, communities that have experienced immigration raids saw economic decline and a generation of children suffering from anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
The Welcoming Movement is not new—many of the communities now gaining national attention have long been laying the groundwork for inclusion. As Certified Welcoming communities and members of the Welcoming Network, they are taking intentional steps to build environments where everyone, regardless of background, can truly belong.
Join the Movement: Take Action Today
Over 8,000 letters have already been sent to local leaders, urging them to #StandUpForWelcoming.
About Welcoming America
Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. Through the Welcoming Network, we work to change systems and culture by providing communities with the roadmap they need to create welcoming policies and share new approaches to inclusion to create an environment where everyone can truly thrive. Learn more at welcomingamerica.org.
Media Contact: Leslie Nguyen-Okwu, [email protected]