Promoting Inclusive Spaces and Economic Opportunity with the Progress Flag

Adopted at the in 2021

  • WHEREAS, mayors can lead their constituents in changing attitudes about how welcoming their city and business districts are to local residents and visitors; research conducted by the Urban Institute shows a direct positive correlation between economic development and inclusive practices within cities; and inclusive practices improve a city's reputation, which is connected to economic development, and can strengthen industries like the tourism industry; and

    WHEREAS, U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Census race and ethnic population estimates show the nation is more diverse, which correlates with the rise in buying power communities of color possess; the LGBTQ+ community in the United States has a buying power of $1 trillion; people with disabilities retain over $490 billion in disposable income; these diverse populations are increasingly occupying cities and hold great economic influence, particularly for the hospitality and tourism industries; and, in fact, the global tourism market for the LGBTQ+ community is $211 billion and Black Americans in 2019 alone, spent about $64 billion on travel; and

    WHEREAS, the Covid-19 Pandemic caused economic turmoil, particularly for the tourism, restaurant, entertainment, and hospitality industries and while the nation as a whole is recovering, the speed of recovery of cities varies due to the diversity in industry; and

    WHEREAS, the Covid-19 Pandemic also led to great social unrest as broad equity disparities were highlighted; this intersection of economic and social instability has changed what communities expect from businesses; and increasingly, consumers of diverse race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, and socio-economic status, expect and choose to support businesses that are socially responsible and inclusive; and

    WHEREAS, The United States Conference of Mayors adopted a resolution in the 86th annual meeting which stated, "employees who are trained to navigate when the gender presentation is different from the legal identification promotes a fiscally smart attitude that "all are welcome as customers and employees" and mayors can lead in encouraging their business districts to create welcoming spaces where staff is cognizant and conducts business that promotes healthy and constructive interactions; and

    WHEREAS, symbols, messaging, and initiatives, such as painting crosswalks with the rainbow flag, that promote inclusivity help establish a stronger sense of community and safety,

    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors encourages businesses to display the Progress Pride Flag or a similar symbol reaffirming a commitment to diversity and inclusion in order to help restore industries impacted by the pandemic and inspire unity within all communities.
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