Ames City Council will meet Tuesday to discuss several items related to inclusion in the community, including topics on immigration and a climate survey for LGBTQA+ persons in Ames.

Both topics are being brought forward by the Ames Human Relations Commission (AHRC). Meetings are open to the public. This Tuesday, May 23 the meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall.

The council will view recommendations made by the AHRC regarding how the City of Ames scored on the 2016 Municipal Equality Index sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign.  The recommendations are specifically related to policies and climate for LGBTQA+ people living in the City of Ames, according to a release.

According to the report from the Human Rights Campaign, nine cities in Iowa were surveyed and Ames scored 68/100 points – one of the lowest scoring cities. Other cities included Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Des Moines and Iowa City.

Some of the suggestions from the Ames branch address benefits when employed by the city – such as asking the insurance provider for municipal employees, Wellmark, to cover hormone replacement therapy, gender confirmation surgery and other medically necessary care.

It also suggests that there be direct employee recruitment in LGBTQA+ spaces and that city contractors have more inclusive non-discrimination policies by adding sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. 

One proposal is for a new full-time position for an Equity Advisor, who would serve as a contact person for various targeted populations protected from discriminatory practices. This would affect many populations, not just LGBTQA+.

Another addresses a direct LGBTQA+ Police Liaison, which the municipalities of Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Des Moines and Iowa City have, along with the program in the Iowa State Police Department.

There is also a general proposal for more transparent LGBTQA+ support from the Mayor and the Council, including the declaration of June as Pride Month in Ames.

Citizens can view the Ames’ scorecard below.