Creating Inclusive Communities: Cultural and Ethnic Diversity
According to the United States Census Bureau as many as one-third of U.S. residents now claim "minority" heritage. This reflects the continuing evolution of an American national identity that transcends ethnic and religious boundaries. Hispanics, Blacks, Asians and American Indian/Alaska natives account for over four-fifths of recent U.S. population growth. About 40 percent of the nearly 33 million increase in the size of the U.S. population during the 1990s is directly attributable to the arrival of new immigrants. Immigration will account for about 63 percent of U.S. population growth over the next 50 years. Estimates for Washington State appear in the Office of Financial Management Projections of the State Population By Age, Gender and Race/Ethnicity: 2000-2030 (49 KB), March 2006. See also the Association of Washington Cities page on Cultural Diversity and Washington Cities
The information contained on the pages listed under the contents heading relate to the racial, cultural, and ethnic issues faced by our local governments' diverse demographics. The pages provide background, sample programs, policies and activities that are focused on creating understanding, educating local government leaders and their constituents, and appreciating the cultural diversity. The goal is to keep local government responsive and build communities that provide opportunities for civic participation by all groups within the community. Creating Inclusive Communities: Cultural and Ethnic Diversity is part of a series of Web pages being developed by MRSC around the concept of civic engagement. The National League of Cities, joined by several state leagues and cities, has embarked on a program called the Inclusive Communities Partnership. References to that program are also linked on these pages.