AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CARLO TOMAINO
CITY MANAGER
BY: ALFA LOPEZ
ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER/
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
SUBJECT:
2025 MUNICIPAL EQUALITY INDEX
Summary:
title
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (Foundation) is the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) Americans. By inspiring and engaging individuals and communities, the Foundation strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
The Foundation’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI) is the only nationwide assessment of municipal laws, policies, and services that are inclusive of LGBTQ+ people. Localities are rated based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality. The MEI provides a public snapshot of how cities advance LGBTQ+ equality and a framework for mayors, councilors, and administrators across the country, outlining impactful steps they can take to protect their LGBTQ+ residents and staff.
The City of Signal Hill has been named one of the best cities in the nation for LGBTQ+ inclusion in municipal law and policy, earning a perfect score in the Foundation’s 2025 MEI. The City was only one of 132 cities, nationwide, to achieve a perfect score; reflecting the City’s overall commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all residents.