Fiscal Note
No appropriation required.
Title
Declaring Madison, Wisconsin a "Welcoming City" for immigrants and newcomers from all over the world.
Body
WHEREAS, Welcoming America and its municipal partners are convening U.S. cities and counties to support locally-driven efforts to create more welcoming, immigrant-friendly environments that maximize opportunities for economic growth and cultural vitality and position communities as globally competitive, 21st century leaders, calling the convened group "Welcoming Cities and Counties"; and,
WHEREAS, participating city and county governments will connect with their peers through a community of practice that will share good ideas, develop new tools, and receive recognition for their efforts to create communities that improve the quality of life and economic potential for immigrants and non-immigrants alike; and,
WHEREAS, cities and counties that join "Welcoming Cities and Counties" will learn about large and small communities that are responding to demographic change and supporting long-term immigrant integration in a way that benefits all members of the community; access resources to help advance welcoming resolutions, initiatives and strategies; receive support and recognition for their efforts to foster more vibrant and inclusive communities and participate in global learning exchanges that highlight promising practices from competitive cities; and,
WHEREAS, Welcoming America defines a "Welcoming City or County" as a community where: all relevant sectors are engaged to work together to create a welcoming community climate that supports long-term integration; commitments are made to institutionalize strategies that ensure the ongoing inclusion and long-term economic and social integration of newcomers; newcomers and long-time residents are engaged to find common ground and shared leadership; where messages of unity and shared values permeate the community through the media, through the voice of leaders, and among residents; and policies and practices are considered in order to ensure that interactions between new and longer-term Americans remain positive ones and the community's economic vitality remains strong, and,
WHEREAS, the City of Madison is home to thousands of immigrants from all over the world that bring economic development, vibrancy and cultural diversity to our city,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Mayor and Common Council, subject to the acceptance of the Welcoming America organization, declare the City of Madison, Wisconsin is a Welcoming City for immigrants and newcomers from all over the world.