Erie, PA (WJET/WFXP) — For the third year in a row, the City of Erie has earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2024 Municipal Equality Index (MEI).
Each year, MEI evaluates 506 cities across the nation based on how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community who live and work there.
The city announced its 100/100 score on the 2024 evaluations by MEI on Thursday with the ratings based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.
Along with the perfect score, Erie was also credited for its continual commitment to equality, diversity, equity and inclusion, something Mayor Joe Schember called key drivers to grow Erie’s economy.
“The City of Erie is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion which are key drivers of economic growth, serving to attract residents, visitors, and businesses who place a high value on inclusivity. We are focused on what matters: building community, growing the economy, and taking care of each other. Diversity is one of Erie’s greatest strengths. When everyone feels supported, welcomed, and valued for their unique skills, perspectives, and talents, this empowers people to thrive and contribute to our sense of community. Our policies and practices continue to help us achieve this perfect score, and this is one of the ways in which we strive to make Erie an inclusive place to live, work, play, and raise a family. I am grateful to the LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, who helped us reach this milestone, for their guidance and dedication.”
City of Erie Mayor Joe Schember
Erie first started participating in the MEI evaluations in 2018 after Schember took office debuting with a score of 50 that rose each year until hitting 100 for the first time in 2022.
Nine other Pennsylvania cities also participated this year with Allentown, Carlisle, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and State College also earning perfect scores.
More information can be found on Erie’s LGBTQ+ Council can be found on their website here and you can view the full 2024 MEI report along with past reports online.
