The first official action of Gov. Tim Walz’s administration was to renew a promise the state will strive to be more equitable and inclusive and for the first time making geography a focus of those efforts.

“In Minnesota, we all know we are better off when we are in it together,” Walz said. “The state must be a leader in ensuring everyone has an opportunity to thrive.”

Walz signed an executive order creating the “One Minnesota Council on Diversity, Inclusion and Equity” on Wednesday at the Capitol. The governor will lead the council that Walz said builds on the work of former Gov. Mark Dayton’s administration.

“Disparities in Minnesota, including those based on race, geography (and) economic status keep our entire state from reaching its full potential,” Walz said. “As long as these inequities impact Minnesotans’ ability to be successful, we’ve got more work to do.”

NOT JUST THE TWIN CITIES

Including geography in the state’s diversity efforts sends a message to residents in rural Minnesota who may feel disconnected from work at the Capitol in St. Paul, Walz said.

“We want to ensure everyone’s voice is heard, regardless of ZIP code,” he said. “As a former teacher, I know that distance from the Capitol can seem far.”

The new governor was joined by Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and his commissioners of the departments of Administration, Human Rights and Management and Budget. Walz said Flanagan plays a key role in crafting his administration’s focus on diversity and inclusion.

“We want Minnesotans of all backgrounds to know we are here to listen,” Flanagan said. “Minnesota does really well for some folks, but not for all folks.”

CONTINUING GOV. DAYTON’S WORK

Walz didn’t give a concrete timeline for when the new council would set goals for its diversity and inclusion efforts. The Dayton administration put a priority on growing the state’s hiring of people of color and those with disabilities and contracting with firms owned by women and minorities.

Walz did say the council would influence all the work of his administration, including how policy is drafted and how spending plans are prioritized. Walz’s first budget request is due Feb. 19.

A MORE DIVERSE MINNESOTA

Minnesota continues to grow more diverse. The U.S. Census Bureau’s latest estimates for 2017, released in June, show:

The state’s white population in 2017 stood at 4,455,605, a 1 percent increase from 2010.

The black population was 352,721, a 31 percent jump from 2010.

The Hispanic population was 301,407, a 20 percent gain.

Minnesota’s Asian population was 280,841, a 30 percent increase.

The Native American population was 57,566, or about 1 percent.

In fact, the state’s populations of color grew at a faster rate than of the nation as a whole since 2010, according to the 2017 estimates. Demographers, noting Minnesota had never been particularly diverse, say the state is simply catching up with the rest of the country.

A LANGUAGE CHANGE

Walz says his inclusion efforts include the language the state uses.

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“Whereas and therefore is not readable by most people,” Walz said. “We want people to be included enough that they can pick up an executive order, anything we put out from this office, and understand what it means for them.”

That change will also extend to public notices the state puts out looking for employees and contractors in hopes it will draw a more diverse pool of applicants.

READ THE ORDER