Concord DEI Commission Votes to Create Town-Wide Equity Guidelines for Municipal Government

CARLISLE — July 9, 2026 — Concord DEI Commission approves motions on equity guidelines and school survey request after Heritage Trail markers win partial approval. Meeting July 9, the commission voted unanimously to develop town-wide DEI guidelines and best practices for municipal government, a motion that grew directly from member frustration with the Historic District Commission's months-long review of Black Heritage Trail markers. Commissioner Joe Plumbo reported that the HDC had approved seven markers at a compromise size at its July 8 meeting, with cemetery committee and Natural Resources Commission approvals still outstanding and a Select Board hearing on permit duration to follow. The commission also voted unanimously to request that school district staff present findings from the annual Panorama student climate survey, with Chair Andrea Fonserrada to write directly to Superintendent Dr. Hunter. On the FY27 Select Board goals, liaison Mary reported that draft DEI priorities include mandatory training for town leadership, staff, and committee members — a goal she said would "require a little bit of discussion and maybe compromise" among board members. The commission confirmed a community housing coffee for September 3 at 6 p.m. in the Concord Public Library's Goodman Forum, to be led by housing expert and Commissioner Liz Rust, focused on the equity dimensions of Concord's housing landscape including the MCI site.