Evanston, IL –The City of Evanston is pleased to announce that it has obtained the highest possible score from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI), the only nationwide rating system of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) inclusion in municipal law and policy. The City is also proud to announce the appointment of Director of Community Development Mark Muenzer as the LGBT Liaison to the City.

The 2014 MEI shows that cities across the country continue to take the lead in supporting LGBT people and workers, even when states and the federal government have not. Evanston and the City of Chicago are the only two Illinois cities to receive a score of 100.

The cities that Human Rights Campaign (HRC) researched for the 2014 MEI include the 50 state capitals, the 200 most populous cities in the country, the four largest cities in every state, the city which is home to each state’s largest public university, and an equal mix of 75 of the nation’s large, mid-size and small municipalities with the highest proportion of same-sex couples.

In total, 353 cities across the nation were assessed, including seven in Illinois. While not eligible for assessment using the MEI criteria, the City of Evanston was one of only four cities to successfully self-submit for evaluation.

"The City of Evanston is proud to have achieved a 100 rating on the Municipal Equality Index," said City of Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl. "The rating is indicative of just how great Evanston is for not only LGBT people, but for all people who live, work and play here.”

The City of Evanston earned the maximum points for almost all criteria in six categories, including non-discrimination laws; relationship recognition; the municipality as employer; municipal services; law enforcement (appointing an LGBT Police Liaison and reporting of hate crime statistics to the FBI); and the City’s relationship with the LGBT community. The relationship category focuses on “Leadership’s Public Position on LGBT Equality, Leadership’s Pro-Equality Legislative/Policy Efforts,” and having openly LGBT elected or appointed municipal leaders. Detailed scorecard information is posted at cityofevanston.org/resident/lgbt-community.

As the LGBT Liaison, Muenzer will serve as the main point of contact between the City and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community of Evanston, providing information, referral services, guidance, coordination, and technical assistance to the City and residents.

“As a well-respected member of our staff, Mark will be an effective ambassador to the LGBT Community in Evanston,’ said Sixth Ward Alderman Mark Tendam. “Similar to his role as the Director of Community Development, Mark will bring his collaborative spirit to ensuring LGBT residents’ voices are heard.”

The 2014 MEI Report is posted at cityofevanston.org/resident/lgbt-community. If you would like to discuss concerns about LGBT health, safety or civil rights; are an LGBT resident and want to get involved in local government; or would like information about local resources, please call 847-448-4311 or email lgbt@cityofevanston.org.

As the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) represents a force of more than 1.5 million members and supporters nationwide — all committed to making HRC's vision a reality. HRC envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.