The bill approved by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont amends the charter of the City of Burlington to establish the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB). This new office will be led by a Director of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, who will be a permanent position selected according to the City’s Human Resources policies and will report directly to the Mayor. The Director will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy for racial equity, inclusion, and belonging within the city, and will have various powers and duties to advance these goals in collaboration with all City departments.

The bill outlines specific responsibilities for the Director of REIB, including championing diversity and social justice, coordinating racial equity initiatives, providing policy recommendations to enhance equity and inclusion, and facilitating community engagement. The act is set to take effect upon passage, following its approval by voters in Burlington on March 3, 2026.