The City of Laramie continues to be Wyoming’s highest scoring community for LGBTQ+ inclusion in laws, policies and services this year, according to the Human Rights Commission (H.R.C.) Municipal Equality Index. Laramie once again improved its record, this time by 3 points for a total of 92, inching it closer to the maximum score of 100.  

Seven cities in Wyoming are evaluated for LGBTQ+ inclusion and human rights, including Casper, Cheyenne, Gillette, Jackson, Laramie, Rock Springs and Sheridan. The H.R.C. Municipal Equality Index (MEI) rates municipalities of varying sizes drawn from every state and is the nation’s premier benchmarking tool for municipal officials, policy makers and business leaders. “The City has worked purposefully for more than a decade to understand how we can best serve our LGTBQ+ residents,” said City Manager Janine Jordan. “It’s important that the City is also an inclusive and welcoming place to work and, this index helps us measure the strength of our ability to recruit, hire and retain the most talented professionals to serve our fine community.”

Mayor Brian Harrington agreeably added, “I’ve been eagerly awaiting the 2024 MEI results because they validate the efforts of the City of Laramie in ensuring everyone feels at home in Laramie. The City Council understands the crucial connection between feeling respected by your community and the vibrancy of the community. The City will proudly continue to work to provide the highest quality of life to all our residents.”