Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility

NYCEM's Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) advances this commitment by promoting policies, practices, and programs that support equity and inclusion across the agency. IDEA works to ensure that respect for diverse backgrounds and perspectives is embedded in our operations and is recognized as essential to effective emergency management.

Through targeted initiatives, NYCEM seeks to attract, retain, and develop a talented and diverse workforce. These efforts directly support NYCEM's mission: to help New Yorkers before, during, and after emergencies through preparedness, education, and response, while delivering services in an equitable and inclusive manner.

NYCEM recognizes the importance of diversity in procurement and values partnerships with the communities we serve to advance equitable outcomes. To support this commitment, NYCEM conducts outreach initiatives to strengthen the capacity of Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) to compete for and participate meaningfully in the procurement process. NYCEM also engages communities to increase public understanding of agency programs and policies, fostering empowerment, trust, and collaboration. IDEA outlines these outreach efforts and tracks progress toward the agency's equity goals.

NYCEM's commitment to diversity and equity is reinforced through workplace policies, including its Non-Discrimination Policy. The agency is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. NYCEM prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any protected characteristic, including but not limited to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, and other statuses protected by law. This commitment extends to all individuals who interact with the agency, including members of the public, vendors, and partners.

NYCEM is dedicated to maintaining a workplace environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

IDEA advances agency-wide efforts to foster a welcoming, diverse, equitable, and accessible environment for employees, applicants, interns, volunteers, and consultants.

IDEA advances agency-wide efforts to foster a welcoming, diverse, equitable, and accessible environment for employees, volunteers, interns, job applicants, and consultants. IDEA also ensures that equity is embedded not only in workplace culture, but in how NYCEM delivers services to all New Yorkers—before, during, and after emergencies.

Key Aspects of IDEA's Mission

• Inclusive Recruitment & Workforce Development
  Recruit early-career and experienced emergency management professionals committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, while strengthening equitable access to career growth through mentorship, sponsorship, and transparent advancement pathways.


• Equitable Workplace Policies & Culture
  Promote programs, policies, and practices that prevent discrimination, address inequities, and foster a respectful, inclusive, and psychologically safe work environment for all employees and affiliated staff.


• Equity-Centered Emergency Planning
  Integrate equity into preparedness, response, and recovery efforts by incorporating social vulnerability data, conducting equity impact assessments, and prioritizing the needs of historically underserved communities.


• Language Access & Cultural Competence
  Expand multilingual communications and ensure culturally competent engagement strategies that enable all New Yorkers to access critical emergency information and services.


• Disability Access & Functional Needs Integration
  Ensure accessibility across operations by incorporating functional needs support services, conducting accessibility audits, and engaging people with disabilities in planning and decision-making.


• Community Partnership & Co-Design
  Collaborate with community-based organizations, faith-based groups, and local leaders to co-develop strategies, strengthen trust, and support community-led preparedness initiatives.


• Supplier Diversity & Equitable Procurement
  Advance equity in procurement by increasing opportunities for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) and supporting their ability to compete and participate in agency contracting.


• Data, Accountability & Transparency
  Track and evaluate IDEA initiatives through measurable outcomes, including workforce data, program participation, and service delivery impacts, to ensure continuous improvement and accountability.


• Inclusive Training, Exercises & Innovation
  Support innovation and discovery by integrating equity considerations into emergency exercises, training programs, and operational improvements, ensuring preparedness efforts reflect the diverse communities NYCEM serves.


• Digital Equity & Accessible Communication
  Promote equitable access to emergency information by using multiple communication channels and ensuring digital tools meet accessibility standards.


• "What's Your IDEA?" Campaign
  Foster open dialogue through initiatives that invite employees and community members to share perspectives, helping to shape a more inclusive and responsive agency.

Download the Citywide Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

IDEA also handles requests for reasonable accommodations for employees, as well as any complaints of discrimination filed by agency employees, job applicants, and clients. Furthermore, IDEA aims to incorporate diversity into the agency's day-to-day endeavors, as it delivers sound, culturally sensitive and relevant services to all New York City Residents.

Reasonable Accommodation for Employees with Disabilities

Read the Reasonable Accommodations policy and procedural guidelines

Download the NYCEM's Reasonable Accommodation Request Form (for employees)

Employees, applicants, and clients who believe that they have information regarding discriminatory conduct that violates the Citywide EEO policy can review the complaint process on the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) website.

Contact

If you have any questions related to equal employment opportunities or equal access to NYCEM services, please contact the Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility.

Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility
165 Cadman Plaza East
2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Phone: 718-422-8508

Email: IDEA@oem.nyc.gov

You may also access the agency's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Handbook for a more expansive information on what the City's EEO Policy covers and what an individual's EEO rights and responsibilities are.

Think you might be the victim of workplace discrimination or sexual harassment?

Read our frequently asked questions about protected classes

Job Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process should contact IDEA.

Guide for Agencies to Respect and Support Gender Transition, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression