Over the the past several years the city of St. Pete, residents and officials alike, have expressed their overwhelming support for a city of equal opportunity. The raising of the rainbow flag over city hall earlier in the year is emblematic of the new energy coursing through the veins of the city. These gestures, among other reasons, are why the the city received a perfect equality score from the Human Rights Campaign, the largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. 

 

Invigorated resolve to make the Burg a city that is welcoming and gainful for all came after last year's Municipal Equality Index results put Tampa above St. Pete. Darden Rice and Amy Foster joined Steve Kornell as openly gay City Council members. Their voices have been pivotal in affecting change in the city. 

 

Kriseman and fellow council members have gone beyond little words in promoting the cultural transition in St. Pete. In June, during St. Pete Pride's first night parade, Kriseman became the first sitting mayor to march. With officials campaigning for change, a revitalized LGBT Welcome Center in the Grand Central District and an LGBT liason in Robert Danielson, the Burg has become something of a measuring stick for other Florida cities. 

 

This morning, members of St. Pete City Council and the St. Pete Chamber of Commerce spoke to citizens about St. Pete's perfect MEI score and what it represents for the city. 

 

"The communities that are going to win are those that attract talent, that attract innovation and creativity" said Chris Steinocher, president and CEO of the St. Pete Chamber. " To do that you need have the welcome mat out for everyone." This welcome mat includes a diversity and inclusiveness task force designed to give small businesses and individuals the ability to contribute to changes and improvements in the city. 

 

The partnership between the Chamber and the City Council at The Greenhouse (formerly Business Assistance Center) have fostered economic growth over the past few years in St. Pete. The Greenhouse's purpose is to make every individual feel welcome to start and grow their business in the city. 

 

These proclamations fall in line with Kriseman's endorsement of the "ban the box" initiative. The officials in St. Pete want entrepreneurial, hardworking residents to be judged on the quality of their ideas, character and conviction. As of today, it seems that our city will help bring the brightest minds and concepts into full bloom and not just the ones that fit a stagnant mold. 

 

As Steinocher said this morning, "This is not just talk." The perfect MEI score shows that a true commitment to equality, diversity and the communal nurturing of an idea can lead to prosperity. Like a Sedum in gravel or mint leaves in a patch of lilacs, good ideas can grow and spread anywhere. When powerful, original ideas become invasive, everyone benefits.