Eighty percent of U.S. adults agree it is important for local government officials to reflect the racial and/or ethnic makeup of the communities they serve. This sentiment is particularly strong among parents, adults identifying as black or Hispanic, those living in urban areas and Gen Zers. Nearly three quarters (74%) of park and recreation agencies institute hiring practices and policies to promote a more diverse workforce.

• Eighty percent of U.S. adults agree it is important for local government officials to reflect the racial and/or ethnic makeup of the communities they serve, including half indicating it is extremely or very important.
• Eighty-nine percent of Gen Zers and 86 percent of millennials find it important that local government officials reflect the racial and/or ethnic makeup of the community they serve.
• Black (91%) and Hispanic (89%) adults agree it is important for local government officials to reflect the racial and/or ethnic makeup of the communities they serve.
• Sixty percent of parents overall and 65 percent of parents with children under 13 years of age indicate local government officials reflecting the racial and/or ethnic makeup of the communities they serve is extremely or very important.
• Sixty-one percent of those living in urban areas indicate local government officials reflecting the racial and/or ethnic makeup of the communities they serve is extremely or very important.