Diversity & Inclusivity

A Diverse and Welcoming Community

Arlington is a diverse and welcoming community. All who live here are celebrated and respected, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, country of origin, sexual orientation, gender status, religious observance, physical or mental ability and any other characteristic subject to marginalization. Our Human Rights Ordinance offers robust protection to the community. We are committed to improving and advancing equity.

"Racism has been a matter of urgency for more than 400 years. It won’t be solved because in this moment we are acutely aware, but because we are chronically persistent and persevere in our approach to dismantle it at the root no matter how tiring or uncomfortable."

Samia Byrd, Chief Race and Equity Officer, Arlington County

Racial Equity

Realizing Arlington’s Commitment to Racial Equity

Racial equity is an Arlington-wide priority. The goal is to eliminate, reduce and prevent disparities in the County’s policies, procedures, practices, engagement and interaction with and service to the community.

In 2019, Arlington adopted an equity resolution to affirm our commitment to gather data on racial inequality, track progress and provide officials with a tool to consider race during policy and budget decisions. Additionally, staff at Arlington Economic Development formed an internal team to promote racial equity within our agency and support the diverse backgrounds in Arlington’s business community.

Arlington's Race & Equity Action Plan

Inclusivity

Arlington is an LGBTQ Inclusive Community

LGBTQ couple showcasing diversity in Arlington In Arlington, we take pride in our efforts to ensure we are an inclusive, welcoming community. Here, everyone is valued, respected and afforded the opportunity to live out their dreams.

Arlington earned a perfect rating for LGBTQ+ rights by the Human Rights Campaign Municipality Equality Index in 2023 based upon inclusiveness and protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities.

We also received high marks for providing all-gender bathrooms at our government facilities and offices, and our inclusive Human Rights Ordinance, which includes protections for gender identity/expression.

Arlington’s Human Rights Commission Equality Task Force leads efforts to ensure we remain a top-ranked community through ongoing evaluation of practices, initiatives and outreach.

Diversity in Arlington

A Community with International Influence

Arlington is a diverse community in terms of ethnicity, race and country of origin. The student body of Arlington Public Schools speaks a total of 115 languages from 142 countries of origin. People of color make up 41.5% of the Arlington population.

Nearly one in four residents are born outside the U.S. Arlington is a truly international community; one-third of our foreign-born population are from El Salvador, Ethiopia, Bolivia, China and India.

Diversity in Arlington VA is celebrated, welcomed and is at the core of what makes us a global community.