The City of San Diego recognizes that society is comprised of many diverse populations, and City government ought to reflect and represent the populations it serves. In addition, the City of San Diego, through its Diversity Commitment, strives to incorporate the values of diversity and inclusion into everyday operations, for employees and customers at all levels.

Because The Diversity Commitment's goal is to create an environment where differences are valued, we must begin by learning about who we are, and about each other. Differences such as age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, language, physical and mental ability or disability, class, and education shape how we experience the world, and how we perceive ourselves and others. Differences, as well as similarities, affect how we each add value to the workplace, and how we work together to serve the public. In addition, differences create barriers to opportunities for success for some people.

It was for those reasons that in 1987 the City's Organization Effectiveness Program was directed to explore how issues of diversity affect the City workforce. A program evolved, called The Diversity Commitment. Championed by City leadership, The Diversity Commitment was a driving force for change, helping an increasingly diverse workforce more fully understand how to value differences, and ensure that all City employees are treated with dignity and respect. Today The Diversity Commitment provides services to enhance inclusive leadership practices, with an eye to providing respectful, culturally appropriate services to internal (City employees) and external (City residents and visitors) customers.