Volunteers feel the enthusiasm is high as the commission’s membership takes shape, progress is made with its structure and goals and — perhaps most importantly — a full-time, paid diversity, equity, and inclusion specialist is closer to joining the city’s staff in support of the commission and other agencies throughout the city.

“We’ve got this great group now, and we’ve got things in order, so we’re ready to rock and roll come January,” said Sonja Bock, the newly elected chair.