Oakland Park has once again been recognized as a welcoming and inclusive community, earning a perfect score of 100 in the 2025 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).
The MEI is a nationwide assessment that evaluates how well cities support LGBTQ+ residents and employees through local laws, policies, services, and leadership. In its 2025 edition, HRC rated hundreds of municipalities across the country using criteria that look at everything from nondiscrimination protections to community services and public safety practices.
The New Pelican recently highlighted Oakland Park’s recognition alongside other Broward County cities that also received top marks—underscoring the region’s leadership in building communities where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
What the MEI measures
HRC’s score considers areas such as:
- Nondiscrimination protections
- The city as an employer (workplace policies and benefits)
- Municipal services and community engagement
- Law enforcement and leadership on LGBTQ+ inclusion
Oakland Park’s perfect score reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to ensuring our programs, practices, and policies support all residents, staff, and visitors. We’re proud of this recognition—and we remain focused on listening, learning, and continuing the work that helps every neighbor feel welcome.
Residents can view Oakland Park’s 2025 MEI scorecard and learn more about the index through HRC.