The Municipal Equality Index (MEI)
Tracking Local Progress, Driving Real Change
The Municipal Equality Index (MEI), developed by the Human Rights Campaign, is the gold standard for measuring how well cities protect and support LGBTQ+ residents through local laws, policies, and services. Each year, cities across the country are scored out of 100 points—and in Florida, where state protections remain limited, these local scores matter more than ever.
At SAVE, we use the MEI as more than a scoreboard. It’s a tool for accountability, education, and action.
The MEI In South Florida
There are 31 municipalities in Broward County, and 34 in Miami - Dade County. Of these, only 9 cities have submitted a MEI evaluation in 2024. Click on each city to learn more.
What the MEI Tells Us
The MEI evaluates whether a city has basic non-discrimination protections, whether it offers inclusive benefits to municipal employees, and whether it provides LGBTQ-specific services or engages in visible public leadership. It also tracks how law enforcement agencies report on hate crimes and build trust with LGBTQ+ communities.
A high score reflects more than policy compliance—it shows that a city values and actively supports the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ people.
Why This Work Matters
In a hostile state climate, cities often serve as the frontline of protection for our community. That’s why a city’s MEI score isn’t just symbolic—it can shape how safe someone feels walking into a government office, applying for a job, or reporting a crime.
Raising a city’s MEI score can lead to concrete outcomes: safer schools, more inclusive hiring, equitable city contracts, and visible leadership in moments when it matters most.
SAVE in Action
SAVE partners directly with local governments to help improve MEI scores across South Florida. That means reviewing city codes, proposing new ordinances, meeting with staff and elected officials, and training residents to speak up at public meetings. We've already helped cities like Miami Beach, North Bay Village, Oakland Park, and Wilton Manors raise or protect their scores—and we're expanding that work city by city.
We don’t just track the numbers. We help rewrite them.
Ready to Raise Your City’s Score?
If your city’s score is too low—or missing altogether—SAVE can help. We offer tailored support to get inclusive policies on the books and into practice. Whether you’re a city commissioner, a municipal employee, or a community advocate, we’ll work with you to move your city forward.
Contact us today to get started or sign up to join our growing network of local equality advocates.