The City of Savannah has earned a score of 80 out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2025 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), a nationwide benchmarking tool that evaluates how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are for LGBTQ+ people in 506 cities across the country.

 The MEI provides a public snapshot of how cities advance LGBTQ+ equality and offers a roadmap for mayors, council members, and city staff to strengthen local protections. Savannah’s score of 80 matches the city’s 2024 result and represents a dramatic increase from 2020, when the city’s score was 40. Since then, Savannah has adopted and implemented a comprehensive local non-discrimination ordinance, expanded protections in city employment, and continued to invest in LGBTQ+ engagement through efforts like the PROUD Savannah task force and ongoing Pride Month observances.  

“Savannah’s story has always been rooted in the belief that every neighbor deserves dignity, safety, and opportunity,” said Mayor Van R. Johnson II. “In just a few short years, we’ve more than doubled our score on the Municipal Equality Index, an achievement that reflects the determination of our residents, advocates, our PROUD Savannah Task Force and dedicated city staff who pushed Savannah to live up to its highest values. 

But an 80 is not a finish line; it is a call to keep going. In a state where comprehensive LGBTQ+ protections are still not guaranteed in law, it is even more critical that cities like Savannah lead with courage, clarity, and compassion. Through policy, practice, and daily action, we will continue to send an unmistakable message to every LGBTQ+ resident, employee, student, and visitor: You are seen. You are valued. You belong here.

Savannah’s MEI score reflects points earned across five key categories: non-discrimination laws; the city as an employer; municipal services; law enforcement; and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality. The 2024 scorecard, which also totaled 80 points, highlighted strong performance in local non-discrimination protections, inclusive employment policies, and visible leadership, while identifying opportunities to further enhance benefits and expand targeted services for LGBTQ+ residents.  

“For us, the MEI is more than a number, it’s a management tool,” City Manager Jay Melder said. “It helps us see where we’re doing well and where we can go further. And because this work aligns directly with our Savannah GPS strategic plan, we have a clear roadmap for strengthening inclusion in both our organization and our community. GPS commits us to being a people-centered, high-performing government, and that means continuing to improve our policies, our services, and the way we show up for every resident.”

City staff will take a close look at this year’s MEI results and come back with recommendations on how we can keep improving—whether that means expanding services, strengthening benefits, or updating policies to better meet community expectations.