The City of Dayton’s Community Engagement Division in the Department of Planning, Neighborhoods and Development houses the Welcome Dayton program. Its purpose is to facilitate and support community goals and projects that promote the integration of immigrants into the Greater Dayton community. However, Welcome Dayton is not just another government-run program. It is a community initiative and requires the involvement of both individuals and institutions to be successful. 

The City Commission created the Welcome Dayton Committee (Resolution No. 5952-12 - 03-06-2013) to help provide guidance in achieving the goal of being an immigrant-friendly city.  The purpose of the committee is to collaborate with businesses, community organizations, government agencies and immigrant groups to make Dayton a welcoming place for new residents, revitalize city neighborhoods, promote economic development and enrich the city with cultural diversity. 

Committee makeup: At least 15 and no more than 35 members for the three-year terms. The Chief of Staff of the City Commission and the City Manager are ex-officio members appointed by position. At least five members must be born outside the United States of America. Members shall possess a high level of interest, expertise, educational background, and work experience in one or more of the following areas: education, banking, business, health care, social/human services, real estate, local, state and federal law, and city and county government. Members serve a 3-year term with the option to be reappointed for an additional 3-year term. Each member shall also serve on a sub-committee of interest. 

Welcome Dayton Committee Member Guidelines (updated June, 2024) are available by clicking here.