JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Following criticism of his handling of racial issues by some Black Democrats – from Ferguson to urban low-income electric assistance programs like Utilicare – Gov. Jay Nixon on Thursday announced a new program aiming to engage the community.

Nixon’s announced the formation of the Office of Community Engagement, which his office said will be “responsible for facilitating communication with Missourians and informing policy solutions for the unique challenges facing low-income and minority communities.”

“Across our state, Missouri communities are facing serious issues involving race, educational and economic opportunities, and poverty,” Nixon said in a statement. “The Office of Community Engagement will be responsible for facilitating meaningful communication about these issues that will yield concrete results.”

The office will be led by former State Senator Maida Coleman, and former St. Louis City Municipal Judge Marvin Teer will serve as deputy director and general counsel.

“From small towns to big cities, every Missouri community faces its own unique challenges – and that’s especially true in areas where poverty rates are high and economic opportunities are limited,” Coleman said in a statement. “That is why I am excited about this opportunity to deepen our understanding of the issues confronting our communities and to help develop policies that will help all Missourians prosper and thrive.”

Nixon’s handling of racial issues came under strong criticism following his handling of the police shooting in Ferguson of Michael Brown, an unarmed Black man. For example, until the shooting, Nixon did not have an African American in his cabinet.

The office was formed under a new executive order Nixon issued Thursday.