In March 2005, the Utah Department of Community and Culture (DCC) announced the restructuring of the state’s ethnic offices in an effort to improve their efficiency and make them more responsive. As part of the reorganization, three new ethnic directors, a research analyst, and a community outreach coordinator were appointed.

Previously, the ethnic offices operated as independent silos and reported to the division director for Housing & Community Development, under the Department of Community & Economic Development. As of July 1, 2005, the Department of Community & Economic Development split into two entities: Department of Community & Culture and the Governor's Office of Economic Development.

Under the new structure, the Office of Ethnic Affairs directly reports to its own director within DCC. OEA's efforts include a unified work plan where each ethnic director is assigned to a number of State agencies. The directors will not work as ombudsmen, but aim to bring institutional change by working in partnership with sister State agencies to review their policies, practices and procedures, and ensure proper outreach and response to the ethnic community.