Overview

• The council voted 7–4 to suspend its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office in response to new federal guidelines barring race-conscious programs.
• The move preserves about $277 million in grants and ongoing funding for roads, public safety and neighborhood services.
• A Small Business Enterprise Program will launch Sept. 1 to award city contracts over $100,000 without race or gender criteria.
• More than 70 speakers at Tuesday’s meeting urged the council to retain DEI even at the cost of federal funding.
• Opponents, including Councilmember Mia Hall, say they will continue organizing to defend the city’s commitment to equity.