Council approves Phase 2 of racial equity audit; CNA contract draws questions from council and public

Jackson City Council on Oct. 14 authorized Phase 2 of a racial equity audit, approving a firm-fixed contract with CNA Corporation for $175,000 to be managed by the city’s Department of Equity and Inclusion (DEI). The contract is budgeted as $87,500 in fiscal year 2025–26 and $87,500 in fiscal year 2026–27.

The audit was authorized under the city ordinance that created the Racial Equity Commission. The council packet and DEI staff described the work as a continuation of a multi-phase effort that began with a Phase 1 review of the police department; CNA was selected after a 2022 RFP process that produced multiple bids.

John Willis, a city staff member who presented the item, told the council the city’s ordinance (Section 15-82) required the commission to conduct an equity audit and that CNA was selected for its municipal assessment experience. "This will be a little bit of refresher for councils who read the packet," Willis said, summarizing the procurement history and the audit’s scope.

Members of the public and several councilors raised concerns during public comment and the council’s question period. William Hastings, a resident, asked whether Phase 2 was necessary and urged the council to consider legal risk and alternative uses for the money. Jen King and other public commenters criticized DEI work more broadly; Mara McKay urged the council to consider policies on masked law enforcement and expressed support for having a DEI officer. Council member Davis said constituents in her ward opposed funding the audit and she voted against the item.

Councilors asked for clarification about scope and independence. Willis said the audit’s primary focus is racial and ethnic equity but that the work will consider gender, disability, workplace culture and other DEI gaps. Willis and staff emphasized that a third-party audit provides objectivity and comparative data from other municipalities. He also said some portion of the audit funding was already included in the city budget approved in May.

The motion to "authorize phase 2 of the racial equity audit to be managed by the city's Department of Equity and Inclusion in partnership with the CNA Corporation at a firm fixed price of $175,000" passed by recorded tally 6 yes, 2 no, 1 abstain. The motion text and budget split were read into the record.

What the vote means: the council has authorized the DEI department to proceed with the CNA contract and allocated the two-year funding in the DEI budget lines; staff said the contract covers personnel, travel and presentation costs. Willis said Phase 1 (police department) had been completed and posted previously; one councilor later asked that Phase 1 be made more readily available on the city website.

The council’s approval does not itself change departmental policies; it authorizes the consultant assessment and related deliverables. Willis said the audit is meant to produce fact-based data to inform future policy and practice.

The council discussion and public comment reflect differing views among residents and councilors on the DEI program’s value relative to competing needs such as road repairs. Council member Fortgrave asked that Phase 1 be posted if it is not already, and Council member Davis explained she voted no because her ward prioritized roads over the audit funding.

Votes at a glance: Phase 2 racial equity audit — approved (6–2–1); contract with CNA Corporation, $175,000 total ($87,500 FY25–26; $87,500 FY26–27).