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Commission moves forward with DEI workshops as commissioners debate allocation and propose an economic vitality committee
Summary
Staff proposed DEI workshops for commissioners funded by state equity appropriations, prompting debate among commissioners over whether the money should instead be directed to community economic programs; the chair and executive director urged proceeding because the funding is time-limited and earmarked for equity work.
Commission staff introduced a plan to hold DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) learning sessions for commissioners in May and June under a contract with the Abarna Group; the two-session package is estimated at $18,000 and is funded by state-directed equity appropriations that expire at the end of the current biennium.
Joanna (staff) summarized the DEI strategic plan adopted in 2022, implementation activities to date, the pro-equity/anti-racism (PAIR) advisory group and the Echo Northwest management-plan equity audit that staff have contracted. The proposed scope from the Abarna Group included a prerecorded background webinar and two two-hour facilitated workshops (May 13 and June 10) to build shared understanding among commissioners and staff.
Several commissioners expressed concern about using the earmarked DEI funds for commissioner training rather than directing a portion of the money to community-based programs. Commissioner Aldridge suggested the workshops be used to connect DEI work to economic inequities in the gorge. Commissioner Brennan Bissell and Commissioner Bridal Bessel recommended directing funds toward communities of color and local economic assistance rather than internal training, noting a $100,000 two‑year allocation cited by one commissioner. Commissioner Fowler and others supported pairing DEI work with economic vitality efforts and suggested moving to create a commission committee on economic vitality.
Executive Director Christina and Chair Michael Mills said the funding was provided by the states specifically for equity work, that the PAIR advisory team and equity audit recommended commissioner workshops, and that funds not spent by June 30 would revert to the states. Christina proposed and the chair supported creation of a commissioner Economic Vitality Committee to elevate work on balancing resource protection with economic opportunities; commissioners were asked to indicate interest in serving on the new committee.
No formal vote was taken on the Abarna contract during the meeting; staff said they would proceed with the scheduled workshops unless the commission directed otherwise and would continue work to create the Economic Vitality Committee for future agendas.
