Ellensburg study session focuses on DEI commission role, outreach and funding risks

City of Ellensburg council members and the city’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission met in a 50-minute joint study session to review the commission’s origins, scope and outreach work and to discuss community questions about membership balance and possible federal funding risks.

The session opened with commissioners describing the listening tours that led to the commission’s creation. Commissioner Lindsay, chair of the commission, said the group met 17 neighborhood and interest-based groups and “talked to over a 100 people” as part of a summer listening tour that produced a report with about 30 recommendations and a primary recommendation to form a standing DEI commission.

That recommendation was approved by the City Council and an ordinance creating the commission was passed in January 2021, commissioners said. Amber Hofer, one of two vice chairs, summarized the commission’s present role: “Our main goal for today really is to have some authentic, vulnerable, and real conversations, around how to establish trust in our community, help make sure everybody feels like they belong, and continue supporting one another.”

Why it matters: Council members said they have recently received public comments both opposing and supporting the commission. Several elected officials asked for clarity about the commission’s scope and authority, and whether the commission’s activities could put federal funding at risk. Commissioners and council members agreed the topics intersect with city policy, public outreach and legal review.

Background and scope Commissioners described the commission’s advisory role. They said the DEI commission provides feedback on proclamations, programming and accessibility; advises on interpretation and translation needs during public comment; and has advised on grant criteria and a flag-and-banner policy. Commissioners emphasized the commission does not set or enforce city policy, does not control social media, and does not unilaterally alter the city budget.

Commissioners repeatedly framed their work as listening and advising. Nancy, a commissioner, said the commission’s listening tours were meant to “bring people together and helping build relationships,” and noted the tours were open to everyone though some marginalized residents were reluctant to attend. Commissioners asked council to refer specific procedural questions—such as time limits for translated public comment—to the commission for research-based advice.

Funding and legal concerns A council member asked whether federal executive orders targeting certain DEI programs could put about “roughly a million dollars a year in federal funding” at risk. Commissioners said they were not legal counsel and urged that the city attorney or other legal staff review the question. Amber Hofer said she would “pass that to city council, like, the actual legal counsel in the room,” and noted some of the federal orders are being litigated.

Commissioners and several council members said they had observed institutions—some universities and school districts—publicly scaling back DEI activities in response to federal policy and litigation. Those observations were offered as context for the council to consider legal review and to weigh alternative funding or community partnerships if federal funding streams change.

Membership, outreach and information sharing The commission has nine seats, established by the ordinance that created it. Several council members and commissioners discussed whether the commission’s membership and recruitment outreach reflect the full diversity of viewpoints in Ellensburg.

Phil Backlund, a commission member, said outreach could be broadened: “Should we go to the Moose Lodge and do the same kind of listening tour with them? Go to FFA. Go to the rodeo board. Go to some of the churches and do the same kind of things.” Commissioners confirmed they do not ask applicants about party affiliation and said appointments follow the composition set in the ordinance.

Multiple participants urged clearer information sharing between council and the commission and better public explanation of what local government can and cannot do. One council member suggested framing listening tours with a short civics overview so attendees understand which requests are within city authority and which are not.

Examples of commission work and community events Commissioners listed advisory work they have done or supported: grant-revamp efforts, accessibility recommendations (including restroom access and interpretation services), and advising on cultural events and proclamations. They cited community events in Ellensburg such as Juneteenth observances, Indigenous Peoples’ Day recognition, Farmers’ Market participation and Unity Park events as examples of community activities the commission has advised on or supported; commissioners clarified the commission did not claim responsibility for operating those events.

Next steps No formal actions or votes were taken during the study session. Council members and commissioners agreed to continue the conversation, to exchange follow-up information by email and to ask the city attorney for legal guidance on federal funding and executive orders. Commissioners offered to supply background materials that informed the original recommendation to form the commission and to share listening-tour questions and summaries to improve public understanding.

The session concluded with participants encouraging more outreach and clearer public messaging so residents better understand the commission’s advisory role and how city government handles equity and inclusion issues.