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Council rejects effort to remove “diversity, equity and inclusion” from 2026 budget after lengthy public comment
Summary
A proposal to strike the words “diversity, equity and inclusion” from the 2026 city budget failed on a 3–4 vote after extensive public testimony and debate about federal funding risks and the symbolic effects of removing the language.
The Omaha City Council voted 3–4 to reject a resolution that would have removed the words “diversity, equity and inclusion” from the city’s 2026 budget documents.
Council member Brinker Harding introduced the measure, saying it carried no direct fiscal impact but was intended to avoid potential jeopardy to federal funding tied to an executive order at the federal level. Harding said removing the phrase was a precaution to protect grants for infrastructure, affordable housing and SAFER firefighter awards.
Council member Leirion Gaylor Baird Begley…
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