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Council gives first reading to omnibus minority/women-owned business and HARC amendments after heated DEI debate
Summary
Council approved a first reading of a package of code amendments affecting minority- and women-owned business programs and the HARC reauthorization but postponed final language review to committee after council members pressed staff about references to executive orders, FEMA grant certifications and undefined 'DEI' program language.
The council voted to give first reading to an omnibus ordinance that updates city code governing minority- and women-owned-business efforts and reauthorizes the Human Affairs and Racial Conciliation Commission (HARC). City staff and the mayor said the timing and language are driven by the need to remain eligible for federal grants; staff said failing to amend the code could jeopardize significant grant funding.
Several council members pressed for clarity on new language that references executive orders and…
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