Council, mayor agree to work on DEI-focused working title for new deputy executive role; pay plans go to new business

Human Resources and the city's executive team presented proposed 2026 executive and non-represented pay plans on Jan. 6 and asked the council to approve them as new business at the Jan. 20 meeting with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026. Director Laird said the plans had been presented to council previously and that the mayor and COO provided an organizational chart showing how a new assistant chief operating officer and a deputy executive classification would fit into the structure.

Council members focused discussion on how the deputy executive classification (the formal classification titled "deputy executive department director") will incorporate the diversity, equity and inclusion responsibilities the council budgeted for in the current biennium. Several council members requested that the working title used in recruitment and public materials reflect equity and DEI accountability. Council member Pacquiao and others urged timely hiring given vacancy durations; Council member Pacquiao raised a concern that adding "equity" to titles could risk federal funding in the current federal climate. Mayor Berney said the city had recently received federal grant funding for Safe Streets for All and offered to work with council on a working title that signals accountability while preserving the formal classification used for pay-plan structure.

The chair summarized that no amendments would be offered in new business that night, that staff and the mayor would work with council on an appropriate working title and that the FAC committee would provide monthly updates on hiring progress until positions are filled.