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Dallas staff say federal executive orders require pausing DEI-based scoring as city proposes ‘Drivers of Opportunity’ framework
Summary
City staff told residents the city has suspended diversity, equity and inclusion scoring and is transitioning to a legally resilient 'Drivers of Opportunity' framework; staff urged public feedback ahead of anticipated council action Dec. 10 and said HUD grant plans will be updated after council approval.
City of Dallas staff told residents at a Nov. community engagement session that recent presidential directives require the city to stop using race, national origin or religion as scoring criteria in procurement and other programs and that the city is proposing a new framework to guide programs and investments.
“We have suspended all of our work as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Assistant City Manager Liz Cedillo Pereira said, adding the pause affects the city’s racial equity plan and the business‑inclusion policy. Cedillo Pereira identified Executive Order 14,173 as a central directive the city is addressing: “We cannot allocate our contracts or benefits based on suspect classifications, including race, ethnicity, national origin or religion.”
The city plans to replace the suspended approaches with a ‘Drivers of Opportunity’ framework, staff said. The framework identifies five drivers, 27 domains and a city role matrix that distinguishes where the city will lead, collaborate or support. Jessica Galshaw and other staff described a community opportunity assessment tool that will map assets and gaps, track baselines and help align investments in housing, employment, education, health and public safety.
City staff said the work has involved interdepartmental self‑assessments and review by the city attorney’s office. “We have been developing new frameworks that we want your input on,” Cedillo Pereira said; staff will brief the council on Dec. 3 and bring an omnibus package of policy realignments to the council for adoption on Dec. 10.
Sharon Williams of the Grants Division said changes approved by council would be incorporated into the city’s HUD Consolidated Plan and the corresponding HUD grants, allowing the city to direct grant funding consistent with the new policy framework.
City staff repeatedly urged residents to complete a short survey available at dallasengage.com/communitysessions (QR code provided at the session). Christina DaSilva, assistant director for Housing and Community programs, said open‑ended survey comments are reviewed for themes and that staff have already added domains—including healthy food access and youth supports—based on respondent feedback.
The next procedural step is council review and potential adoption: staff said the omnibus resolution and ordinance will be on the Dec. 10 agenda; no council action occurred at the community session.
