Fort Worth’s City Council has hit the brakes on the city’s diversity, equity and inclusion programs after staff warned that federal pressure could put roughly $277.1 million in grant funding at risk. The 7-4 vote shelves long-running efforts that helped minority-owned firms chase city contracts and shutters the standalone Diversity and Inclusion department. Activists have responded loudly, arguing the change will hollow out support for residents who have historically been sidelined.
How The Council Voted And What Got Cut
On Aug. 5, 2025, the council voted 7-4 to suspend DEI and related business-equity incentives, effectively removing dedicated city staff who had overseen minority- and women-owned business certification, according to The Washington Post. Supporters cast the move as a necessary financial safeguard, while opponents warned it would weaken protections for businesses already fighting uphill.
City Hall Says It Was About Saving Federal Grants
City staff told the council the suspension was necessary to preserve about $277.1 million in multiyear…..