Concerns over the effectiveness of New Castle County's diversity commission took center stage during the budget hearing on May 15, 2025. Councilman Street expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the commission, which he believes has failed to address ongoing diversity issues within county departments. He urged for a reevaluation of the commission's functionality, stating, "Either bring it back or shut it down because it doesn't make any sense the way things are going."

In response, the Director of Human Resources acknowledged the concerns and confirmed that discussions are underway with the county executive to revitalize the commission. "We do expect to bring it back," he assured, indicating a commitment to improving diversity efforts.

The meeting also highlighted the county's focus on enhancing recruitment and retention strategies. The Director emphasized the importance of implementing new technology systems to better track applications and hiring processes, projecting an increase in job applications this year. Efforts to engage with local educational institutions and the National Guard for recruitment were also discussed, aiming to attract a diverse and qualified workforce.

Councilman Cartier praised the budget proposal for its negative growth, commending the management style that aims to deliver more efficient services at a lower cost. "Human resources has needed a shake-up," he remarked, expressing confidence in the Director's leadership.

As the county moves forward, the revitalization of the diversity commission and the implementation of new recruitment strategies will be crucial in addressing the pressing needs of New Castle County's workforce.