Ellensburg council approves DEI commission’s 2025 grants after extended public debate
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Summary
Council accepted the DEI Commission's recommendations to distribute $5,000 in small grants across several community projects; public comment included both sustained support and opposition, and Council scheduled further discussion with the DEI commission at a June 16 study session.
Ellensburg City Council voted to approve the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Commission’s recommended 2025 grant awards on June 2, approving partial funding of several small community projects from a $5,000 grant pool.
Nicole Clouse, the city’s public information officer and staff to the DEI Commission, said the 2025 grant cycle received six applications totaling $22,700; a three‑member subcommittee (Nancy Goodloe, Tylene Cornell and Candy Cleary) recommended partial awards for five applicants. Clouse described the commission’s funding focus as prioritizing projects that are open to the public and avoiding funding that would pay prizes or be behind a paywall.
Public comment during the meeting was extensive and sharply divided. Supporters told council the grants help make arts, translation services, inclusive outdoor activities and youth programs accessible; examples cited included Spanish‑language art workshops, ASL interpretation at concerts and an inclusive fly‑fishing clinic that included Spanish instruction. Speakers who supported the grants said the awards are small seed investments that broaden participation and strengthen community ties.
Opponents said the DEI label and some funded activities are divisive, arguing the city should fund "worthy causes" without identity‑based criteria. Several speakers raised religious objections; other commenters asked the council to ensure the community had been fully engaged in the commission’s outreach.
Council members who spoke urged continued civil dialogue and noted the city will hold a joint study session with the DEI Commission at 6 p.m. on June 16 to discuss the commission’s role and the broader comprehensive plan outreach. The council motion to accept the DEI Commission’s funding recommendations passed; one council member abstained because of participation in a related grant application.