Stockton is looking to hire a new diversity, equity and inclusion consultant following months of controversy over the city’s DEI efforts and spending.
The city put out a request for proposals last week looking for a new consultant to help with the city improve DEI within its operations. Stockton’s DEI officer Preya Nixon recently left her post after her position moved from the city manager’s office to human resources and her position reclassified as HR analyst.
It’s unclear if the consultant is meant to replace Nixon or whether the city will hire another DEI officer.
“Stockton is committed to building an inclusive municipal culture that reflects and serves the diversity of its residents,” according to the city’s hiring advertisement. “Through this DEI consulting engagement, the City seeks to develop a roadmap for institutional change, including best practices, structures, and accountability measures that embed DEI principles throughout City government.”
Stockton’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts have been at the forefront of discussions at City Hall since it was revealed that public DEI money had been allocated to fund other things, including a consulting contract for job coaching services for former interim City Manager Steve Colangelo. Stockton City Council approved an investigation this week into the use of city DEI funds.
In 2022, City Council passed a resolution against racism and committed to DEI efforts within Stockton, though the resolution provided no specific plan or guidance an how the city would carry out its DEI efforts. DEI efforts also seemed to stagnate after Nixon’s hiring.
Vice Mayor Jason Lee, who has led the charge in questioning of the city’s DEI plans and money allocation, has repeatedly grilled staff on the issue. While it was clear Nixon had worked on DEI efforts, staff members had not been able to answer Lee’s questions about having a concrete plan on executing specific DEI efforts in the city.
When asked about the replacement of the former DEI consultant, the city’s current and future DEI plans, and the need for a consultant, the city manager’s office reaffirmed Stockton’s commitment to DEI.
“DEI is a priority to the City Council and City Management. As such, the City posted a Request for Proposals to solicit DEI consulting services,” An email statement from the City Manager’s Office provided. “Staff will continue to work with Council and Council Committees in order to achieve desired outcomes.”
The new consultant will conduct a DEI assessment, research and recommend best practices, as well as be responsible for identifying DEI training needs and facilitating stakeholder engagement, according to city documents.
Potential consultants have until Oct. 2 to submit their proposals,
Councilmember Mario Enríquez and Vice Mayor Lee have both been at the forefront of the DEI controversy, including holding a press conference on the issue in June. Both councilmembers did not immediately respond to Stocktonia’s request for comment.
“The public has a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent,” Lee has previously said. “And the council needs to make sure that tax dollars that are being spent, are being spent on behalf of the needs of the city.”
At a council meeting Tuesday, councilmembers approved a formal investigation into the city’s DEI spending to be conducted by the council’s Audit Committee, rather than an independent auditor.
Some councilmembers, including Mayor Christina Fugazi and Councilmember Brando Villapudua, were concerned about the committee’s ability to stay objective during the process, but they ultimately agreed to refer the matter to the three-member committee chaired by Lee.
“We just heard from the public how they want us to find money to spend on our police officers, but we’re going to continue to waste money on investigations when we can volunteer the time as a committee,” Lee said.
