Last week, the Port of Portland’s board of commissioners decided to repeal a social equity policy due to fears that the Trump administration might cut significant funding to the agency. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has targeted institutions receiving federal funding that uphold diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, including universities and schools reliant on federal grants for education and research.
While various agencies and organizations in Oregon and across the nation have either rejected or litigated against the White House’s demands to eliminate DEI policies, port commissioners expressed that compliance would pose a substantial financial risk to the port’s shipping, air travel, and other operations.
Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold estimated that approximately $145 million in funding could be jeopardized by maintaining the social equity policy, which represents about 17% of the port’s $850 million budget from the previous fiscal year. Additionally, the port has a federal contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for dredging operations that employs eight full-time and 50 seasonal workers.
The policy, adopted in 2018, articulated the agency’s “commitment to social equity, utilizing a racial equity focus, and leveraging the Port’s strengths to foster a more prosperous, equitable, and livable region.” During the meeting, board members and port staff expressed regret over their decision, even as commissioners voted 6-1 to revoke the policy.
Commissioner Mike DeVaughn characterized the policy change as a “trade-off that we really don’t want to make.” He noted that adhering to the policy would impact a “litany of programs” managed by the Port of Portland, including crucial dredging activities.
Commission President Katy Coba reported that around 70 pieces of public testimony were received, with the majority supporting the social equity policy. Commissioners Ketan Sampat and Sam Johnson were absent for the vote, while Commissioner Meg Niemi was the only one to oppose the resolution.
