City of Bremerton Moves Forward with Hiring of Diversity and Community Engagement Manager
The City of Bremerton is moving forward with hiring a Diversity and Community Engagement Manager. Interviews for the position concluded on January 24, 2025, and filling the position was paused January 28, 2025, so City staff could carefully review a rapidly shifting legal landscape. During this review period, City legal staff reviewed City practices and the position job description for compliance with applicable legal authorities. Additionally, staff collaborated with other local government lawyers, and reviewed applicable executive orders, and associated agency guidance memorandums, court pleadings and decisions.
Notably, on February 21, 2025, a Federal District Court Judge in Maryland granted a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking key provisions of a concerning executive order related to federal grant recipients like the City. The court noted the executive order lacked clear definitions and left grantees uncertain about what activities are prohibited, which could have a chilling effect on free speech and lawful activities.
The City will continue to monitor any legal developments that may impact this role or City practices in the future but has determined that the position and City policies align with applicable legal standards.
To be clear, the City has followed and will continue to follow the law related to employment decisions. The City will continue to ensure that all employment decisions are based on hiring, promoting and retaining the best, most qualified person for the role without regard to protected characteristics. The City has not and will not fill staff positions using quotas, preferences, plus factors or set asides for any particular group.
We appreciate the public’s engagement on this matter. Our priority remains serving the people of Bremerton with a commitment to transparency and fairness. We look forward to introducing our new staff member to our community in the coming weeks and are excited to share how this position will help make Bremerton a better place to live and work.