By Todd Welch / Herald Forum

As the private sector increasingly recognizes the ineffectiveness and divisiveness of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, public agencies in Snohomish County, are moving in the opposite direction.

Community Transit and Snohomish County’s recent decisions to hire DEI administrators represent a troubling misallocation of taxpayer dollars at a time when fiscal responsibility should be paramount.

The private sector’s retreat from DEI is not without reason. Companies like Tractor Supply, John Deere and Harley-Davidson have scaled back or eliminated their DEI programs in response to consumer backlash and a recognition that these initiatives often fail to deliver tangible benefits. These companies have realized that focusing on merit and customer satisfaction yields better results than adhering to ideologically driven quotas and programs.

Public agencies, however, seem oblivious to this shift. Community Transit hires a new diversity, equity and inclusion director as the agency prepares a $254 million operating budget for 2025. This expenditure on DEI administration diverts resources from core services that directly benefit taxpayers, such as improving transit infrastructure or expanding route coverage.

Similarly, Snohomish County has hired a DEI administrator with a salary of over $200,000. These initiatives often lead to increased workplace disunity and can harm true diversity by promoting intellectual conformity and groupthink.

The contrast between public and private sector approaches is stark. While businesses are reevaluating DEI to prioritize efficiency and customer satisfaction, public agencies are doubling down on programs that have shown little evidence of improving service delivery or workplace culture. This disconnect raises serious questions about the responsible use of public funds.

Critics argue that abandoning DEI efforts will encourage discrimination. However, this view ignores the fact that existing laws already protect against workplace discrimination. Companies scaling back DEI have maintained their commitment to fostering respectful, safe cultures for employees without needing separate, costly DEI departments.

As taxpayers face increasing economic pressures, public agencies should focus on delivering essential services efficiently rather than expanding non-essential administrative positions. The resources allocated to DEI initiatives could be better spent on improving infrastructure, enhancing public safety, or providing direct assistance to needy communities.

The private sector’s retreat from DEI should serve as a wake-up call for public agencies. It’s time for Snohomish County and Community Transit to reassess their priorities and align their spending with the actual needs of their constituents. Taxpayers deserve public services that focus on results, not ideological agendas.

In conclusion, public agencies must do the same as businesses return to fundamentals. The continued expansion of DEI programs in the public sector, while private companies are scaling back, represents a misguided and potentially wasteful use of public resources. It’s time for a course correction that prioritizes effective service delivery over divisive and often counterproductive DEI initiatives.

Todd Welch lives in Everett.