Members of the port board express regret but worry about risk to the regional economy.
The board of commissioners of the Port of Portland revoked its own diversity, equity and inclusion policy Monday amid worries President Donald Trump’s administration could pull a major source of funding.
The port operates Portland International Airport as well as shipping terminals including Terminal 6, the state’s only international container port.
Since taking office in January, Trump has targeted businesses, schools and other organizations with so-called diversity, equity and inclusion policies — policies he railed against throughout his 2024 presidential campaign.
The federal government’s contribution to the Port of Portland is about $145 million in grants, approximately 17% of the port’s annual $850 million budget. The port is also a designated federal contractor through its dredging agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers, signed in 1962.
“It has become clear as of late that we must meet federal compliance expectations,” Curtis Robinhold, the port’s executive director, said Monday at a special meeting of the port’s board of commissioners. “So today I’m recommending the board vote to revoke the policy and in its place direct port staff to ensure we continue doing business in a way that reflects our core values and stays focused on creating opportunity for everyone in our region.”
Robinhold says despite his reservations, maintaining full funding was crucial to transportation and trade in the region.
“It’s really critical that we do everything that we can to make sure the funding that’s needed for port operations is not at risk,” he said in the meeting.
Commissioners voted 6-1 to revoke the policy despite reservations. Commissioner Meg Niemi, an organizer with SEIU Local 49,was the lone dissenter. Two commissioners were absent.
Commissioner Richelle Luther said in making her decision, she considered the port’s considerable role in the regional economy and her faith that the port’s leadership would act in furtherance of the board’s values without a formal DEI policy.
“This puts at risk very vital funding,” said Luther, a vice president at Columbia Sportswear. “My vote today will reflect confidence in leadership and the values and character of leadership and more importantly, the employees of the port.”
The port board adopted its DEI policy in 2018 to “integrate social equity considerations and goals into decision making processes within the Port.” One goal was to increase hiring of minority and historically underserved applicants.
Prior to Monday’s special meeting, around 70 people provided comments to the board, the vast majority of which were opposed to the board’s decision, according to board member Katy Coba.
“I certainly understand the sentiment of those submitting public comments,” Coba said during Monday’s meeting. “This is obviously a challenging topic for all of us, especially those taking the time to share their thoughts and opinions.”
The vote was reported Monday by Oregon Public Broadcasting and the Oregonian.
Late Monday, the port’s DEI policy had been replaced by a one-page blank PDF, the Oregonian reported.
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