A reference to diversity, equity and inclusion was removed from Erie’s 2026 Legislative Agenda after some members of the Town Council raised concerns that explicit DEI language could put future federal funding at risk.

The legislative agenda is a guiding document that allows town staff and officials to testify for or against proposed bills at the state legislature and sign onto regional policy positions that align with the town’s priorities.

During a Jan. 6 discussion of the draft agenda where it was ultimately adopted, Town Council members debated a part stating the town should “ensure state and federal policies are developed with a lens toward diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Councilmembers Brandon Bell, Brian O’Connor and John Mortellaro supported eliminating the language, with Bell citing concerns that the federal government could withhold funding, pointing to an effort by the Trump administration to stop federal money from going to Colorado child care spending.

Mayor Andrew Moore agreed the potential financial risk was significant.

“I think there’s already language in our laws to not be discriminatory,” Moore said. “I am more concerned about the money side, with the state budget the way it is. Colorado is getting hit on many fronts.”

Town spokesperson Gabi Rae told the Daily Camera it is difficult to determine whether language in the legislative agenda would directly affect federal funding, although “that’s not to say it couldn’t happen,” she added.

The council ultimately decided to replace the DEI reference with language that aligns with the town charter’s preamble.

The copy of the legislative agenda later provided by the town says: “The Town of Erie will support or oppose bills which bolster or impede the implementation of the Town’s Home Rule Charter. Specifically, guidelines laid out in the Preamble to that voter-approved document: ‘We pledge to uphold the principles of democracy, equity, and justice, and to foster a community that is inclusive, diverse, and welcoming to all.’ “

The legislative agenda continues with a heading, “Dismantle State & Federal Policies that Further Systemic Discrimination,” and adds: “Erie supports the implementation of State and Federal policy that provides equal opportunity to all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, physical and mental ability, mental health status, sexual orientation, gender expression, class, country of origin, income, or other protected classes.”

‘Meaning of those words’

Councilmembers Anil Pesaramelli and Emily Baer had argued to keep the original wording. Pesaramelli questioned whether removing DEI language undermined the town’s stated values.

“Do you have a problem with the meaning of those words, or do we need to find synonyms? We already told our LGBTQ friends that they are not included here by removing the pride flags,” Pesaramelli said. A decision from the council last year barred pride flags from town-owned flagpoles going forward.

“Once you remove that language, the discussion will not be there,” Pesaramelli later told the Daily Camera about the agenda vote. “They’ll always point to this document and say it’s not a priority.”

State Sen. Katie Wallace, who attended the Jan. 6 meeting, also supported maintaining the DEI language, saying it was important for local governments to clearly state their values when advocating at the state level.

“I think that defending those things, stating them clearly, ensuring that they are involved in what you all are gonna bring forward to us at the state is important to voice,” Wallace said during the meeting discussion.

“Issue with DEI is simply the ‘DEI’ “

Responding to Wallace’s comment, Moore later told the Daily Camera: “That’s her deal at the state level. I don’t want to debate her on that. I was elected for the local challenges and issues we face locally, and there’s enough of them at the local level that, frankly, I’m trying to stay out of the state and federal politics.”

“I will go to my grave where we all need to have an equitable opportunity to learn, to get jobs, and nobody should be discriminated against. The real issue with DEI is simply the ‘DEI.’
President Trump and his administration is withholding money,” Moore added.

Baer said she does not believe the revised agenda will necessarily prevent town officials from supporting equitable policies but agreed with Pesaramelli’s sentiment, saying that removing specific language “does sort of open it up to be weaponized.”

“I also want to just recognize we’re in an unprecedented time in government and in history. I am aware that there are words and phrases that have been struck by the federal government,” Baer added.

“I think that (raises) a question, though. Does that mean we abandon those priorities? Or do we stand firm and our commitment to our community, which is ultimately carved in stone in our preamble to our charter that is voter approved, that we will uphold diversity and justice?”