Cuyahoga County Forced to Drop DEI Goals on Federally Funded Projects

Trump administration policies prohibit race- and sex-based contracting goals, reshaping how public construction dollars are awarded

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:57pm

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Cuyahoga County officials say a shift in federal policy under the Trump administration is forcing them to drop long-standing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) contracting goals on projects that use state and federal funding. The county had previously required small-, minority- and women-owned business participation goals on public contracts, but new federal directives prohibit these race- and sex-based goals. County officials say they can still set DEI goals on locally funded projects, but worry the change will reduce opportunities for disadvantaged businesses.

Why it matters

The policy change undermines Cuyahoga County's efforts to level the playing field and ensure equitable distribution of public contracting dollars. Councilman Pernel Jones Jr. views it as a major setback, arguing the county is still responsible for monitoring diversity in contracting even if formal goals are prohibited. The shift could disproportionately impact minority- and women-owned businesses that have historically faced barriers in accessing public projects.

The details

Under the Trump administration, federal agencies have been directed to limit or avoid terms like 'diversity,' 'anti-racism' and 'women' in applications and documents, with the threat of jeopardizing grant funding. Last year, the Ohio Department of Transportation warned Cuyahoga County that federal regulators were pausing Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals on construction contracts for one year, meaning projects using federal funds can no longer include any race or gender goals. County officials say they can continue setting small-business goals focused on economic disadvantage, but worry this change will reduce opportunities for minority- and women-owned firms to win larger or more competitive projects.

  • In October 2025, the Ohio Department of Transportation warned Cuyahoga County about the federal pause on DBE goals.
  • County Council discussed the policy change at its February 2026 Public Works Committee meeting.

The players

Pernel Jones Jr.

Cuyahoga County Councilman who authored legislation requiring disparity studies to ensure the county is meeting diversity, equity and inclusion standards in contracting.

Chris Ronayne

Cuyahoga County Executive whose office said it has not seen a major shift in who is winning contracts and has not changed local diversity goals.

Eric Mack

Cuyahoga County engineer who informed the Public Works Committee that federal grant funding prohibited the inclusion of diversity goals in certain contracts.

Yvonne Conwell

Cuyahoga County Council Vice President who asked about the inclusion of diversity goals in county contracts.

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What they’re saying

“This is blackmail. We should not be held hostage or blackmailed in any way.”

— Pernel Jones Jr., Cuyahoga County Councilman

“Just because it's the law doesn't make it right. I'll just keep repeating it because you won't hear it too much anywhere else, but DEI is fundamental.”

— Pernel Jones Jr., Cuyahoga County Councilman

What’s next

County officials are still 'pondering the best course of action' regarding a $65 million project to replace the Hilliard Road Bridge, which will require additional federal funding. Councilman Jones hopes any policy changes made in response to federal directives can be reversed when the Trump administration leaves office.

The takeaway

The Trump administration's policies prohibiting race- and sex-based contracting goals have forced Cuyahoga County to roll back its long-standing efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in public projects. This change threatens to undermine the county's progress in ensuring equitable access to contracting opportunities, particularly for minority- and women-owned businesses.