The Cleveland Metroparks joined the pack of public agencies that have rebranded their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts to stay on the right side of President Donald Trump’s new federal policies.

Last month, the park system’s board renamed and retooled its Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Policy. Now the document is called the Dignity and Respect for All Policy. It emphasizes fairness, a focus on guests and accessibility. The policy now includes references to new executive orders from the Trump White House. 

These updates were meant “to conform to changes in federal policy ensuring eligibility for federal funding, while maintaining our fidelity to the Park District’s core values,” the board agenda explained. 

A spokesperson for the Metroparks said the previous policy was adopted in 2020 and was due for a normal five-year update. 

Read the notes from Documenter Mikayla Coleman here. 

Trump’s orders have sent ripple effects throughout the area. The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency scrapped its equity subcommittee and removed references to “environmental justice” and “diversity, equity and inclusion” from its policies last month. 

Instead of “environmental justice,” the agency is using “areas of persistent poverty,” CEO Grace Gallucci said at a board meeting last month.

A NOACA memo said the changes were a condition of continuing to receive federal transportation money. The board passed the changes in a 25-11 vote after a roughly 50-minute discussion, which you can listen to here. 

Cleveland Heights hires longtime Cleveland finance director

A familiar name inside Cleveland City Hall is helping Cleveland Heights transition after the recall of Mayor Kahlil Seren. 

Sharon Dumas started work this week as Cleveland Heights’ new city administrator. She spent 16 years as finance director for Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson. She left City Hall after Mayor Justin Bibb took office. Even after her departure, council members would sometimes reminisce about working with her. 

Cleveland Heights City Council gave her a warm welcome this week as Tony Cuda ascended to the job of interim mayor. As administrator, she’ll help Cuda run the city for the rest of the year.

“We have the same kind of feelings as it relates to residents and public service,” she said of Cuda at a council meeting. “I’m looking forward to another experience and able to help out in this short period of time.” 

The previous city administrator was Dan Horrigan, the former two-term mayor of Akron. He resigned earlier this year after a few months on the job. 

Voters will decide between Council Members Davida Russell and Jim Petras in the mayoral race Nov. 4.

Candidates out on the town

The November election is a month away. If you’d like to hear from candidates for judge and Cleveland City Council, here are some upcoming chances. 

Oct. 9, 7 p.m.: Greater Cleveland Congregations forum on pretrial justice for Cleveland Municipal Court candidates. RSVP here. 

Oct. 11, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Actívate Cleveland forum for City Council candidates in Wards 5, 7 and 12. The event is organized by the Young Latino Network and Avanzamos Unidos. Details here.

Oct. 22, 4:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Cleveland City Council candidate night hosted by the City Club of Cleveland. There will be light refreshments and a cash bar. Read more here.