Ohio Senator Questions Cincinnati’s New Procurement Department Focused on Economic Inclusion

Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, sent a letter Thursday to Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval demanding information on a city ordinance approved in June that establishes a Department of Economic Inclusion and Procurement. Fox News reported that Moreno argued the restructuring preserves and strengthens the city's focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in contracting.

City documents cited in the letter state the goal is to make procurement more efficient while maintaining that emphasis. Moreno wrote that taxpayers should not fund what he called "woke DEI policies or initiatives" and said Cincinnati residents deserve awards based on merit rather than race or ethnicity.

He also requested the exact amount of federal funding the city received in fiscal years 2024, 2025 and 2026, the projected cost of the ordinance, and an outline of how the new department will review applications and award contracts.

The letter further asked for details on compliance with Justice Department guidance and recent law enforcement staffing data. Moreno noted the city faces a $30 million budget deficit and cited a surge in violent crime, including recent homicides and a mass shooting, along with a law enforcement recruitment crisis. Fox News reported that Moreno asked Pureval to respond within five business days.

The mayor's office did not immediately comment.