Diversity and CommUNITY Engagement Hub

To view past monthly recognitions and staff/community highlights, please visit the D&CE Archives webpage.

Bremerton Think Tank (BTT) serves as the city’s inclusive internal workgroup to provide organizational leadership with feedback, insights and support for initiatives concerning employee and community engagement. Recognizing the need to drive long-term success, a diverse group with representative (s) from all departments is actively engaged in this workgroup to foster innovation and creativity. Download the Bremerton Think Tank (PDF) to learn more.

The goal of the community engagement framework is to provide consistent messaging, timely updates and a unified approach to enhance the organization’s ability to engage and connect with the community. Download the Community Engagement Framework (PDF).

As an organization, we are committed to learning and thriving collectively through continuous improvements of our policies and processes to ensure city resources are accessible for all stakeholders both in and outside of our organization. Download the Culture and Belonging Initiatives (PDF) to learn more about some of our internal efforts.

Learn more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Download the Fast Facts on DEI (PDF).

August 18, 2025

Federal Judge sides with Bremerton and 59 other local governments to halt new federal grant conditions related to DEI, immigration, and more

The City of Bremerton relies on federal funding for critical programs such as improving City roads and other infrastructure, providing weatherization, home repairs and affordable housing for low-income households, and supporting businesses and childcare programs.    

Funding for these programs is approved by Congress and administered by various federal agencies.  Earlier this year federal agencies started adding new conditions and conformity requirements that were unrelated to the purposes of the grants.  The City Council was provided a memorandum prepared by City Attorney Kylie Finnell and Financial and Administrative Services Director Mike Riley discussing the City’s federal funding and potential new grant certification requirements at the February 12, 2025 City Council Study Session.  City staff continued to monitor steps necessary to protect City programs and on June 25, 2025 the City Council unanimously authorized the City Attorney to pursue legal action to challenge the new conditions.  

On July 10, 2025, Bremerton joined 59 other local governments from across the country in a lawsuit filed against several federal agencies challenging the new grant conditions.  The local governments filed over 100 sworn declarations, including declarations from Bremerton staff members, supporting a motion for a preliminary injunction.

On August 12, 2025, Judge Barbara Rothstein issued an order granting the motion for a preliminary injunction halting federal agencies from imposing or enforcing the challenged conditions. This injunction allowed the City to move forward with applications for continued federal grant funding without having to comply with the new conditions and conformity requirements.  

At the City of Bremerton, we believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our community. By embracing our differences and celebrating what makes each person unique, we build a stronger, more innovative and more compassionate community. We are dedicated to this ongoing journey of creating belonging for everyone.

We recognize that inclusion is an active practice rather than a destination. We pledge to:

• Create accessible spaces and opportunities for all
• Respond with humility when we fall short, and commit to learning and growth
• Listen to and amplify diverse voices and perspectives
• Remove barriers to participation and success

More information will be coming soon. 

Request a meeting or event appearance with Mayor Wheeler by submitting a Scheduling Request for Mayor form.