Dupage Policy Journal

Naperville Councilman Josh McBroom raised concerns over the city's requested allocation for $115,000 for a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) consultant in an interview with DuPage Policy Journal ahead of the March 19 city council meeting that would determine the fate of the proposed position. 

McBroom emphasized the importance of prioritizing taxpayer funds for essential services such as roads, development and public safety, and cited the lack of measurable outcomes and the need for fiscal responsibility, among other reasons, as to why he opposed funding for a DEI consultant. 

Ultimately, the request for funding was withdrawn when McBroom reiterated his position on the matter during the council meeting. 

“Diversity, Equity and Inclusion departments, paid employees, consultants and requiring our staff to take time away from city services and their actual jobs is well beyond the purview of what a city government should be doing, which is making sure that we have a vibrant local economy, making sure that the town is safe and we have responsible development. It's not something that a city government should be involved with,” McBroom told DuPage Policy Journal.  

He said that funding a DEI consultant would not only cost the city $115,000, but put its "professional staff through diversity training programs.” 

“I think when you look at what a municipality and an elected official is charged with, and I'm a fiduciary to the taxpayer, we should be focused on roads, development, public safety. And this is an item that's not measurable.”

“I have a fundamental problem with taking taxpayer money. And in investing in something where I cannot tell the taxpayer what your return on this investment is. And so it becomes a permanent expense. Because I guess there's an alleged problem and we have a solution. That is not measurable. So we'll never be able to solve it.”

He underscored the imminent financial strain the city is facing, with potential revenue losses of $5 to $6 million due to proposed tax reforms.

“Right now we're faced with potentially losing $5 to $6 million in tax revenue in the city of Naperville due to Governor Pritzker's proposal to repeal the grocery store sales tax,” McBroom said. “And I have every reason to believe that he's going to get what he wants. And if so, we're not going to be cutting back on public safety and infrastructure and basic city services. These are the types of things they're going to have to look at first by programs, the expenses, the departments."

McBroom addressed the funding at the Naperville City Council meeting last week.

“I foresee tax increases which I would not support,” McBroom said. ”But I think we’d have to make some hard budget decisions. In this case these are the types of things you’d be looking to cut. So I do not support this.”  

Safe Suburbs USA called out McBroom’s comments on the funding.

“Naperville Councilman @Joshmcbroom points to revenue lost from Governor Pritzker taking away local grocery tax to support his objection to City spending $115,000 on DEI consultant. Numerous councilmen voiced objections to it for different reasons. Ultimately vote on the consultant was tabled after nearly being voted down,” Safe Suburbs USA said on X.

According to his Naperville City Council profile, with a background in finance, McBroom champions initiatives that prioritize public safety, fiscal responsibility and economic growth.

His involvement in local organizations reflects his investment in Naperville residents.

Through his tenure on the City Council, McBroom has served as a liaison to key advisory boards and museums while fostering a prosperous future for the community.