Federal Manager's Daily Report

As one of his last directives regarding the federal workforce, President Obama has issued a memo designed to increase diversity in agencies overseeing public lands and waterways, including Interior, Forest Service, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Those agencies are to “prioritize building a more diverse and inclusive federal workforce reflective of our nation and its citizens,” consistent with merit principles.

“A diverse and inclusive work environment enhances the ability of each covered agency to create, retain, and sustain a strong workforce by allowing all employees to perform to their full potential and talent,” it says, in language reflective of several diversity and inclusiveness initiatives during his administration, including a 2011 executive order.

“Promoting diversity and inclusion is not the sole responsibility of one office within a federal agency but a joint effort that requires engagement by senior leadership and the entire workforce. In implementing the guidance in this memorandum, each covered agency shall ensure its diversity and inclusion practices are fully integrated into broader planning efforts and supported by sufficient resource allocations and effective programs that promote a wide range of investments in personnel development, public engagement, and opportunities for inclusive access,” it adds.

The memo follows a similar one of 2016 aimed specifically at national security agencies.