b'PUBLISHERS COLUMN 9Change is the Only ConstantWeve all heard this phrase before. But what weve seen in thewoke DEI policies, and the results have first few months of the second Trump administration underscoresbeen predictably significant.how true it really isand disruptive to boot. Many airports have eliminated, or are Historically, our aviation world has been built on predictability.considering eliminating, social equity policy Safety, growth, construction, hiring and the funding that fuels ourout of concern that the Trump administration airport system have worked due to predictability. Being able to relycould remove a sizable chunk of their on established systems and predictable funding has allowed thefunding. What can you do? It feels like there industry to successfully build to meet the future travel demandsare two choices: Go with the flow or risk yourPAUL BOWERS, PUBLISHERthat are placed upon us. This is true not only for airports, but alsofunding. Some choice, right? How do you explain to your staff, the consultants and suppliers that partner with you on all levels. local community and passengers that crucial safety and capacity Trump 2.0 has upended the norms and placed strain on theprograms have been delayed or cancelled if you chose to support people, programs and services that weve relied on to prepareDEI, and as a result, lose funding for critical building projects? This for tomorrows travelers. It has taken decades to enact programsappears to be a no-win situation.regarding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in our industry.Its hard enough to run an airport or business under normal Safe to say, it has become mainstream in most things that wecircumstances. But running one while the rules of critical programs do. Contracts with hiring and ownership goals have become thechange radically puts undue burden and stress on all of us.norm. This was a result of legislation requiring it to be so. ButHeres to better days aheadand more predictability. this norm is changing on a dime. Under President Trump, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has taken action to rescindCheers! SCAN TO BOOST EFFICIENCY AMID CHECK OUTOUR FULL LINE WORKFORCE CHALLENGES OF AIRPORTPRODUCTSPREMIUM PRODUCTS, IMPROVED EFFICIENCY, LESS MAINTENANCE/DOWNTIME Graco Line Striper Low Profile Barricade No Tools NeededRunway Closure Markers800.525.8876 | WWW.SHERWININDUSTRIES.COMContract # 110122-SWNAirportImprovement.comMay | June 2025'