News: Board action aims to address racial disparities in employment and business

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Hennepin County Minnesota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Carolyn Marinan, Communications, 612-910-9111

 

Board action aims to address racial disparities in employment and business

Hennepin County is working to increase employment and business opportunities for people of color.

On Tuesday, the county board approved a $200,000 contract with Fearless Commerce and Activate Network, with goals of providing livable wages for people seeking employment and supporting businesses owned by women of color.

 

Engaging with employers

Through this partnership, Hennepin County will work with employers to understand their workforce needs and what’s needed to create a skilled talent pool to meet those needs.

 

Supporting businesses

Hennepin County has increased its contract spending by over 100% with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) vendors since 2015. Yet, the county continues to see gaps in its outreach efforts with women of color.

The partnership will support businesses owned by women of color in building strong business models, obtaining certification, and competing for contracts with Hennepin County and other agencies.

 

Aligning with the county’s disparity reduction strategy

In 2017, County Administrator David Hough charged Hennepin County departments to prioritize disparity reduction through all lines of business. The charge: that all work begin from a commitment to reduce disparities among the residents we serve in the ways and places we have influence. Learn more about this work.

Since then, the county has taken many steps, including identifying disparity domain areas where county action can have the most impact: employment, education, income, health, housing, transportation and justice. As part of this work, the county is focusing on targeted recruitment to increase hiring opportunities at entry and leadership levels.

Hennepin County also declared racism a public health crisis in June 2020. Part of the resolution directed Hennepin County to address county activities in hiring, promoting staff, developing leaders, contracting for services, and giving grants with a racial equity lens.

 

Coordinating with other county resources

Hennepin County is offering an unprecedented level of technical assistance to small businesses to accelerate economic recovery from COVID-19. This includes Elevate Business HC, a digital business support network launched in late 2020 through a partnership with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber.

Fearless Commerce, Activate Network, the county, and the chamber will work together to ensure all programs are centered in equity and inclusion.

 

Related board action: Hennepin County raises minimum wage for employees

The action comes on the same day that Hennepin County increased the minimum wage of its lowest-earning employees from $15 to $20.

 

Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/news.

Discover how we're making a difference in our communities at hennepin.us/stories.