City of Dallas study addresses women, minority-owned business needs

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Communications, Outreach and Marketing Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Communications, Outreach, and Marketing
media@dallascityhall.com 

City of Dallas study addresses women, minority-owned business needs

Dallas, Texas The City of Dallas Office of Business Diversity (OBD) and MGT Consulting Group conducted an Availability and Disparity study to assess opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses (M/WBEs). MGT’s findings show OBD has met several goals such as implementing a subcontractor utilization payment module, quarterly training meetings, pre-submission meetings, and formation of a Business Diversity Taskforce – while recommending other ways to improve   

“This study is pivotal to increasing opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses,” said City Manager, T.C. Broadnax. Addressing disparities and meeting needs for diverse prime and subcontractors helps increase fair and equitable opportunities for our community.”   

The study determined that the City should continue with a narrowly tailored M/WBE program while suggesting a significant increase in many of the current M/WBE goals. The study also found several areas for improvements by OBD, such as enhancing M/WBE compliance efforts and processes; utilizing diverse suppliers; and developing a formal strategy for business relationships with organizations. 

“We are excited to set a new benchmark and raise the bar from here,” said Zarin Gracey, Director of the Office of Business Diversity. “In addition to increased M/WBE goals, this gives an opportunity to develop programs that not only build capacity but increase competition as well.”  

The study affirms legally defensible race and gender-conscious inclusion goals and efforts removing barriers for businesses owned by minorities, women, or other socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Supreme Court and relevant subsequent cases. Prior to the MGT study initiated in 2018, A&D was last considered in 2004.

New data and feedback will shape an improved business inclusion policy, creating opportunities for minority and women vendors, building capacity for minority and women vendors, and increasing diversity in contract awards.  

Learn more about the study and methodology at https://cityofdallasdisparitystudy.com/ 

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