Spring ISD consultants find market barriers to minority- and women‑owned firms; recommend race‑neutral small‑business program A consultant-led disparity study covering $601.9 million in Spring ISD procurements (2018–2023) found evidence of market-area barriers that limit utilization of minority- and women‑owned firms and recommended race‑ and gender‑neutral small-business programs, improved subcontractor reporting, and expanded outreach and technical assistance.

A recent study reveals that a staggering 94% of Spring ISD's procurement dollars went to nonminority-owned firms, highlighting significant barriers for minority- and women-owned businesses in the region.

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#TX #SmallBusinessSupport #EquityInProcurement #TexasMinorityBusinesses

San Diego County board creates ad hoc fiscal transparency subcommittee after amendment adding equity and labor standards The board voted to form an ad hoc subcommittee to review county contracts and procurement, adding language to prioritize service quality, equity, sustainability and responsible labor standards. The motion passed with Supervisor Desmond opposed.

San Diego County is taking a bold step towards fiscal transparency by forming a new subcommittee aimed at ensuring taxpayers get the most value from $2.2 billion in annual contracts.

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#SanDiegoCitySanDiegoCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #EquityInProcurement #SanDiegoCounty

Clarke County board tables Cisco phone renewal amid diversity, competition concerns After questions about a long-standing state contract and local disparity goals, the Clarke County School Board voted to table approval of a Cisco phone-system renewal to December so staff can provide procurement details and alternatives.

Clarke County School Board hits pause on Cisco phone system renewal, raising crucial questions about equity and local vendor opportunities!

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#GA #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaSchools #EquityInProcurement #TechnologyIntegration #LocalVendorOpportunities

Grand Rapids briefed Wyoming on a local-business preference program; council agrees to explore partnership City of Grand Rapids staff described an equal business opportunity program that gives certified micro-local businesses (MLBEs) preference points on nonfederally funded bids (typically up to 5%, with some MLBE pathways yielding up to 10%). Grand Rapids staff said the program relies on federal/state data, a county-based certification, and supports (a

Grand Rapids is leading the way in supporting local businesses with a groundbreaking program that offers significant bid discounts for certified micro-local enterprises—could Wyoming join in on this opportunity?

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#WyomingKentCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #EquityInProcurement

Met Council evaluates minority business participation amid disparities in contract allocations Met Council discusses efforts to improve minority and women-owned business contract participation rates.

The Minnesota Metropolitan Council is taking bold steps to close the gap in contract opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses, but is it enough?

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#MN #WomenOwnedEntrepreneurship #CitizenPortal #EquityInProcurement #MinnesotaBusinesses #MinorityBusinessSupport

President prioritizes language access and procurement equity for small businesses President emphasizes language access and equitable procurement for underserved communities during term.

The Los Angeles Public Works Committee is taking bold steps to ensure language access and empower local businesses, creating a more inclusive city for all residents.

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#LosAngelesCityLosAngelesCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #CommunityInclusivity #LanguageAccess #EquityInProcurement

Senate approves multiple bills enhancing support for minority businesses and labor standards Senate passes bills to promote minority contracting and protect labor rights in procurement.

New York's Senate just advanced groundbreaking bills aimed at leveling the playing field for minority and women-owned businesses in state contracts!

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#NY #SupportForWomenOwned #CitizenPortal #NewYorkMinorityBusinesses #EquityInProcurement #CommunityRemembrance