Minority and women-owned business participation continuing to increase in City of Dallas

For the fourth year in a row, participation by Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) businesses increased in the City of Dallas. The amount spent by the City on M/WBE contracts increased by $6 million, to $236 million over the previous year, according to the Business Development and Procurement Services department.

“We are pleased to support and administer the City’s M/WBE program, and proud that we continue to diversify both competition and participation in City contracts,” said City of Dallas Chief Financial Officer Elizabeth Reich.

During FY 2015-2016, a new strategy called the Business Industry Group (B.l.G.) Opportunities initiative was introduced to recruit vendors. As a result, overall M/WBE spending for Other Services increased 12 to 42 percent and spending for Goods increased by 7 percent, to a five-year high of 11.8 percent.

“Business Development and Procurement Services staff continue to develop new and innovative ways to provide information to the vending community, build capacity, and increase competition as part of our successful Business Inclusion and Development program,” Reich said.