Reflecting on Dr. King's legacy allows us to recognize the importance and impact of OEV supplier diversity efforts.
In 2019, a Disparity Study commissioned by OEV revealed evidence of disparity across County, City, and Blueprint procurement processes. The study cultivated something unique in our industry, a supplier diversity program that shares aspirational targets across all three jurisdictions. The resulting consolidated policy is user-friendly for our business community and aims to amplify the utilization of our certified firms. As a result, our MWSBE Division has certified over 325 firms that sustain over 2000 employees in our community. In Fiscal Year 2022, certified MWBEs earned $8,143,113 by participating in 25 City and County Projects.
Linda Hunkiar, Owner of WBE-Certified vendor Bannerman Landscape said, “I am proud of our company’s business growth, largely thanks to the dedicated and helpful staff at the [OEV] MWBSE office. More specifically, they continue to mentor me, provide training opportunities, and are always on the lookout for projects that are a fit for our company.”
The growth of minority- and women-owned businesses is a top priority for OEV. One of the core strategies outlined in our updated Economic Development Strategic Plan is "Support the development and retention of Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprises." Relating tactics strive to increase Diversity & Economic Inclusion efforts by facilitating partnerships that support MWBEs and entrepreneurs throughout the community—spanning both public and private industries.
OEV has commissioned an updated Disparity Study, which will be presented at the Blueprint IA Board Meeting on February 9. This analysis could support the development of an integrated Diversity & Economic Inclusion Model for our community and may lead to MWSBE Policy revisions.
