Economic Disparities
Unity Council Recommendations
Recommendations
Economic Disparities
Concern or Issue
• The city has a powerful robust economic engine creating tremendous economic benefits “ but not for all ”
• City contracting consistently falls substantially short in targeted goals for equitable participation by MWBE firms
• Prime Contractors fall short in supporting the city ’ s M / WBE goals
• Clear and convincing evident shows a continuing and growing economic disparity for women and minorities
• The failure of the city MWBE approach has only contributed to the disparity
Recommendation
• Workforce Training
Long term
• Creation an MWBE Department a mandate to develop : - Specific contracting requirements - Improved contracting accountability - Awareness of Prime contractor systemic bias toward MWBE subcontractors
• Inequities in Minorities businesses access to capital by commercial Long term
• Create introduction and network connections to Arlington banks
• Use leverage of City to encourage Arlington banks to increase lending to minority businesses
• City to recruit financial institutions that are favorable in minority business lending
• The lack of job opportunities for a specific quadrant of the city ( residents on East Arlington ) due to social , educational , or ethnic bias has limited the income potential for these residents
• The cost and accessibility of transportation employment centers is a contributing factor to wealth creation for minorities in Arlington
• There needs to be a continued focus and effort in regard to the issues the Unity Council has identified in this process
Long term
• Establish a job resource center in the east Arlington library , staffed by at least one individual , encourage companies to conduct job fairs in this area
• Conduct job and Arlington Resource Sharing Group fairs in east Arlington on an annual basis
Medium term
• Consider a pilot program that subsidizes VIA service for persons with certain income level
Long term
• A Diversity / Equity group has significant benefit for the City
• They could maintain the Unity Council , in some form , as a standing committee past delivery of February report
• City could implement an independent MWBE public oversight committee chosen by the city council members
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