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Authorizing hearings by the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to examine diversity and inclusion in contracting by the City and related public sector agencies, including the School District of Philadelphia, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation
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WHEREAS, Philadelphia is a city that is growing and diverse. According to 2019 US Census data, 44% of Philadelphia’s population is black, and 15.2% are Hispanic or Latino; and
WHEREAS, Although a majority of the population of the city is non-White, that fact is not often reflected in Philadelphia’s public sector contracting; and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Office of Economic Opportunity’s 2020 disparity report showed that slightly less than 20% of City contracts were awarded to minority-owned firms. Upon further breakdown, Black-owned companies won only 11.5% of city contracts, while Hispanic-owned businesses garnered only about 3.5%. Other public sector agencies that are closely affiliated the City in governance and funding have similarly failed to diversify contracting; and
WHEREAS, The passage of President Biden’s bi-partisan infrastructure bill will send $1.2 trillion in federal funds to projects across the nation, including billions to Philadelphia and surrounding counties. This will help drive a rising economic tide, but it is essential that this tide lifts all boats. Economic booms frequently benefit Black and Brown businesses and workers the least; and
WHEREAS, As we prepare for an influx of federal funds, and the economy continues to recover from the downturn caused by COVID-19, it is of the utmost importance that the contracting and procurement processes are inclusive and that a pipeline for diverse vendors is built out to support that goal; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, This Council hereby authorizes hearings by the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to examine diversity and inclusion in contracting by the City and related public sector agencies, including the School District of Philadelphia, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation.
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