Despite the potential for legal challenges, St. Petersburg city officials are moving forward with an ordinance to increase supplier diversity and support for minority and women-owned businesses.
During Thursday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, council members heard the third update on implementing recommendations of the city’s Disparity Study. The discussion’s purpose was to highlight progress toward ensuring equitable business opportunities and a framework for an ordinance.
David Malone, director of procurement, began the presentation by relaying steps city leadership has made to increase inclusivity among St. Petersburg’s contractors. The Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) is now open, and Latisha Binder will serve as its first manager. Recruitment efforts to fill additional key roles are underway.
Administrators have also established an Equity in Contracting advisory group comprised of community leaders with a vested interest in business diversity. Members include representatives from Deuces Live Main Street, Foundation for a Health St. Pete, Pinellas County government, Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corp., and The Network of Gifted Consultants (NGC Team).
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