Authorizing the Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold hearings regarding diversity and inclusion in procurement and capital expenditures by the Philadelphia School District.

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia School District’s operating budget for FY19 totaled nearly $3.2 billion, while capital spending for FY19 will total more than $193 million; and

WHEREAS, A 2016 analysis of an entrepreneurship survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau found that 15.7% of businesses in Philadelphia are minority-owned, while female-owned businesses made up 18.5%; and

WHEREAS, Census data from 2017 found that minorities made up more than 55% of Philadelphia’s population, while women accounted for nearly 53%; and

WHEREAS, Much like Philadelphia itself, the Philadelphia School District’s student population can be described as majority-minority. According to the School District’s most recent demographic data, nearly 50% of students attending public schools are African-American, while Hispanic students account for more than 20% of the student population; other non-white ethnicities accounted for a further 15%, while white students made up roughly the same number; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia has recognized that reducing the disparities in business ownership requires more equitable economic opportunity for small businesses. Consequently, the City of Philadelphia established the Office of Economic Opportunity and sets goals for participation by minority, women, and disadvantaged business enterprises in City contracts. These efforts have helped to level the playing field for businesses competing for City and City-funded contracts; and

WHEREAS, As a cornerstone public institution, which is funded by Philadelphia taxpayers and which serves a diverse community of students and their families, the School District has a responsibility to promote diversity and inclusion in its contracting opportunities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby authorizes the Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold hearings regarding diversity and inclusion in procurement and capital expenditures by the Philadelphia School District.

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