Authorizing the City Council Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold public hearings to examine the progress and backlog of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certifications in the region in anticipation of increased capital projects coming from the City of Philadelphia, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the School District of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certifications are given by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to businesses that are 51% owned and operated by those from disadvantaged communities. Disadvantaged communities are those that have previously been shut out of the business community. These include minorities, women, those who are economically disadvantaged, and disabled individuals; and

WHEREAS, By obtaining these certifications, business owners receive increased opportunities and access to both government and public contracts. Within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, businesses with DBE certifications can connect with a variety of state, regional, and local programs; and

WHEREAS, For many minority owned businesses, obtaining a DBE certification can unlock a variety of opportunities that give their businesses an increased chance for success; and

WHEREAS, Within the City of Philadelphia, The Department of Commerce’s Office of Economic Opportunity ensures that the City works with diverse businesses. Every year, Philadelphia aims to reach 35 percent participation from minority, women, and disabled owned businesses; and

WHEREAS, The Office of Economic Opportunity is committed to registering historically disadvantaged businesses, reviewing and monitoring contracts, and promoting anti-discrimination policies; and

WHEREAS, The recent influx of capital money, can provide a gateway to address the current backlog and expedite DBE certifications to ensure minority owned businesses are being properly invested in by our City and State; and

WHEREAS, This Council Body must examine the current rate of disadvantaged business certifications that have yet to be approved, and determine ways to expedite this process to ensure minority owned businesses are getting the support they so richly deserve; now, therefore, be it.

RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby authorizes the City Council Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold public hearings to examine the progress and backlog of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certifications in the region in anticipation of increased capital projects coming from the City of Philadelphia, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the School District of Philadelphia.

End