The City of Madison conducted a study that analyzed whether minority- and women-owned businesses have equal access to City Public Works contracting opportunities. Keen Independent Research is managing the study and has completed a draft report for public review and input.

The Public Works Contracting Disparity Study examined participation of minority- and women-owned firms in City of Madison Public Works contracts and any barriers for those firms in the Dane County marketplace. Study results also help the City of Madison evaluate its Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program.

Preliminary conclusions are that more needs to be done to create a level playing field for minorities and women in the local construction industry. Study authors suggest that the City consider a larger role in developing minority- and women-owned contracting businesses. This might include greater efforts to encourage minorities and women to enter and receive training in local construction trades. The City can also do more to open its contracting opportunities to minority- and women-owned firms and other small businesses.

The Draft Public Works Contracting Disparity Study Report is posted at http://www.cityofmadison.com/madisoncontractingstudy/documents.cfm

The City of Madison is inviting business owners and managers, trade associations and other interested members of the community, to talk about their experiences and suggestions concerning the Draft Public Works Contracting Disparity Study Report at one of two public meetings. Written comments are also encouraged. Keen Independent Research will incorporate these results before completing the research.

Information concerning the public meetings can be found below:
Who: City of Madison
What: Public meetings on the Draft Public Works Contracting Disparity Study
When: Wednesday, March 4, 2015, 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 5, 2015, 9:00 a.m.
Where: Madison Municipal Building, Room 260, 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Madison, WI 53703

Comments may be submitted for the public record in writing or verbally at the meeting. In addition to comments received at the meeting, written or email comments will be accepted through Thursday, March 16, 2015. Email comments can be sent to contractingdisparitystudy@cityofmadison.com. Written comments can also be mailed to:

City of Madison Department of Civil Rights
210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Room 523
Madison, WI 53703