Contributed bythe City of Columbia

On August 25, from 7:00-8:30 p.m., there will be a public hearing in the City Council Chamber at City Hall to discuss issues affecting women and minority–owned businesses and their participation in city contracts. The objective of the hearing is to gain community feedback that will help identify practices that inhibit women and minority businesses from bidding and/or winning city contracts.

The hearing is also an important part of a disparity study the city has embarked upon, which will look at the purchasing habits of the City of Columbia over the last three years in relation to how women and minority businesses were utilized.  

Bob Coble, mayor of Columbia says, “This hearing is an important opportunity for the community to come together and discuss the factors that limit women and minority participation in city projects.

This hearing is also a significant part of the city’s disparity study, which will allow the city to look at the actual numbers representing women and minority participation in city contracts.”

The city hopes to see good community turn out at this hearing and also encourages anyone who would like to speak during the hearing to do so by registering before August 23 with Joanie Lawson, DESA. Also, if any special accommodations are needed for the hearing, please contact Lawson. She may be reached at jlawson@desainc.com or at (803) 743-1154.