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City of Columbia approves M/WBE resolution

The City Council of Columbia unanimously approved a policy resolution last week directed at encouraging minority and women-owned business (M/WBE) participation in city contracting.

The plan recommends that the city set an annual goal for participation of M/WBEs, encourage eligible businesses to apply for state certification, providing business training to M/WBEs, and monitor the ongoing participation level of M/WBEs in contracting processes.

The City of Columbia already maintains a directory of 134 of M/WBEs; however, the majority of these businesses are not certified with the state.

While the resolution is a step-forward for M/WBEs, some council members and members of the community have publicly expressed concern and disappointment that the resolution makes no provisions for the inclusion and development of disabled-veteran-owned businesses or LGBTQ-owned businesses.

The resolution was approved without provision for such businesses. However, it is amendable in the future.

While the resolution primarily emphasizes the construction, architecture, engineering industries, along with professional services and goods and supplies acquisitions, the city intends to reach out to all kinds of businesses in implementing the program.