FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 2, 2023

MEDIA CONTACTS

City of Tacoma to Conduct Economic Disparity Study June 2023 – December 2023 

-- Goal is to Help Historically Underutilized Businesses Achieve Equal Access to City of Tacoma Contracting Opportunities -- 

TACOMA, Wash. -- The City of Tacoma will conduct an economic disparity study June 2023 – December 2023 to refine its efforts to help historically underutilized small businesses. Through its Equity in Contracting (EIC) Program, the City seeks to ensure that small businesses, and those owned by BIPOC individuals and women, have equal access to contracting opportunities with the City. While there is a current program focus on City public works contracts, the goal is to expand the scope of the program to include City contracts for supplies, goods, and services.

“Equity and inclusion are foundational values for us at the City of Tacoma, and that has informed every aspect of our work as an organization,” said Mayor Victoria Woodards. “Supporting our historically underutilized businesses in this manner better positions Tacoma to compete in this challenging economic landscape.” 

“We want those who have been left out of key conversations in the past to have a seat at the table,” said Council Member Keith Blocker, Chair of the Economic Development Committee. “It is vital to level the playing field so that our historically underutilized businesses can access these types of opportunities to do business with the City of Tacoma.” 

The EIC Program is housed within the City of Tacoma’s Community and Economic Development Department, which has expanded its efforts in recent years to facilitate economic growth while supporting broader organizational goals relating to equity and accessibility with increased levels of culturally competent support, guidance and technical assistance. 

Once EIC Program staff members have reviewed the results, and presented those results along with their recommendations on implementation to the City Manager and City Council, that information will also be made available on the City’s website at cityoftacoma.org/disparitystudy, social media channels and other official platforms. Additionally, the consultant selected for the study will conduct public outreach meetings in the Tacoma Public Utilities service area to share study findings.  

Those with questions on the purpose and scope of this economic disparity study or the EIC Program, and those who wish to request information in alternate formats, can reach program staff by dialing (253) 591-5000, or 311 from anywhere within Tacoma city limits, or by emailing EICOffice@cityoftacoma.org. 

More information on the work of the City of Tacoma’s Community and Economic Development Department is available at cityoftacoma.org/CED as well as makeittacoma.com.   

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