The City of Lexington is taking steps to improve its business environment for minority and women-owned businesses. During a Council committee meeting at City Hall, several suggestions were presented. Sherita Miller, the Minority Business Enterprise Program Director, announced the creation of a small, local business enterprise program that will reserve certain contracts exclusively for small local businesses. This initiative aims to give small local businesses a more competitive edge in the bidding process.
One of the recommendations in a revised Council resolution is to set targets of 5% for minority-owned businesses and 12% for women-owned businesses when working with the Urban County Government. Members of the Council’s General Government Committee reviewed the Disparity Study recommendations. Council Member Shayla Lynch raised concerns about expanding the pool of subcontractors, noting that primary contractors often tend to stick with familiar subcontractors.
Lynch also suggested awarding evaluation points to primary contractors for engaging new subcontractors. Sherita Miller indicated that this recommendation would be incorporated into price evaluation preferences and opportunities for small contracts. As a nonprofit news organization, WEKU is dedicated to providing public service and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters play a vital role in funding WEKU’s operations. Consider joining others in your community by making a donation to support WEKU.
